Category Archives: science

Intuition

From a scientific view, intuition can be a curse.

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Table of Contents

I am grateful to be part of a cohort of academics who have been pulled together to write a new 2-volume book on American Indians and Popular Culture for a textbook that will be published this year. Yesterday the editor … Continue reading

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Why Study Media?

A colleague made an off-handed comment that studying news media framing lacks value. But I argue that, particularly when it comes to science and Indians, news reports can be illuminating. In both cases, most Americans glean information about science and … Continue reading

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Why Study Science Communication?

One of the reviewers of my proposed book (heavy emphasis on the proposed) asked me, “Why should readers care about science communication?” I take it for granted, I guess, that knowing how we think about risks to ourselves and others, … Continue reading

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When Science Confirms What We Already Know

One of my favorite moments at the salmon conference I attended this week came when Yakama tribal elder Tony Washines greeted a crowd of policy-makers, scientists and attentive listeners. He smiled and said, “Good morning my relatives. Good morning my … Continue reading

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Spirits in the Cave

I dragged my pal Bob to a packed theatre to see the new documentary about caves in France that reveal stories of ancestors from 32,000 years ago. Werner Herzog’s new film, Cave of Forgotten Dreams, explores the pristine Chauvet Cave, … Continue reading

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Kennewick Man Exterminated

Folks who study mass media and popular culture can’t help but consider the absurdity of how we interpret phenomena, often through the lens of media. Some theorists call this intertextuality–when one representation stands for another. An example is one of … Continue reading

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Explaining Native Science

Spending stolen moments writing a research grant in Native Science is a little crazy-making. The grant is aimed at folks sequestered in the humanities. Problem is, I’m a social scientist.

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One Story at a Time

NMAI article winter 2010_11 Coleman Herman I advise my students when they are presenting their research to tell a story. In our inner-most hearts, what we crave is hearing a good tale. It’s not about discovery or novelty: it’s your … Continue reading

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Death by Duck

Spring is the time of year when students go a little crazy: they are trying to finish their studies, earn good grades and complete their major projects. This time of year I get emails from students who’ve been silent for … Continue reading

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