Have you ever wondered why we at Bowling Green State University focus so much on being a university for the common good? Acclaimed author, journalist, and historian Colin Woodard is the person to ask this burning question. Acclaimed author and journalist Colin Woodard regarding his award winning book American Character sat down ahead of his February 10 public lecture at BGSU to offer insight into the inspiration for his book, advice for the next generation of voters, and a preview into what to expect for his public lecture.
What was your inspiration for writing American Character?
Mr.Woodard’s inspiration for American Character came from the first book he wrote American Nations. Which takes readers through how America is built of eleven distinct nations with differing ideals and roots, which all must find common ground. He wrote American Nations after experiencing government systems on a new level during a study abroad trip and while working as a journalist in Eastern Europe throughout college and into his 20s. He explained that after American Nations, American Character was written to highlight the delicate balance between individual liberties and common good in the United States democratic system. “They are hard to keep on the fifty yard line” Woodard stated regarding individual liberties and common good. Without balance, extremes would push democracy into tyranny. His books help to highlight faults or in his words “icebergs” in the government systems and change course to solutions for following generations.
Do you have any advice for students new to the voting and politics scene?
When asked Woodard expressed that the Declaration of Independence is the “most sacred document” to our democracy. Mr. Woodard advises students to “Use the Declaration of Independence as your guiding light” while navigating the world of politics.
What would people expect to hear at your public lecture?
In his public lecture, he discussed and examined a variety of fundamental characteristics of polarization, the history of our democracy and government, our current government status. Woodard said he would prove how we got to the place our country is currently at and how to get back to true democracy by utilizing charts and numbers so you may better visualize these concepts.
What audience would you encourage to come to listen to your lectures?
He said everyone could get something out of a lecture because democracy affects us all but he especially specified that students majoring in political science, government, sociology, and pre-med majors may find special interest in the lecture.
To learn more about all the work Colin Woodard has done and continues to do, visit the websites below to explore NationHood Lab, his books (American Nations, American Character, Union, Nations Apart, etc.) and even more.
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