Author Archives: Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Unknown's avatar

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.

Enter Tonto

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

Social media are all a-twitter over the casting of Johnny Depp as Tonto in the reimagined film, The Lone Ranger, set for release next year. And my pals aren’t sure how to respond: it’s easy to make fun of blue-eyed … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, film, framing, Indian, social media | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jonesing for Leftovers

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

My pooch was jonesing for leftovers this morning, hoping for a bite of muesli or a lick of almond milk. I realize he was just being a mutt, fulfilling his animal nature to be noticed, front and center. For my … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity | Tagged | Leave a comment

On Solitude

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

One of my closest pals is fine with her solitude. She has eschewed intimacy, choosing instead the freedom that comes with being alone. I have lived with that model myself, trying to find comfort in living a solitary life while … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, writing | Leave a comment

On Writing and Intimacy

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Writing a blog is a bit confusing. It’s sort of a cross between keeping a private journal—a memoir—yet knowing that someone else will be reading your intimate thoughts. That makes my journey toward authenticity somewhat muddled.

Posted in authenticity, writing | 4 Comments

Sex Acts and Censorship

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

The Oregonian’s decision to demure over carrying the Doonesbury strip on its printed pages this week took another turn when the newspaper revealed it reported a lie over the details of Bob Caldwell’s death. Caldwell, an editor with the newspaper, … Continue reading →

Posted in censorship, health | Tagged | Leave a comment

Don’t Duck Doonesbury

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

Leaving town for a week proved joyful. Traveling helps unbind the fetters of work and chores, forcing you outside the normal constraints of daily living. My honey and I spent a week in Istanbul and Antalya, visiting the bustling bazaars … Continue reading →

Posted in censorship, ethics, framing, science, science communication | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Branding those Genes

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

I recently read an article that folks are sending off swabs filled with saliva to check for Indian DNA. The latest fashion is to find evidence of Indian heritage in your blood. One way to add some caché to your … Continue reading →

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

Indians in Zoos

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Been trying to channel the mindset of the scientists of the 19th century as they struggled over the concept of race. American Indians—like Asians and Africans—were seen as separate races for decades.

Posted in science, science communication | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Indigenous Science Recognized

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

Wonderful to see a series of talks on Indigenous perspectives included on the program for the February AAAS meeting. The group—the Association for the Advancement of Science—is dedicated to advancing the discipline and publishes the prestigious journal Science.

Posted in authenticity, human origin, Indian, Native Science, science communication, writing | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Neuroscience: Looking Beyond the Obvious

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I’m not the only critic warning about the dangers of finding the results you want in your research. Anthony Gottlieb, writing for The Economist this week, notes that the young field of neuroscience may be leading us astray. Loads of … Continue reading →

Posted in ethics, health, Native Science, science, science communication | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment