Gabriel Mahia

In a world where political debate often feels like a boxing match with no referee, understanding the historical underpinnings of our current divide might just be the key to finding common ground. Have you ever wondered why, in a time when we can connect with anyone across the globe with a tap, our political conversations feel like we’re speaking different languages? Heather Cox Richardson, a beacon in the stormy seas of American history, offers a lighthouse of understanding in this chaos. But why should you, scrolling through LinkedIn amidst your busy schedule, care about the long history of political polarization? Imagine, if you will, a family dinner where Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary, who hail from opposite ends of the political spectrum, decide to discuss the latest news. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? But here's where Richardson’s insights come into play. She doesn’t just recount history; she peels back the layers of time to reveal the core of our current divisions. It’s...

  Sapiens to Citizens: Yuval Noah Harari and the Evolution of American Society - this title might evoke images of a grand historical timeline, but it's more than that. It's about the journey of humanity, especially in the American context, from primal beginnings to complex societal structures. Let's dive into this evolution, with a twist that you might not expect. When Yuval Noah Harari discusses the journey from Sapiens to citizens, he paints a picture of an evolutionary saga, a transformation that's as dramatic as it is profound. But here's the twist: this evolution is not just about history; it's about us, today, in the American society. It's a mirror that reflects our daily struggles, triumphs, and the mundane in-betweens. Imagine starting your day with a simple habit - reading a historical fact about America. Sounds straightforward, right? But as you sip your coffee and read about the Boston Tea Party, you're not just learning about a revolt over te...

On a same-day visit to both the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), my world view shifted dramatically. The urgency of history, coupled with the current political climate and social unrest, compelled me to write. The time for complacency is over; it's time to engage, learn, and act. Christopher Browning’s Cautionary Tales: Ordinary Men and Extremism—this title alone sends chills down my spine. You might think it's about a historical event detached from our present, but don't be fooled. It mirrors our daily lives, reminding us that extremism isn't always a distant concept. It's close; sometimes too close for comfort. You could be scrolling through social media one moment, and the next, stumble upon a post that makes you question the very core of your beliefs. That's when it hits you. You're not just a spectator; you're a participant in a drama that has been unfolding for centuries. So, how can you gra...

On a same-day visit to both the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), my world view shifted dramatically. The urgency of history, coupled with the current political climate and social unrest, compelled me to write. The time for complacency is over; it's time to engage, learn, and act. When you walk through the halls of the Holocaust Museum, you're not just learning about Nazi Germany; you're walking through a corridor of humanity's potential for darkness. Likewise, the NMAAHC isn't merely a recounting of Black America's past; it's a testament to the strength and resilience of a community that has faced—and continues to face—structural barriers. If Timothy Snyder's guide to safeguarding democracy offers us anything, it's a brutal yet necessary reminder: democracy is fragile, even in America. Start by doing something simple yet effective: read. Just 20 minutes a day can open your eyes to the breadth ...