100 Objects #6: "Sharpened Screwdriver"
The episode discusses the 1984 Bernhard Goetz subway shooting and how it was influenced by misinformation and fear. The story of the sharpened screwdriver is used to explore how one narrative can shape public opinion and have lasting effects. The episode is part of the series A History of the United States in 100 Objects, produced by 99% Invisible and BBC Studios.
- ▪The 1984 Bernhard Goetz subway shooting involved four Black teenagers who were perceived as armed criminals in the public imagination.
- ▪The episode explores how misinformation and fear contributed to the events surrounding the shooting.
- ▪The series A History of the United States in 100 Objects examines the history of the US through 100 objects.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Episode Object #6 100 Objects #6: “Sharpened Screwdriver” PlayPause Click to enlarge image History Category History Date 06.26.26 Producer 99PI Add to QueueRemove from QueueDownload Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Leave a Comment In this episode, Roman and historians Heather Ann Thompson and Elliot Williams tell the story of the sharpened screwdriver: the object at the heart of the 1984 Bernhard Goetz subway shooting. In a difficult moment in New York City, four Black teenagers were transformed in the public imagination into armed criminals. What follows is a gripping account of how misinformation takes hold, how fear shapes public opinion, and how one narrative can ripple outward – echoing through decades of similar cases that continue to unfold today.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at 99% Invisible.
