Ep 210 Peacewarts: Universal Understars 101 - John F. Kennedy's American University Speech (Class 11)

Peacewarts: Universal Understars 101 - JFK’s American University Speech (Class 11)

We conduct a critical analysis of JFK’s 1963 "Strategy of Peace." While acknowledging its power in humanizing the Cold War "enemy" and breaking the Red Scare spell, we challenge Kennedy’s dismissal of "universal peace" as a fantasy. We explore why Peacewarts embraces the aspirational goal of absolute peace over mere mutual tolerance.

Homework:

1. Interrupt your routine to read the full text of the American University Speech. Find the "fantasies and fanatics" quote and sit with it.
2. Write down one question you have after this episode or doing homework #1. If no question comes to mind, write: "no question."
3. Optional:Journal about a "fantasy" you have for the world that others might call unrealistic. Why is that dream actually the most logical thing to want?

Learning topics: JFK's American University Speech, Practical vs. Universal Peace, The Strategy of Peace, Breaking the Red Scare, Humanizing the Other, The Role of the Peace Scholar.

Resources & Links:

• Follow the podcast as we launch into the first semester of this new peace school.
• Join the Community / Get the Books: www.AvisKalfsbeek.com
• Podcast Music: Javier Peke Rodriguez “I am late, madame Curie” https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QuyqfXEKzrpUl6b12I3KW