William Chafe discusses the possible effects of the Equal Rights Amendment on American society and how it might affect the role of women in the home. He comments on gender roles as seen from different cultural perspectives and in different historical contexts. Chafe analyzes how a minority view has defined the issue and positioned itself in the media.
In the second segment [15:20], Brenda Murphy speaks about the history of American theater and its development amid early ideas of the form as “lewd and lascivious.” She also shares her research on Native American dramatists in the territories. Speaking of America’s unique brand of writing and performance in exploring American themes, she cites the success of the dramatic version of Uncle Tom’s Cabin in the nineteenth century.
In the third segment [26:00], William Dowling gives a brief commentary on literacy in America, imploring listeners to read more, read more often, and read with their children.
At the time of this interview, Chafe, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1981-82), was professor of history at Duke University.
Murphy, a Fellow at the Center (1981-82), was professor of English at Saint Lawrence University.
Dowling, a Fellow at the Center (1979-80), was professor of English at the University of New Mexico.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
