Be heard on the issues that matter most to you!
On the eve of one of the most important elections in American history, historian and journalist Studs Terkel died last week. His work wasn't specifically geared toward sexuality, but his death is a loss for anyone who's ever felt like their story wasn't being told in the media. Terkel was best known for his oral histories like Working, The Good War, and Hard Times, which recorded the voices of ordinary Americans talking about the effects that major historical events had on their everyday lives. What I liked about him even more than his approach to history, though, was that he was irascible and unapologetic in his commitment to progressive politics. I find that largely lacking on the left these days; too many people are cautious and even apologetic about their liberalism, as if afraid of being tarred with the "political correctness" tag, or paralyzed by a fear of being unfair and unbalanced. He will be missed by everyone who loves justice and loves what America could be.
For those who haven't had much exposure to Terkel's work, or who want to relive it, WFMU has posted an extensive list of clips of interviews both with and by Studs Terkel over the years.
Blog: Literate Perversions
“Writing is like prostitution. First you do it for love, and then for a few close friends, and then finally y
Chris, thank you so much for posting that.
I was very sad to learn about Studs Terkel's death this weekend. I have loved his work since being introduced to it in college. And it struck me as I was thinking about his life and work that he was the one to introduce me to my first prostitute, or at least the first one I was aware of "meeting." She was interviewed in Working and in my English Composition class I had to write an essay comparing the work lives of two of his interview participants in Working. I chose the construction worker Mike LeFevre and the prostitute Roberta Victor. I remember writing about how they did physical labor and how both should be valued. And I remember commenting on the fact that her last name was Victor. I wish I could find that essay!
I will miss Terkel's work, but I will revel in poring over all lives he collected and honored during his remarkable journey.
...because public space really matters!
Elizabeth
