Kurt Andersen @ Montclair State University

On Wednesday, April 22, Montclair State University welcomed novelist and Studio 360 host, Kurt Andersen during the fourth annual Terhune Journalism Lecture. The Albert Payson Terhune Foundation, Montclair State University’s School of Communication and Media and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences sponsored the event.

Following a brief introduction by Montclair State English Professor, Caroline Dadas, Merrill Brown, Director of the School of Communication and Media, started the conversation by asking Andersen to address a recent statement on the concerns of polarization and tension that appears to be happening in society. “I do feel there’s more of a sense that the system is rigged by more people of various ideological stripes than any time in my life,” said Andersen. As described in his writing, the various inequalities appear to build toward heightened reactions and cascades to even more reactions, leading to an inexorable cathartic release.  Exploring the point, Andersen related his belief that the decades of waiting for improvement have spread the feeling of inequality over the whole society, contributing to the zeitgeist. Andersen cited the Supreme Court decision in Citizen’s United as an incident that added to the feeling of inequality.

The discussion also covered Andersen’s work on Spy Magazine, among the various creative outlets he has managed over the years. In reflection, aside from trying to create a magazine that captured the satirical humor of earlier publications, Andersen and the periodical’s co-founders wanted to write something they would enjoy. The conversation also discussed links of Spy’s satire with the comedic investigative journalism presented by the likes of Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and others, showing the necessity for comedic critique to address societal concerns.

As the evening moved into a discussion with the audience, Andersen explained his thoughts on how journalism is adapting to changing technology. A question on lessons learned from artists in interviews prompted a retelling of the career of American composer Philip Glass, and that even following critical acclaim, the composer needed to hold other jobs to support himself. While there may always be challenges to being an artist, Andersen believes that the creative spirit will help people find a way to make their art. Reviewing his work in radio, Andersen offered his appreciation for his time in Studio 360 with special attention to the level of intelligent focus and inquiry that is possible through funding of projects like the American Icon series.

Andersen also opined that today’s polarized society prevents an honest, productive discussion of the important issues confronting the world today.  The goal of the university’s academic mission is to overcome this divisiveness and nurture a new generation of critical thinkers of tomorrow who can balance empiricism with the moderation necessary in a healthy society.

Conversations like this are part of the in-depth discovery and understanding that Montclair’s The School of Communication and Media launched the “Inequality Project” this past year and has been tackling a range of issues in academic courses and through projects and events. Guests who visited the campus during the year discussed their unique experiences and perspectives on inequality that have helped enhance the campus conversation on this topic.

This special event is just one example of the many opportunities open to Montclair students and the public. You can learn more and follow upcoming events here.