In her 2019 book, The Heartland: An American History, University of Illinois Professor of History Kristin Hoganson discusses the myth of “the heartland” as it is used as a symbolic tool. After reading the introduction to her book, discuss the following for Post #2:
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- Based on your own understanding and what you have read so far, why is this “heartland” myth so powerful for Americans? What anxieties does it ease (as a concept)? Or, what does it reinforce (as a concept)?
- What are some examples of the ways this heartland myth gets re-emphasized or re-circulated in our present time? Think in terms of texts that create “culture:” films, TV shows, politics, ads, memes, music, etc. With this in mind, what would you say is your own conception of “the heartland”?
Be sure to fully explain your connections. Also, it is useful to bring in at least one key quote from the text. Don’t forget to cite the page number(s).
Directions and Requirements:
Post your response to this discussion board. This time, it is only required to post once.
Credit for “support writing” will be offered here based on the depth of your response to the prompt. Don’t forget to edit and proofread your post before you submit it.
Remember to avoid political rants/opinions; we are in the mode of analysis and critical thought. Likewise, as you respond to these questions, go with your own experiences/observations and your reading of the text. Copying or borrowing from commentary on this book (or “the heartland” myth, in general) on the open web is not acceptable. Please remind yourself of the GCC Plagiarism policy; it applies even in an informal discussion post.
Be sure that your initial post is at least 200 words and completed by 9/24, 10:00am. We will use these posts to guide our class discussion on 9/24.
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