A group of students spent their Friday afternoon at Jischke Honors Building for a discussion with Dr. Jeremy Best, assistant history professor. 

Best teaches classes on modern Europe, the Holocaust, and western civilization. He is also working on a book-length manuscript titled Heavenly Fatherland: German Missionary Culture between Globalization and Nationalism.

The discussion surrounded Best’s findings of the connections between American white nationalism and German national socialism.

Best spoke about the recent events in Charlottesville, and the protests of a statue of Robert E. Lee.

“The message in the story in this kind of monument tells is white supremacy, white power, confederate nobility in the face of a moment of African American and [immigrant] backlash,” Best said.

During the lecture, Best suggests that the historical narrative of monuments such as the Robert E. Lee statue may tell us a little bit why James Fields drove his car into a group of protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

In hopes of better understanding why tensions such as the ones in Charlottsville have risen, Best gives his overview about what stories the monuments and white nationalists are telling to support their beliefs about the past, present and future. 

“In the distant past white nationalists argued that a distinct white race with superior characteristics emerged,” Best said. “In addition, they also want you to know or think is that in a more contemporary past and more recent past, the white race had idealized a past of peace and prosperity for all.”

The examples he provides in the discussion further supports the claims and ideologies of White Nationalists seen active today. Students were then able to ask questions about key points within the lecture. 

“I think that it was really good of sharing these groups that reemerged so that we can understand their motives and see where they’re coming to better communicate with them,” said Jacklyn Levey, sophomore in genetics.

Best’s lecture was part of the Honors Salon discussions held for honors students. They are held on Fridays at 3:10 p.m. in the Jischke Honors Building.