PUBLIC HUMANITIES TALK - HAVE YOU NO SENSE OF DECENCY? SHAME IN AMERICAN POLITICS: THE HISTORIC TRUST AND HUMANITIES WASHINGTON PARTNER TO PRESENT PROFESSOR CAROLYN LONG , SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 (Photo) - 09/02/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2025
CONTACT:
Mindy Wilkins
The Historic Trust
750 Anderson Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
mindy.wilkins@thehistorictrust.org | 360.992.1808
Vancouver, WA — The Historic Trust and Humanities Washington invite the community to an engaging in-person conversation with Professor Carolyn Long, a member of the 2024-2025 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau program, on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
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About Have You No Sense of Decency? Shame in American Politics American Politics
From the use of pillories and stocks in colonial America to the rise of “cancel culture,” use of shame as a weapon has a long history in the United States. And it has been used to mixed effect in the political arena when used to target politicians and their supporters.
Professor Carolyn Long examines the rise of shamelessness in American politics and the use of shame against those with whom we disagree. When shame is used to demonize others, does it contribute to political polarization? Are shame and shamelessness equally destructive to our politics and society? Can shame be used effectively in politics without demonizing the person being shamed? And if this is the case, how can we fix this and improve our political discourse?
About Professor Carolyn Long
Carolyn Long (she/her) is an associate professor at Washington State University Vancouver’s School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs. Her research focuses on American politics, policy, and law. She is the author of Mapp v. Ohio: Guarding Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures, and Religious Freedom and Indian Rights: The Case of Oregon v. Smith, and the recipient of two Fulbright Scholar Awards. She was the Democratic nominee for the Third Congressional District in 2018 and 2020. Long lives in Vancouver.
At a Glance
Who: Professor Carolyn Long
What: Have You No Sense of Decency? Shame in American Politics
When: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes St., Vancouver, WA 98661
Registration
This program is offered free of charge but seating is limited. Event registration available HERE.
Questions?
Please contact Mindy Wilkins, Marketing and Events Manager | mindy.wilkins@thehistorictrust.org | 360.992.1808
About Humanities Washington
Humanities Washington is a nonprofit organization dedicated to opening minds and bridging divides by creating spaces to explore different perspectives. For more about Humanities Washington, visit www.humanities.org.
About the Speakers Bureau Program
In communities throughout Washington State, Speakers Bureau presenters give free public presentations on history, politics, music, philosophy, spiritual traditions, and everything in between.
Their roster of over 30 Speakers Bureau presenters is made up of professors, artists, activists, historians, performers, journalists, and others—all chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their ability to inspire discussion with people of all ages and backgrounds. Hundreds of Speakers Bureau events take place each year. Find a Speakers Bureau event near you.
To reach as many Washingtonians as possible, Humanities Washington partners with a wide range of organizations, including libraries, schools, museums, historical societies, community centers, and civic organizations. Qualifying nonprofit organizations are encouraged to host a speaker.
The Speakers Bureau program is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Washington via the Office of the Secretary of State, the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University, and generous contributions from other businesses, foundations, and individuals.
About The Historic Trust
The Historic Trust seeks to inspire civic pride through education, preservation and celebration of our community’s history.
