Stuff You Missed in History Class
Episode: Behind the Scenes Minis: Morality and Friction
Release Date: March 21, 2025

Introduction

In the "Behind the Scenes Minis: Morality and Friction" episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wil delve into the intricate and often unsettling aspects of historical moral instruction systems. Joined by contributors Tia Sircar and Taylor Gray, the episode explores the complexities surrounding children's morality codes, their societal implications, and the friction they created among prominent historical figures.

The National Institution for Moral Instruction

The discussion opens with an examination of the National Institution for Moral Instruction, a program that has drawn comparisons to Nazi ideologies due to its stringent moral expectations imposed on children.

Taylor Gray [03:17]: "The way he became super ableist and into eugenics. Super creepy. It's really, really. It's just troubling."

The hosts express their unease with the program's methods and objectives, highlighting its emphasis on controlling and molding children's behavior to fit a rigid moral framework.

Research on Children's Honesty

A significant portion of the conversation centers around a 1928 study conducted by researchers like Edward Thorndike, funded by industrial magnates Rockefeller and Carnegie. The study investigated the honesty of children through journal entries where they documented their good deeds. Surprisingly, it was found that children who volunteered for the study were the most deceitful in their journals.

Taylor Gray [03:13]: "There's a quote from the researchers that, like, they... In one of their experiments, they had this setup where kids were supposed to write down in a journal, like, the various good acts they did... but the kids that volunteered turned out to kind of be the biggest liars in the class."

This revelation sparked widespread debate in the 1920s about the inherent trustworthiness of children, challenging preconceived notions of youth innocence and integrity.

Parental Expectations and Societal Judgments

The episode further explores how these morality codes placed undue pressure on parents, especially those raising children with disabilities. The hosts discuss the harsh judgments society often placed on parents who had to place their children in care facilities due to the lack of resources and support.

Tia Sircar [07:01]: "Like, fine, fine. I'm not saying that that shouldn't happen, but like, that the list of laws really exemplifies the way that a lot of thinking in our culture and history has been like, if you're able-bodied, you're good. Yeah. But if you're not able-bodied, obviously you're bad and it's your own fault somehow and you should have not done that."

This segment highlights the systemic issues and prejudices that affected vulnerable families, shedding light on the societal stigma surrounding disability and caregiving.

Funding Mysteries and Ethical Implications

A pivotal moment in the discussion revolves around the mysterious funding behind the National Institution for Moral Instruction. Despite thorough research, the hosts have yet to uncover the exact benefactor who financed the program.

Taylor Gray [10:18]: "Maybe it was one of them. I don't know. We may not ever know, or we may find out."

This unanswered question raises concerns about the ethical motivations and hidden agendas that may have influenced such morally oppressive institutions.

Conflicts Among Historical Figures

The conversation shifts to personal conflicts between Mary Hunter Austin and other notable figures like Willa Cather and John Muir. These disagreements provide insight into the personal and professional tensions that existed within influential circles of the time.

Tia Sircar [17:35]: "Mary was going to stay at my house while I'm away. And Willa Cather said, great. And she wrote part of Death Comes for the Archbishop staying there at Mary Austin's house."

These interactions reveal the often tumultuous relationships that shaped literary and environmental movements in early 20th-century America.

Reflections on Parenting and Societal Support

Towards the end of the episode, Holly and Tracy reflect on the challenges of parenting, especially under societal pressure and without adequate support systems. They emphasize the importance of understanding and compassion in raising children, particularly those with special needs.

Tia Sircar [29:08]: "The whole family also needs to have a home and eat and have electricity and all of that."

This poignant reminder underscores the necessity for comprehensive support structures to aid families in nurturing and caring for their children effectively.

Conclusion

In "Behind the Scenes Minis: Morality and Friction," Stuff You Missed in History Class offers a deep and thoughtful exploration of historical morality codes, their impact on children and families, and the broader societal implications. Through engaging dialogue and thorough research, Holly, Tracy, Tia, and Taylor shed light on the often-overlooked complexities of moral instruction and its lasting effects on society.

Notable Quotes

• Taylor Gray [03:17]: "The way he became super ableist and into eugenics. Super creepy. It's really, really. It's just troubling."

• Tia Sircar [07:01]: "Like, fine, fine. I'm not saying that that shouldn't happen, but like, that list of laws really exemplifies the way that a lot of thinking in our culture and history has been like, if you're able-bodied, you're good. Yeah."

• Taylor Gray [10:18]: "Maybe it was one of them. I don't know. We may not ever know, or we may find out."

• Tia Sircar [17:35]: "Mary was going to stay at my house while I'm away. And Willa Cather said, great. And she wrote part of Death Comes for the Archbishop staying there at Mary Austin's house."

• Tia Sircar [29:08]: "The whole family also needs to have a home and eat and have electricity and all of that."

For more insightful discussions and richly detailed historical explorations, tune into Stuff You Missed in History Class on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.