How Did Face Masks Become a Partisan Symbol? (And Other Questions You Didn’t Learn in School)
In this brief lecture, I draw on political science findings about political parties, partisan identity, human psychology, and media to help explain everyday political events in the context of political science. The lecture begins with a summary of cutting edge social science results that help explain the current state of affairs in American politics. Then I apply these findings to specific events, such as: how did wearing a face mask to protect against coronavirus become a political statement? The event allows for audience members to pose their own questions about politics and current events and ask me to provide social science context “on the spot.” Discussions are aimed at being non-partisan, scientifically informed, and focused on explanation over advocacy of any kind.
A/V requirements: Internet Access, LCD Projector, Screen, White Board and Markers