Category Archives: science communication

Grasping the Exotic

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

A friend once accused academics like me, who, aloft from our ivory towers, offer up criticism without solving problems. Point taken. Vocabulary used in academic writing is annoying, a nod to a coterie of snobs speaking a private language. Readings … Continue reading →

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Brewhaha

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

The French call it Basse Classe. Low class. That’s what went through my noggin when I heard that Donald Trump threw a fit because a Scottish neighbor refused to bow down to Trump’s exploitive needs.

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Poor Science Supports Media Effects

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

Most of us think we’re experts on media. And one reason is we believe seeing is believing. Take violence, for example. Parents, teachers, psychologists, physicians—loads of folks–assume that what we see on television and in movies influences us.

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What Native Cause Will You Support?

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

My mailbox is stuffed with fliers from L.L. Bean and Lands End along with a bundle of requests from indigenous charities: American Indian College Fund, American Indian Youth Running Strong and St. Joseph’s Indian School. This year I’m supporting nationally … Continue reading →

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Neuroscience: Le Mot du Jour

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

David Eagleman’s talk last evening engendered many comments around the supper table about neuroscience. Like soup du jour, neuroscience is le mot du jour (the word of the day). Neuroscience clings to the headlines like a bear to honey.

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We Want it Now

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

You could distill last night’s lecture into one phrase: Wait for it. Neuroscientist David Eagleman gave a public lecture in Portland on how to better manage the angel and devil on your shoulder when you’re trying to lost weight, quit … Continue reading →

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Portland Acknowledges Indians…and Science

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Throughout the month of November I’ve been viewing my blogs through the lens of American Indian sensibilities. The exercise is illuminating: what happens when everything you think about and write about is through such a lens? I have been critical … Continue reading →

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Believing in the Past: Part 2

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

My last blog shared Francis Parkman’s loving memories of my forebear Henri Chatillon, who served as Parkman’s guide on The Oregon Trail. Chatillon embodied many fine qualities I hope one day to inherit. His wife, my great-great-great grandmother Bear Robe, … Continue reading →

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When Gratitude is Woven into the Fabric of Life

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

I’m not religious. I mean, not at all religious. But I enjoy playing the anthropologist at my sister’s catholic church services. And I enjoy attending Barmitzvahs and Passover dinners. Hearing the stories: that’s the best part.

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Science or Religion?

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

My talk this past weekend at Lincoln City gave me a chance to put my promise into action: Encourage folks to view events through a Native American lens. As part of Native American Heritage Month I was asked to talk … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, framing, human origin, Indian, journalism, Kennewick Man, NAGPRA, Native Science, news bias, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments