Author Archives: Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

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About Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Professor and researcher who studies science communication, particularly issues that impact American Indians. Dr. Coleman is an enrolled citizen of the Osage Nation.

Jumping Frenchmen and Science

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I live with a fellow scientist and we share a gallows sense of humor. Gallows as in scaffold for the hangman. This comes in handy as we prepare for autumn’s arrival and a spooky Halloween. The prankster in me allows … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, health, science, science communication | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Season of Persuasion

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

As voting season approaches I’m acutely aware of efforts to persuade me. So when I received a colored brochure in the mail yesterday I quickly scanned the cover for the key message. It looked like an ad for a new … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, framing, health, Indian, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Tarzan and Ass Covers

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Recently I wrote how my honey described a woman’s skirt as an ass cover, marveling at his lack of correct vernacular when it comes to women’s clothing. So imagine my mirth when he described my sleeveless silk blouse. I have … Continue reading →

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When Indians are invisible in science

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

When are American Indians invisible? As a critic of mass media and Indian representations, I am mindful of the gross caricatures that persist. Pocahontas. Chief Wahoo. The Land O’Lakes butter maiden. These are memorable images of Indians.

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Science, TV and Authenticity

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

This past week scholars gathered in Chicago to share their research and insights into mass communication. I walk along a thin line between science and culture, hanging with folks who study science in one corner of the universe, and spending … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, human origin, Native Science, science, science communication | Tagged | 1 Comment

Rez Life: What standards do we use?

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

My colleague John Sanchez (Apache) has studied the ABC TV documentary that aired in October called Children of the Plains, which focused on life at Pine Ridge. Sanchez reported his findings this past week in Chicago at the annual conference … Continue reading →

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How the Press Covered the Sea Lion Controversy in Indian Country

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Next week we present results of our study at a national conference in Chicago, sharing details of how the press covered the salmon and sea lion conflict at the Columbia River. Local Indians have a great stake in the salmon … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, framing, Native Science, salmon, science, science communication, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Salmon and Sea Lions Face Off

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Native Americans are keenly interested in science. Just ask an Indian fisherman. Here in the Pacific Northwest, tribal fishermen have been embroiled in a controversy over salmon. The most recent tempest has pitted salmon against encroaching sea lions, who feast … Continue reading →

Posted in framing, health, Native Science, risk, salmon, science, science communication, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

When Science Meets Superstition

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

We can’t help but be a tad superstitious when it comes to our well-being. Including me. Human nature lets us take credit when good things come our way: we think we somehow deserve it. But when bad juju befalls us, … Continue reading →

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The End of Science

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Is it the end of science as we know it? You might get that impression if you read through the sheaf of articles following the discovery in July of the Higgs Boson. After learning Higgs Boson wasn’t a wayward sailor … Continue reading →

Posted in risk, science, science communication, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment