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Kevin Gannon
@TheTattooedProf
2/ Then, after what I can only presume was an avalanche of responses pointing out his misogynoir, condescending tone, lack of actual evidence, and the profound offense he gave to BIPOC scholars among others, he issued a superficially OK but substance-free apology.
My September Perspectives on History column has generated anger and dismay among many of our colleagues and members. I take full responsibility that it did not convey what I intended and for the harm that it has caused. I had hoped to open a conversation on how we “do” history in our current politically charged environment. Instead, I foreclosed this conversation for many members, causing harm to colleagues, the discipline, and the Association. A president’s monthly column, one of the privileges of the elected office, provides a megaphone to the membership and the discipline. The views and opinions expressed in that column are not those of the Association. If my ham-fisted attempt at provocation has proven anything, it is that the AHA membership is as vocal and robust as ever. If anyone has criticisms that they have been reluctant or unable to post publicly, please feel free to contact me directly. I sincerely regret the way I have alienated some of my Black colleagues and friends. I
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Kevin Gannon
@TheTattooedProf
4/ And now, the rock is kicked over and all the usual Right Wing trolls and academic crank jobs are painting Sweet's back-of-the-barroom-napkin ramblings as the avatar of brave truth-telling, and the AHA is today's Main Character on Twitter.
A tweet from @maplecocaine that reads "each day on Twitter there is one main character. The goal is to never be it."
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Kevin Gannon
@TheTattooedProf
5/ Either Sweet didn't know, or he didn't care, about the entirely predictable outcome of his actions. I can't decide which is worse. My brother in christ, YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN FREAKING HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION. DO BETTER.
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Kevin Gannon
@TheTattooedProf
6/Richard Goddamn Spencer is defending Sweet as the last true Rankean, FFS. The AHA has had to lock down its Twitter account because the replies to Sweet's apology are filled with Roman-sculpture avatars and "classical liberals" screaming about SURRENDERING TO WOKEISM HURR DURRRR
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