Journalism is said to be the first draft ofhistory. But journalists traditionally have had little use forhistorians. The list of occasions on which journalists feel compelledto call upon historians is short. Though a select number of historiansrecently have become media stars, the fact remains that few arepublicly quoted, and hardly any are given the public platform regularlyawarded economists, political scientists or pollsters. The lasthistorian trusted to take a large and visible role in a nationaladministration was Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and that was forty yearsago.
Given how public opinion is shaped today, whipsawedemotionally on talk shows this way and that in response to the egos ofthe guests, the desire for ratings by the hosts and the search forprofits by media companies and sponsors, historians are especiallyneeded now. They can help remind us of the superficiality ofwhat-happens-today-is-all-that-counts journalism.
Amongthe many duties we assume are these: To expose politicians whomisrepresent history. To point out bogus analogies. To deflatebeguiling myths. To remind Americans of the irony of history. To putevents in context. To remind us all of the complexity of history.
Just How Stupid Are We?
Facing the Truth About the American People
By Rick Shenkman
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