In his timely new book, Been There, Done That, Utah Valley University historian Greg Jackson argues that the intense polarization and social strife characterizing modern American life are not historical anomalies, but rather recurring features of the nation’s 250-year-old experiment. As sensational headlines regarding sex trafficking, political riots, and viral misinformation saturate today’s news cycles, many citizens fear the country is navigating unprecedented turmoil. Jackson, however, contends that these conflicts have been woven into the fabric of American society since its inception, serving as a reminder that the contemporary challenges we face are echoes of historical struggles that earlier generations have already survived.
A central pillar of Jackson’s analysis is the debunking of the modern belief that the spread of misinformation is a byproduct of the digital age. By revisiting the historical record, Jackson reveals that figures as revered as Benjamin Franklin utilized manufactured stories to serve political agendas. Franklin, once celebrated solely for his scientific and diplomatic genius, is portrayed by Jackson as a pioneer of deceptive media practices, having printed outright fabrications to gain leverage during delicate negotiations with Great Britain. By highlighting these early instances of deceit, Jackson underscores that misinformation is a persistent, structural reality of the Republic that requires an informed and vigilant citizenry to navigate.
The historical parallels extend beyond misinformation to the vitriolic nature of today’s media environment. Jackson points to the 1790s, when political luminaries Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson engaged in vicious smear campaigns through the press, operating under pseudonyms to disparage one another. Jackson draws direct comparisons between these 18th-century tactics and modern social media behavior, noting that if Hamilton were alive today, he would likely be a master of the “bot” and the “fake handle.” These historical accounts serve to humanize the Founding Fathers, framing them not as infallible icons, but as flawed, passionate leaders whose personal rivalries nearly threatened the stability of the infant nation.
Despite these deep-seated divisions, Jackson maintains an optimistic outlook, drawing strength from the resilience of American institutions. He emphasizes that even during times of political violence, riots, and election crises—such as the 1824 presidential race which was ultimately decided by Congress—the country managed to persist. By documenting the intense rivalries of the past, Jackson aims to provide contemporary readers with much-needed perspective, arguing that our ancestors overcame crises far more existential than those we currently face. He posits that the “bloody” feeling of today’s political discourse is a familiar historical rhythm rather than a sign of inevitable collapse.
Ultimately, Been There, Done That serves as both a history lesson and a call to civic responsibility. Jackson argues that maintaining a government “by the people” is an arduous, constant endeavor that demands rigorous critical thinking and active participation from every generation. He suggests that by understanding how past leaders navigated cycles of intense, polarized conflict, citizens can develop the necessary resilience to preserve the union. Jackson’s narrative is designed to remind Americans of their own toughness, framing the durability of the country’s institutions as a testament to the work of those who came before us.
As Jackson concludes his national book tour and returns to his teaching duties at Utah Valley University, his message resonates as a stabilizing force in a volatile political climate. By contextualizing the current chaos within a broader timeline, he encourages the American public to trust that the best ideas will continue to rise to the top of the national discourse. His work stands as a poignant reminder that even through deep disagreement and periodic discord, the American project is designed to endure, with each passing generation tasked with building toward a “still more perfect union.”