In Episode 39, we are exploring a really interesting book that Susan found, A Demon Haunted Land: Witches, Wonder Doctors, and the Ghosts of the Past in Post WWII Germany. Written by Dr. Monica Black (Univ Tenn), the book explores the impacts and trauma of the German's WWII defeat on its people. In the podcast, we will explore ways that the trauma expressed itself and how ordinary Germans cope with this trauma.
What we found fascinating about Dr. Black's research was the applicability of the German's issues and outcomes in today's tumultuous world. Combined with Carl Jung's essay, After the Catastrophe, we gain insight into our own "moral inferiority" and how transformation requires this deeper understanding before we can begin again anew.
At University of Tennessee, Dr. Black is a historian of Modern Europe. As such, she provides us with deep, rich insights into her historical research process, actually providing us with ways to explore the history within our own lives.
