AmericanStudies

Kimberly Moffitt, assistant professor of American studies, served as an election expert for two radio program in the days leading up to and following the November 6 election. On Monday, November 5, Moffitt appeared on the “Marc Steiner Show” to weigh in on the final day of a tight race.  Moffitt questioned whether the race was actually as tight as the media portrayed it to be. “I see it as the media’s role to make sure we are engaged in this way and to believe that there is something to tune into, so that we make sure to either tube… Continue Reading Kimberly Moffitt, American Studies, in Election Coverage

On Friday, October 13, Kimberly Moffitt, assistant professor of American studies, discussed the vice presidential debate on WYPR’s Midday with Dan Rodricks. Rodricks opened the discussion by asking if the vice presidential debate mattered.  Most viewers found the debate entertaining, but would anything that the vice presidential nominees said change voters’ minds? “I do think this was a sideshow, but it was a pretty entertaining one for us all,” said Moffitt. “These are two individuals who do matter, but they aren’t the voices we want to hear most significantly in the election.  They made a difference in terms of reenergizing,… Continue Reading Kimberly Moffitt, American Studies, on Midday with Dan Rodricks

Kimberly Moffitt, assistant professor of American studies, appeared on Midday with Dan Rodricks on Tuesday, October 9 to discuss the upcoming election.  Moffitt discussed both the presidential election and Maryland ballot initiatives with Rodricks, the other guests, and callers. The first topic the group covered was the widespread consensus that Barack Obama lost the first presidential debate.  This led to Mitt Romney’s poll numbers going up despite the fact that the unemployment rate fell below 8 percent. “Visuals make a difference for us. Being able to see Romney come out and be aggressive, seem confident and show us that he… Continue Reading Kimberly Moffitt, American Studies, on Midday with Dan Rodricks

Nicole King, assistant professor of American studies, appeared on WYPR’s The Signal on July 6th to discuss her new book Sombreros and Motorcycles in a Newer South: The Politics of Aesthetics in South Carolina’s Tourism Industry King spoke with producer Aaron Henkin about the colorful history of the roadside attraction South of the Border and its owner and creator, Alan Schafer, as well as various issues of politics, commerce, and culture which revolved around South of the Border during its early years which coincided with the Civil Rights Era. “I think South of the Border – and recreation in general, especially… Continue Reading Nicole King, American Studies, on WYPR’s The Signal

On Monday, May 21, Kimberly Moffitt, assistant professor of American Studies, was a guest on the Marc Steiner show to respond to comments by Maryland State Delegate Pat McDonough on “mobs of roving black youth” in downtown Baltimore.  McDonough was also a guest on the show. “My attitude is that either Baltimore is going to overcome crime, or crime is going to overcome Baltimore,” said McDonough, arguing that his use of “black” in the context was referring to the specific individuals engaged in the crime and not Baltimore’s African American population as a whole. “We could have easily said there’s… Continue Reading Kimberly Moffitt, American Studies, on the Marc Steiner Show

On Tuesday, May 15, Kimberly Moffitt, assistant professor of American studies, appeared on Midday with Dan Rodricks to discuss President Obama’s recently-announced support of same sex marriage. “It strengthens our nation in many ways, because now we have a clear sense of basic human rights across the board for everyone,” she said. Rodricks pointed out that many people believe that Obama’s announcement was a calculated political move rather than a reflection of his true beliefs.  Moffitt said that she isn’t sure. “I think this might lure some of these swing voters,” she said. “But I also have some concerns that this might… Continue Reading Kimberly Moffitt, American Studies, on Midday with Dan Rodricks

On February 16, Nicole King, assistant professor of American studies, will present “Mapping Baybrook: Environmental Justice in Industrial South Baltimore” as part of a series of “Baltimore History Evenings” at the Village Learning Place, co-sponsored by the Baltimore Historical Society. King will discuss the history of the communities that make up Far South Baltimore, several of which no longer exist as residential areas. She is currently working with UMBC’s Imaging Research Center on a digital component to this research project. There is no charge, but contributions to the Village Learning Place are encouraged. The Village Learning Place is located at 2521… Continue Reading Nicole King, American Studies, to Present at “Baltimore History Evening” (2/16)