“‘Minneapolis: The Curious Twin’: A Reexamination"

What is it about?

In the 75 years since Carey McWilliams published “Minneapolis: The Curious Twin,” in the journal _Common Ground_, the notion of Minneapolis as the capital of mid-20th-century American anti-Semitism has achieved meme status and shows no signs of abating. I became curious about “The Curious Twin.” What was the article’s genesis? Who was the author? What was its contemporary reception? Just as Carey McWilliams (1905-1980) aimed to demythologize the character and culture of California in his influential writings on his adopted home state, this article aims to “demythologize” his characterization of Minneapolis as the U.S. capital of anti-Semitism.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Demythologizes an article containing one phrase--Minneapolis, the capital of anti-Semitism-- that has been repeated uncritically in the 75 years since its publication.