Reviving American Change: Insights from Jill Lepore on Tyranny and Imagination

The Call for Change

In her compelling conversation with David Leonhardt, Jill Lepore, a prominent historian at Harvard University, boldly addresses a pressing concern: have we become too passive, waiting for change to happen to us? Lepore's examination of American history reveals that most forms of tyranny do come to an end, but only through relentless determination and imagination from engaged citizens. Her advocacy for constitutional amendments as a lost art in American democracy illuminates the urgent need for civic participation.

The Lost Art of Civic Engagement

Lepore articulates her belief that the United States has largely lost the ability to imagine profound societal change, particularly in the political arena. She insists that if we are to break free from the status quo, we must first reclaim our narrative as active agents in our democracy, rather than mere spectators. “Amending the Constitution,” she argues, “is not just a bureaucratic act; it's an assertion of moral progress.” This perspective challenges the pervasive notion that change is solely driven by advancements in technology or economic growth.

Moving Beyond Passivity

“Change happens to you, but you don't make change.” - Jill Lepore

The conversation underscores a generational shift in how we perceive our role in shaping the future. Lepore is genuinely worried that younger generations are too focused on personal milestones like the first phone or social media milestones, instead of recognizing their potential as contributors to a collective identity. She recognizes that this mindset fosters a troubling passivity toward the political climate.

A New Language for Change

Lepore challenges us to reclaim the language around progress, emphasizing that it should reflect community care and the responsibility we have toward one another. She remarks on the importance of moral language in our discourse, stating that the partisan blame games serve only to strip us of our civic engagement. The establishment of what she describes as a “moral compass” in our discussions could allow us to visualize a more hopeful future.

The Ongoing Struggle for Amendments

An astonishing aspect of this discourse is the realization that constitutional change occurs more frequently through judicial interpretation than through the amendment process. Lepore believes that this has led to a dangerous detachment from the voices of everyday Americans, suggesting that if we wish to convene around constitutional reforms, people must feel empowered to participate.

The Counterpoint to Restoration Politics

One thought-provoking point Lepore makes is regarding the rhetoric used by some contemporary politicians, particularly that of “restoration.” The idea that we should seek to return to a prior, idealized state can undermine the initiatives that aim to build a better tomorrow. Instead, Lepore urges that we must navigate the complexities of the present to construct a story of progress that is distinctly American.

Envisioning Our Future

Lepore's discourse raises a crucial question: how do we present a narrative that not only counters the despair associated with political phenomena like the Trump presidency but reframes it into a story of hope and engagement? It is through stories that we create belonging, and Lepore argues that finding common ground at the local level is essential for revitalizing our national identity.

Belonging in a Divided Nation

Lepore and Leonhardt critically examine how civic participation has been diluted through the lens of social media and corporate influence. Local newspapers have been shuttered, diminishing the space for community dialogue and creating an environment where individuals identify primarily through political labels rather than personal connections. This reinforces divisions rather than fostering unity.

The Constitutional Bucket List

In the latter part of their conversation, Leonhardt shares an intriguing “constitutional bucket list” he has developed, which includes the necessity of easing the amendment process, abolishing the Electoral College, and addressing campaign finance reform. Lepore enthusiastically supports this list, encouraging the public to think critically about what constitutional amendments we should pursue in the face of our current challenges.

Time for Determination

Ultimately, Lepore's examination of history serves as a powerful reminder that hope and determination are not mutually exclusive. Throughout American history, progress has often necessitated an unwavering tenacity, as those who fought for rights and freedoms knew well. “Most forms of tyranny do come to an end,” Lepore asserts, reaffirming that with determination, we can forge a brighter future, one decision and civic act at a time.

The Next Chapter

As we contemplate the future, we are left with questions about our participation in the political process and the stories we wish to tell about America. In recognizing that each era is shaped by the narratives we cultivate, perhaps this is the moment to redefine not just our expectations of democracy but our roles within it. Change, Lepore reminds us, depends on our willingness to imagine a better, and more inclusive, future.