A Failure to Educate: January 6, 2021 and the Banality of Evil

Abstract

Abstract This article employs “banality of evil” to explain the actions of insurrectionists at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. We discuss the responsibility teacher educators and professors of political science bear to teach students the role both have in preparing future teachers, political and government leaders, and all college graduates to be responsible citizens able to maintain American democracy. We conclude with James Baldwin’s explanation for why many white Americans tolerate evil in society.