Elwood Watson

Laura Loomer and the MAGA’s silence on racism
MAGA provocateur Laura Loomer has never worked in the White House or held any government position, yet wields considerable power and influence due to her close relationship with President Donald Trump. Most recently, the acerbic social media influen..
Gloria Steinem and the expansion of feminism
Gloria Steinem, who died last week at the age of 92, was the face of modern feminism who labored for decades to garner rights, protections, and opportunities for women. The author, organizer, and role model was born on March 25, 1934, to an economic..
Ex-Trump supporter learns loyalty is a one-way street
From now on, far-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos will have to promote his fringe conspiracies and racial controversies in Great Britain after being deported by the U.S. last month. And early and staunch supporter of Donald Trump, Yiannopoulos wa..
Why everyone adores Dolly Parton
Almost a week later, the world is still mourning Dolly Parton, who sold more than 100 million records and whose songwriting power and iron-handed approach to her career transformed country music and the larger entertainment industry. Parton's life w..
We’re still letting the right define what woke means
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's recent suggestion that “Woke 1 was crazyy" – echoing a remark made on social media by New York City Councilman Chi Ossé – has created a political frenzy leading up to the midterms. The reaction is hardly surprising,..
Grappling with the death of Jason Arday
Jason Arday’s tragic death has elicited various reactions throughout the academic world and society. Arday, who had recently resigned as a professor from the University of Cambridge after becoming the target of media coverage casting doubt on his ..
Republicans wage a senseless war against Anthony Fauci
The Republican war against Anthony Fauci came to a head earlier this month when GOP senators slapped the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases with contempt of Congress charges. The eight-to-five intensely part..
Tuskegee’s dress code revives an old debate
Tuskegee University's updated dress code has revived an old debate about professionalism, respectability politics, and how much responsibility Black institutions should take in preparing young people for the larger world. Tuskegee recently prohibite..
Trump’s war against America’s history
President Trump signed an executive order last month, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which targets the Smithsonian and charges renowned historians and affiliated scholars with a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our na..
Will Trump swoop in and save the Tates?
Andrew and Tristan Tate, the far-right social media influencers and self-described misogynists who command a following of young, angry men on the internet, were arrested in Miami on July 18 on rape and sex trafficking charges from the United Kingdom..
The misplaced praise of Lindsey Graham
Senator Lindsey Graham’s abrupt and untimely death sent shockwaves throughout Washington and the beltway establishment. Bipartisan condolences, commemorations, and personal platitudes were abundantly showered upon the late politician. No doubt, th..
A tragic death and a state’s racist past
The tragic death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, the community college football player who went missing while socializing with friends on the Fourth of July, has sent shock waves throughout the nation. Wells was last seen alive on Horn Island, a sliver ..

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About Elwood Watson
Elwood Watson, Ph.D. is a professor of history, Black studies, and gender and sexuality studies at East Tennessee State University. He is also an author and public speaker.
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