Timothy Messer-Kruse explores how Benjamin Franklin has served as the epitome of the self-made man and of meritocracy. Why has this myth persisted in the face of facts to the contrary? Messer-Kruse received his Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin and has served as professor of ethnic studies at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He is the author of six books. His forthcoming work examines the 18th century white abolitionist movement using the methodological tools of Critical Race Theory. He is a frequent contributor to Counterpunch, Jacobin, and the Chronicle of Higher Education.
Robert Sanford discusses the background and the many decision factors for ending World War II against Japan. Robert was a history major in college, and has continued to read extensively about World War II. He has served as a minor editor on that subject for Wikipedia. Robert joined HGP in 1998, where he originated the emcee position and served in that function for seven years. This is his twenty-fourth program for us.
Giant pandas have long captured the hearts of millions. Keeping this species from extinction has taken an international effort. In this talk, conservation biologist Meghan Martin describes the ins-and-outs of captive breeding in giant pandas. Ms. Martin earned her Ph.D at Portland State University. She is currently executive director of PDXWildlife, a local conservation and research non-profit.
Presentation by Abby Hafer. Why does sex exist? What are males for? Is the gender binary real? Biologist Hafer has answers to these questions. She has a doctorate in zoology from Oxford University and teaches human anatomy and physiology at Curry College. Her book “Debunking Intelligent Design” became a #1 bestseller on Amazon.