Category Archives: ethics

When Seeing Squaw Means Seeing Red

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

We take for granted American Indian sensibilities at Thanksgiving and Columbus Day. But November—Native American Heritage Month—ushers in the invitation to see more than just these two events through Indian eyes. Try it. When you listen to the news today … Continue reading →

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Our Ancestors’ Tales: Rude and Fierce

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

For the month of November I’m writing a blog a day in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. So, in keeping with the sense of heritage, I’m sharing stories about my ancestors, including Henri Chatillon, who served as Francis Parkman’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ethics, Henri Chatillion, Indian, Lakota, science | Tagged , | 1 Comment

When Indians are Forgotten

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

Folk singer Woody Guthrie’s memory is being honored in 2012, marking his 100th birthday. Guthrie has a Northwest connection. In 1941 the balladeer drove his Pontiac from New York to Oregon so he could write songs of praise for the … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, Indian, journalism, Native Science, salmon, science, science communication, social media | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Telling the Story Indian Style

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Last week I heard Indian storytellers unfurl their tales when the Northwest Indian Storytellers Association gathered in Portland. I was enlightened and humbled to listen to Native storytellers weave their magic. We heard tales of coyote and raven, Lakota and … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, censorship, ethics, journalism, Lakota, Native Science, Osage, salmon, science, science communication | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bizarre Month

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

A bizarre intersection occurs when October 31 greets November 1. We leap from All Hallows Eve to Native American Heritage Month just by turning a page on the calendar. Halloween agitates some of my American Indian brethren. Native regalia aren’t … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, film, framing, human origin, Indian, journalism, Kennewick Man, Native Science, repatriation, writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Use Columbus Day to Confront Stereotypes

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Monday ushers in Columbus Day, an event that irritates indigenous folks in North America. Particularly vexing is the well-worn trope that Columbus “discovered” the continent. Christopher Columbus offers a convenient target for our wrath but I can think of many … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, Indian, Native Science, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , , | 55 Comments

When Research Creates Origami

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

The New England Journal of Medicine went out on a limb with an editorial that advised readers to let the data speak for themselves. And ignore the funding source. Jeffrey M. Drazen’s September 20 editorial says that a study’s “validity … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, health, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Science of Lies

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

There are lies others tell us and there are lies we tell ourselves. What is the science of lies? Recently journalists have invoked neuroscience to explain everything from women’s orgasms to the Republican brain. An article I read this week … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, censorship, ethics, framing, health, journalism, news bias, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

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

Indian Authenticity

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

The timing was perfect. I finished presenting a paper at an academic conference in Phoenix on authenticity, specifically the media portrayal of the ancient skeleton Kennewick man. And then authenticity hit the fan. I was surrounded by stories of Indian … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, framing, Geronimo, Indian, journalism | Tagged , , | 1 Comment