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Frank Bruni to Address “The Age of Grievance” at NC State’s American Ideals Lecture

NC State University will host Frank Bruni, a prominent New York Times columnist and Duke University professor, for the 2024 American Ideals Lecture. The event, scheduled for Monday, September 30, 2024, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the Witherspoon Cinema, will feature Bruni discussing his latest book, “The Age of Grievance.”

The American Ideals Lecture series, a cornerstone of NC State’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse, aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of American political processes and ideals. This year’s lecture promises to be particularly timely, as Bruni explores the ways in which grievance has come to define our current culture and politics, on both the right and left.

Bruni, a bestselling author and longtime New York Times journalist, brings a wealth of experience to the podium. Currently a professor at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, Bruni has held various roles at the Times, including White House correspondent, chief restaurant critic, and op-ed columnist.

In “The Age of Grievance,” Bruni examines the increasing prevalence of grievance in American society and its impact on political discourse. The book delves into how the perception of losing out to others has become a driving force in shaping public opinion and policy.

The lecture is hosted jointly by the School of Public and International Affairs and the University Honors Program, underscoring its significance to NC State’s academic community. This event is part of a broader initiative to enrich students’ understanding of American ideals and the political process, a program established to challenge and inspire the university’s most academically talented students.

Attendees can expect a thought-provoking discussion on the state of American democracy and the challenges it faces in an era of heightened political polarization. The event is open to the public, and further details can be accessed via the QR code provided in the event announcement.