Scott Straus is a political scientist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison who specializes in genocide, human rights, and African politics. Before participating in a panel on why we have struggled to stop and prevent genocide around the world, he offered up the best advice he’s ever been given and shared the last habit he successfully kicked in the Zócalo green room.
What’s the last habit you tried to kick?
Smoking.
Were you successful?
Yes.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The two most important things in life are love and productivity.
What is Americans’ greatest misconception about Africa?
That it’s one country. And the second greatest is that it’s full of terrible disease and war all the time.
What profession would you practice in your next life?
I’ve had two professions. I’ve loved them both. I don’t know that I’d choose a different one. Is that too much of a cop-out? I was a journalist before I became a professor.
Where would we find you at 10 a.m. on a typical Saturday morning?
Hanging out with my kids.
If you were running for office, what would your slogan be?
Learn how to listen to your opponents. That would never get me elected.
Describe yourself in five words or less.
Ponderous. Driven. Rushed. Kind. Stubborn.
What’s your favorite pizza topping?
Extra cheese.
What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?
A Taylor Swift song from my daughter. I don’t remember which one, though.