Life Enrichment to Feature Speakers on Political Identity, Prohibition in Kansas | Butler Community College
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Life Enrichment to Feature Speakers on Political Identity, Prohibition in Kansas

Profile photos of Nathaniel Birkhead and Pete Dulin.
Published: Thursday, February 20th, 2020

Birkhead to speak on American genetics, psychology in shaping political identities, Dulin to present Kansas prohibition history.

EL DORADO, Kan. – Butler Community College’s Life Enrichment will host Nathaniel Birkhead, who has a doctorate in political science, and author Pete Dulin on Tuesday, March 3 at 9 a.m. Birkhead, associate professor of political science at Kansas State University, will present “Why are Americans so Polarized: The Formation of Political Identity,” which is available through the K-State Presidential Lecture Series, at 9 a.m. and Dulin will present “Kansas: Birthplace of Prohibition” at 10 a.m.

A casual observer can see how polarizing politics have become in this country. How did it get this way? The answer is more complicated than you might think. This talk will discuss how things like our genetics, our social upbringing and psychology all interact to shape our political identities. While we cannot promise to solve polarization by the end of the talk, we can certainly increase our understanding for this important issue.

Dulin, a freelance food and drink writer, will present “Kansas: The Birthplace of Prohibition.” Kansas once led the country in wine production and was home to more than 90 breweries before Prohibition. The Kansas legislature legally abolished the manufacture and sale of alcohol in the state in 1881, four decades before national prohibition. Dulin is the author of “Expedition of Thirst: Exploring Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries Across Central Kansas and Missouri.”

Life Enrichment meets on the first Tuesday morning of the month during the school year. Area adults enjoy high-quality speakers and performers, along with a light breakfast and coffee during each regular meeting. Meetings take place in the Clifford/Stone Community Room at the Hubbard Welcome Center on the El Dorado campus. Meetings are open to everyone and there is no charge to attend. Those who attend regularly are encouraged to register so they receive monthly newsletters announcing the programs. New members are always welcome.

For more information about Life Enrichment or the March 3 program, please contact Trisha Walls at 316-218-6355 or twalls@butlercc.edu.