Steve Kelman on Politics, Culture, and Life,11.5.2021
Steve Kelman, Harvard Kennedy School prof, moderate Dem, pro free speech/anti cancel culture, pro tax rich, pro-Israel. Research improving gov performance, China interest. Blog reprints Facebook posts
“We celebrate diversity”
I am surprised to see in Peter Osnos book a description of a West Virginia town where he had his first job a sign on the road into town from the first part of the 1960’s, “We celebrate diversity.” I associate a phrase like that with much much more recent history – especially in West Virginia. Reactions?
Critical race theory “grad level academic framework”
I am somewhat annoyed at the Times constantly referring to critical race theory as a "graduate level academic framework." It is true that the words and to some extent the ideas were developed in academia, and I have no idea what is being taught in some Virginia schools, but there are certainly versions (eg "all whites benefit from racism") that are not particularly complicated to explain to kids.
Nationalization of US politics
A 2012 survey Peter Osnos reports in his book showed that over time Americans having been giving more a more of their political contributions inside their state; only 15% identified somebody In their own state as the politician they hated the most.
“Customer service” from business
Wanted to speak with Citibank to request cash back that has accumulated on my credit card account. Got a voice response with a list of eight options, none of which included requesting my cash back. They directed me to another set of options. None of these included getting my cash back either. Finally gave up and asked to speak to an agent. Requested a check, they wanted to deposit in my checking account, but don’t have any checks in the office so couldn’t give them last four digits of my checking account. Asked again to send a check, the person started, “If we send you a check.” I said, “When you send me a check...”