Newswise — New Brunswick, N.J. (March 21, 2019) – Laura Wiegert, director of the Program in Medieval Studies at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, is available to discuss the misuse of medieval icons in white supremacist rhetoric, as well as common misperceptions about the racial diversity of Europe during the Middle Ages.
“White supremacists in the United States and Europe have long relied on symbols and motifs associated with the Middle Ages, and references to the Crusades, to further their agendas. Such use of the medieval past, which stems from a misunderstanding and idealization of the Middle Ages as a homogeneous Christian and white Europe fighting against groups like Muslims and Jews, was strikingly visible during the rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. In response to such co-option and subversion of the Middle Ages, medievalists have called attention to the lack of diversity within the field and encouraged their colleagues to evaluate how they teach the history of this period.”
Laura Wiegert is a professor of Art History at Rutgers University, and can be reached by contacting Cynthia Medina.
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Broadcast interviews: Rutgers University–New Brunswick has broadcast-quality TV and radio studios available for remote live or taped interviews with Rutgers experts. For more information, contact Cynthia Medina at [email protected].
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