My book club read John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row” for our last meeting. You need to know two things before you think that line sounds pretentious. First, most of the time when we gather, we talk about the book for about fifteen minutes, then move on to food and life chatter. We all like to read, but the book club is just an excuse to socialize. Second, I didn’t read the book (although I am reading it now).

However, I did teach another of Steinbeck’s novels, “Of Mice and Men,” for 30 years. Although at times, it’s been banned by both left and right-leaning groups, it is one of my favorites. Misogyny, racism, violence, and the treatment of the cognitively impaired form the backdrop to the story of a tragic friendship. These tough topics always led to thoughtful and insightful conversations. And love it or hate it, the story would make a lasting impression. Subterfuge would become necessary to prevent upperclassmen from giving away the end. As a class, we’d spend a day hiding the title behind paper bag book covers. It might only buy us a day or two, but for an avid reader, it was enough.

So, when the club was engaged in our brief discussion, I could draw on my prior knowledge of Steinbeck. I mentioned that he was one of the writers for FDR’s New Deal.

“The government hired writers?”

“And artists, musicians, and actors.”

“But, why?”

Caught off guard, I ventured a guess, “To document lives during the Great Depression and because the arts are important.”

My uncertainty led to research, so now I offer you a brief history lesson: The Works Progress Administration (WPA) hired artists and writers. The initial aim was to put Americans to work. In a case of accurate stereotyping, it was thought that artists wouldn’t be physically useful for construction projects, so their talents could be better utilized. The goal of the program, which ran from 1935-1943, was to produce a unique self-portrait of America. By 1939, 321 works had been published, and 10,000 people were employed. World War II ultimately ended this program.

But before its demise, the program weathered many attacks. Why? The unique American portrait wasn’t the “Vaseline on lens” dreamy image that some imagined. And because of that, conservative government officials rejected it. On a personal level, I get it. I don’t want to take a critical look at my reflection when I’m wearing a bathing suit. I would prefer to foster the illusion that I still look like I’m 20. But for government leaders representing a diverse country, I’d expect better.

The House Un-American Activities Committee went further. They claimed that sharing the stories of workers, the displaced and immigrants led to communism because it encouraged the downtrodden to unite, unionize and strive for better. During that dark part of our history, this committee was determined to root out anyone who was “disloyal” and prevent the sharing of information that this small group disagreed with. Ultimately, this paranoia engulfed and destroyed many innocent citizens’ lives.

The embers that have smoldered since that time have reignited as of late. Agencies and programs that support the working class are being gutted. Education, the arts, libraries and museums are being defunded. Any reporting that doesn’t match the official line is dismissed as fake news, especially when it isn’t. Any official who speaks up is attacked, maligned, or sued. In my way of thinking, this is a real threat.

As a child of the seventies, I took the Schoolhouse Rock message to heart: “Knowledge is power!” which is probably why I wander down so many research-based rabbit holes. This habit leads me to a simple request. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, take some time to look beyond your social media feed; see what Reuters, the BBC, and the Associated Press are saying. They are truly unbiased sources. Go online and check out the Media Bias Chart to understand how slanted your newsfeed has become. Be accurately informed, be knowledgeable and take back your power.