The Power of History and the Threat to Democracy in America with Ken Burns and Patt Morrison (Episode Summary)
The Following Is a Summary of Ken Burns’ Appearance on America at a Crossroads
Summary prepared by JUDJ team
In a recent America at a Crossroads conversation, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns discussed the intimate and universal themes that have shaped both his work and the American story. Burns, whose documentaries have delved deep into subjects like the Civil War, jazz, and baseball, reflects not just on the grand narrative of the United States, but on the personal, human stories that bind us together. In this discussion, Burns emphasized the importance of understanding human nature, the dangers of “othering,” and the pursuit of knowledge as a path to a virtuous life.
Ken Burns on the Importance of Historical Reflection
Burns has a unique perspective on American history, one that encompasses both the grand national narratives and the intimate personal stories that shape who we are. He sees his work as not only telling the story of the US but also exploring the deeper, more intimate story of us as a people.
“[I’ve had the great privilege of making films about the US, but I’ve also made films about us],” Burns explained, emphasizing the personal and collective nature of his storytelling.
For Burns, history is not just a record of past events but a guide for understanding the present. The struggles, triumphs, and failures of the past offer lessons that can help us navigate today’s challenges. But to do so, we must be willing to engage with the complexity of history and recognize its relevance to our current moment.
The Founders’ Vision and the Threat of Authoritarianism
Burns expressed deep concern about the current state of American democracy, drawing parallels between today’s political landscape and the anxieties of the Founders. As they drafted the Constitution, the Founders were acutely aware of the potential dangers that could threaten the democratic experiment they were building.
“[The Founders worried about someone who might lose an election but refuse to leave office… they were very concerned about checking against some sort of authoritarian figure],” Burns remarked.
He pointed out that many of the threats the Founders feared—unchecked power, authoritarianism, and the erosion of democratic norms—are now realities we face. Burns stressed that these concerns are not new; they are part of the ongoing struggle to maintain a democracy that truly serves its people.
The Civil War and the Historical Rhymes of Democracy’s Challenges
Burns’ extensive work on the Civil War has given him unique insight into how America has confronted internal threats to its democracy before. He sees echoes of that conflict in today’s political divisions, especially in the rise of authoritarian leaders and the polarization of the American public.
“[The moment we’re in is unprecedented, but we are not unfamiliar with these types of characters and these things],” Burns said.
The Civil War was a direct result of profound divisions over fundamental issues, much like the divisions we see today. Burns emphasized that while the circumstances may differ, the underlying tensions between individual freedom and collective responsibility, between justice and oppression, remain the same.
The Role of Civic Responsibility in Protecting Democracy
At the heart of Burns’ message was a call to civic responsibility. He stressed that the survival of democracy depends not just on leaders, but on ordinary citizens taking action to protect the values of liberty and justice. He invoked a quote from Louis Brandeis to drive home this point: “The highest office in the land is that of the private citizen.”
For Burns, this means that each individual has a role to play in safeguarding democracy, whether by voting, engaging in thoughtful dialogue, or participating in their communities. “The pursuit of happiness,” Burns explained, “[is lifelong learning in a marketplace of ideas.]” Democracy thrives when its citizens are informed, engaged, and dedicated to the common good.
The Erosion of Trust in Institutions
One of the most alarming trends Burns highlighted is the erosion of trust in traditional institutions, fueled in part by the rise of social media and the fragmentation of news sources. In earlier times, Americans shared a common set of facts, with major newspapers and broadcast networks providing a unified view of the news. Today, however, people can choose media that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, creating silos of information that deepen divisions.
“Everybody can self-select for what they want to hear,” Burns observed, warning that this fragmentation makes it harder to engage in meaningful dialogue and build consensus.
The result is a society where misinformation spreads rapidly, and the very foundation of democracy—an informed electorate—becomes harder to sustain. Burns stressed that rebuilding trust in institutions is essential for the survival of American democracy.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.