In Class with Carr, Ep. 252: "“Jimmy Carter and the Possibilities: An Era Ended”

The passing of James Earl Carter Jr. [1924-2024] marks the close of not only a century-long life but the end of an entire political, cultural, and social era. Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was an “outlier” in the US Social Structure—an embodiment of the deeply rooted laboring class from the neo-Confederate South. His worldview and political philosophy were shaped by a unique fusion of white and Africana Southern Governance formations, creating a distinct approach to power and Cultural Meaning-Making. This blend, forged in the crucible of his upbringing, informed a political career that began in the Georgia legislature, ascended through the statehouse, reached the pinnacle of the US presidency, and then extended into more than four decades of global peacemaking at both the most intimate and the highest levels of engagement, visibility and diplomacy. In many respects, Carter’s life reflects the most aspirational elements of a white nationalist American politics, one that also embraced a deep commitment to universal human rights and dignity. His election marked both the zenith and the limits of the federal electoral expression of a generation’s struggle for human rights, achieved through the democratic electoral process. His electoral defeat, however, marked a watershed moment in the rhythm of "whitelash" that has shaped the electoral politics of every federal American election cycle since the 1850s and has triumphed in the decades since his defeat—a relentless white Cold Civil War between progress and reaction, our common humanity and its open enemies. Are you a member of Knarrative? If not, we invite you to join our community today by signing up at: https://www.knarrative.com. As a Knarrative subscriber, you'll gain immediate access to Knubia, our growing community of teachers, learners, thinkers, doers, artists, and creators. Together, we're making a generational commitment to our collective interests, work, and responsibilities. Join us at https://www.knarrative.com and download the Knubia app through your app store or by visiting https://community.knarrative.com. More from us: Knarrative Twitter: https://twitter.com/knarrative_ Knarrative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knarrative/ In Class with Carr on X (formally Twitter): https://twitter.com/inclasswithcarr #InClasswithCarr #AfricanaStudies #Knarrative Like, Share, and Subscribe