Forum Network

Keen observers of the historical moment discuss how this may or may not be a pivotal moment in American culture. Walter Isaacson, author of Einstein: His Life and Universe and head of the Aspen Institute, leads the discussion. Joining him are Callie Crossley, Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker and a regular panelist on WGBH's Beat The Press, and Kurt Andersen, host of the radio show Studio 360 and author of Reset: How This Crisis Can Restore Our Values and Renew America.

Kurt Anderson's thesis about "Hegelian historical cycles," where he claims that between the 19th and 20th century "the tenor of our times" (political/social culture/outlook) has shifted fundamentally due to enormous 20-30 year shifts in world financial, industrial and and technical infrastructure/development. Callie Crossley debates Anderson's case, which she sees as over-optimistic, assuming that things are more radically changed than they really are in the "post-racial era". Both discuss the impact technology has had on moving fringe ideas into mainstream consciousness, and agree that more voices reach farther than they have in the past. Finally they debate what is truly positive about the changes of the last 20-30 years, and the options for moving into the future in a positive, productive way.

In the Q&A audiences discuss systemic racism, restructuring the media and media literacy, and what makes for a sustainable economy and healthy growth.