'Monkey Biz-ness': Pop culture helped fan the flames of the Scopes 'monkey trial' 100 years ago and ever since
Briefly

The Scopes trial, often referred to as the "trial of the century," emerged from a publicity effort initiated in response to the Butler Act in Tennessee, prohibiting the teaching of human evolution. The trial revealed significant ideological divides, particularly among Christians reconciling scripture with Darwin's theories. Managed by George Rappleyea, the trial attracted national media attention and economic interest for Dayton, Tennessee. Over the past century, remnants of this trial have been seen in various cultural expressions, marking its role in the ongoing discourse of America’s cultural wars.
"The Scopes trial itself began as a publicity stunt; prompted by the Butler Act, it exposed a cultural rift over teaching evolution in schools."
"The trial not only highlighted ideological differences but also marked a turning point in American cultural dynamics, reflecting the ongoing 'culture wars.'"
Read at The Conversation
[
|
]