The 20th anniversary of Samuel T. Francis's passing prompts a reflection on his influential yet controversial role within the American right. Despite his intellectual prowess and incisive writings, most of Francis's works were published by less recognized presses, with his notable exception being 'Beautiful Losers.' His contentious views, especially regarding the Southern Baptist Convention's apology for slavery, led to his dismissal from The Washington Times in 1995. Though he hailed from the South, Francis critiqued the 'Lost Cause' narrative and was critical of the managerial class, emphasizing the dangers of misplaced guilt in society.
Francis was a brilliant, witty columnist appearing in both The Washington Times and Chronicles magazine. He lost his post at the Times in 1995 because of a long-remembered professional faux pas.
Although a Southerner from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Francis never expressed sympathy for the Lost Cause, focusing instead on the dangers of misplaced guilt in contemporary politics.
Despite the provocative nature of his books, Francis struggled to find a home with prestigious publishers, reflecting a broader trend of exclusion within the conservative publishing sphere.
His remarks about the Southern Baptist Convention's apology for slavery were seen as evidence of his unwillingness to take polite stands on delicate issues.
#conservative-thought #samuel-t-francis #american-politics #publishing-challenges #cultural-critique
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