Scott Masson is Associate Professor of English Literature and a public intellectual.
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Tag: History
Who Can Teach Indigenous History? A Letter from SAFS to MSVU
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) in Halifax recently came under criticism because a non-indigenous scholar, Martha Walls, was chosen to teach Selected Topics in North American History: Residential Schools. Consequently, the university called for a meeting between Indigenous faculty and staff and Martha Walls to "discuss a way forward".
Pencil Strikes: The Evaluation of Ideas
Evaluating a piece of information's validity is an essential Twenty-First Century skill with society simultaneously experiencing an information age and rise in anti-intellectualism. Google searches produce hordes of pieces written by pseudo-professionals doling out medical advice, commentary on international affairs, and capitalizing on historical conspiracy theories, like the TV series, Hunting Hitler.
Recovering the Great Tradition with Professor Craig Carter
All doctrines and all biblical interpretations are traditions. The doctrine of the penal substitutionary atonement as the interpretation of Romans is a traditional interpretation. So tradition is not something imported from the outside without roots in the Bible or not subject to reform by biblical revelation. Tradition is not a rival to the Bible or an alternative to it.
The Danger of Historically Inaccurate Movies
Movie-goers reason that “this is a movie, it is not meant to be an accurate representation of history, that’s for a documentary or a book.” However, historical inaccuracies in films can have a dangerous impact on their audiences, and there are two factors that make them far more dangerous than historical inaccuracies in most other types of medium.
The Tumbling Torch
It is tempting to elect an individual that agrees with the present whims of society that might have little to do with the economic, defense, public, international, or educational health of a nation. Some voters may lean towards selecting a candidate with familial pedigree or financial influence, which is not problematic until it becomes the primary factor in the decision-making process. The World Wars emphasize the need for careful selection of leaders, as part of making “real the dreams generations of men died to save.”
Our Duty to Remember
We have a duty to remember the Past for the sake of our future. And neglecting this duty undermines our ability to face possible future crises by destabilizing the moral fibre of our citizenry. It also does a great dishonour to the individuals who served, many who are far too humble to question your right to tread on their great sacrifices.
