http://backstoryradio.org/the-extraordinariness-of-the-ordinary-populism-in-america/ VFH Radio at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities Tue, 21 May 2013 16:25:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 http://backstoryradio.org/the-extraordinariness-of-the-ordinary-populism-in-america/comment-page-1/#comment-47228 Brian Markowski Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:50:15 +0000 http://www.backstoryradio.org/?p=259#comment-47228 You can’t do a show about populism with out William Jennings Bryant and his “Cross of Gold” speech…which, based on the above picture is sure to be inculeded in the show. However, did you know that “The Wizard of Oz” written by Frank Baum may have based his famous book on Bryant and the events leading up to the election of 1900? The Tin Man represents the industrial worker, the Scarecrow the farmer, the Lion, possibly Bryant himself. Dorothy walks on a gold road in silver shoes. There’s no hard proof on this but it’s fun to play with all the allegories.

]]> http://backstoryradio.org/the-extraordinariness-of-the-ordinary-populism-in-america/comment-page-1/#comment-246 Redpine Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:04:33 +0000 http://www.backstoryradio.org/?p=259#comment-246 I’ve been wondering recently about the inverse: the history of American meritocracy (and/or elitism depending on how you view it).

]]> http://backstoryradio.org/the-extraordinariness-of-the-ordinary-populism-in-america/comment-page-1/#comment-245 John Ragosta Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:39:44 +0000 http://www.backstoryradio.org/?p=259#comment-245 Jefferson’s agrarian ideal was intended to ensure the independence of members of the polity because an independent farmer on his own land could bid defiance to the world and, thus, was a safe, non-corruptible depository of political power. Jefferson even wanted to give everyone (white males) in Virginia land to ensure this vision. How does this populist vision speak to us today? Home ownership? Agricultural subsidies? Farmer myths?

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