Diana: Death of a Princess

03/03/24 • 32 min

8 Listeners

On 31 August 1997, Diana Spencer the ex-wife of the now King Charles III of the United Kingdom was tragically killed in a car accident in Paris. Just 36 years old at the time, Diana left behind two young sons: William and Harry.

Her death sent a nation into mourning. Millions traveled to London in subsequent months to lay wreaths in her honor, and approximately one-third of the world's population watched her funeral on television.

But while tragic, why were so many people so distraught over the sad passing of an individual that few of them had ever met? In this episode, I speak with Prof. Margaret Schwartz author of Dead Matter: The Meaning of Iconic Corpses.

Through her research, Margaret has gained an understanding of the relationships that develop between celebrated individuals like Diana and distant members of the general public.

Music: Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

Through her research, Margaret has gained an understanding of the relationships that develop between celebrated individuals like Diana and distant members of the general public.

Music: Pixabay

Previous Episode

Liberty in North Korea

3 Recommendations

Western media reports on North Korea tend to focus on the nation's missile launches, nuclear weapons program, and involvement in illegal activities such as weapon and drug smuggling. The despotic regime of the Kim Family are usually front and center in any reporting. But what about the millions of North Koreans living a dystopian nightmare under the regime?

In this episode, I speak with Sokeel Park of Liberty in North Korea an organization that assists people wishing to escape the so-called hermit kingdom. The group also helps North Koreans settle abroad, sends information into North Korea, and as its name implies has the ultimate aim of bringing liberty to the nation.

Resources:

LiNK website: https://libertyinnorthkorea.org/ Donate to North Korean freedom: https://libertyinnorthkorea.org/donate Sign up as an ally of North Korean people: https://www.withthenorthkoreanpeople.org/ Article by Sokeel Park on how to change North Korea: https://www.globalasia.org/v18no2/cover/old-truths-new-tools-bringing-slow-change-to-north-korea_sokeel-park Documentary, The Jangmadang Generation: https://www.nkmillennials.com/ LiNK youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyinNorthKorea LiNK instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertyinnorthkorea/ LiNK twitter: https://twitter.com/LibertyinNK LiNK facebook: https://www.facebook.com/libertyinnk/

Music: Pixabay

Next Episode

Living on Water for hundreds of years: The Nzulezo of Ghana with Nana Kesse

3 Recommendations

Hundreds of years ago, it is believed a group of African migrants made their way South from the Remnants of the collapsing Mali Empire -- once ruled by the wealthiest human in history: Musa Mansa.

These travelers eventually made their way to the South coast of what is now Ghana in North West Africa. They settled there but not on the land. Instead, they established a community in the middle of a river. Despite the ravages of war, the slave trade, and colonialism, these enterprising individuals didn't just survive they thrived.

But today, their remarkable community faces new challenges that include tourism and environmental change.

Ghanaian native Prof. Nana Kesse of Clark University has visited the community and extensively researched their history and culture. In his study titled "Living Waters," he compares both the oral traditions of the people and the documented evidence from other historical sources as he tries to unravel the mysteries of the Nzulezo community.

In this episode, Nana shares his insights into the origins of this community. He explains how and why they came to live in such a unique location. The challenges they have faced, adaptations they've made, and how they remain an enduring example of the resilience of humanity.

Ghana Tourism: Nzulezu

If you enjoy this episode you may enjoy related ones covering some of the topics discussed including: The Songhai Empire, The Hamdullahi Empire, and Dahomey.

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Music: Pixabay