For our latest Redesign challenge,we’ve asked a design firm to come up with a new icon for the South. This week, our host Kurt Andersen made a guest appearance on WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Showalong with the head designer of the firm 70kft, Gus Granger. Kurtand Gustalked with Lehrer about the genesis of the project and took calls from listeners — including a caller from Tennessee. One listener cautions that projects like this are more about Northerners “applauding ourselves.” And another caller points out that “any symbol of unity has to be predicated on getting past the history of unspeakable brutality,” pointing out thatmany Americans could use a primer on thehistory of the Civil War.
Listen to the interview above, and let us know what you think in the comments below.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!