Where and When?

Tuesday November 24th – 13:00 ~ Via Zoom link

RSVP via studystates@gmail.com

Discussion

From conspiracy theories that span from heartland to Hollywood; infamous killers, patsies, and fall guys; to the national deification of fallen statespersons, America (and indeed, the outside world looking in) has always been fascinated by the idea of the assassination. Whether it is its own politicians in the crosshairs, or the complex operations abroad, America’s highest office is built on a (typically masculine) mythology of near-misses and watershed killings. Does the deification of JFK hide a turbulent administration? Does the continued fascination with his death indicate a darker malaise has taken root in popular culture? Is the ‘American Assassination’ a unquiely male endeavour? If so, why?

We’re going to unpack all notions of ‘assassination’ in American popular culture – bring along all and any thoughts you have on any aspect of American history or media linked to this theme, from Oliver Stone’s JFK to Teddy Roosevelt and Davy Crockett’s infamous near-miss.

Readings

The JFK myth, 50 years on:

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/11/11/the-jfk-myth-50-years-later

Bring along any and all references, no matter how obscure or tangential, on the ‘assassination’ in American mythmaking, history, and culture. From Marge Simpson’s indictment on the Zapruder film to The Assassination of Gianni Versace – it’s all fair game!