Investigative Journalism Still Lives

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Just when you think journalism is dead, a story comes along that breathes life back into the body politic. This American Life’s Ira Glass investigated a heart-breaking story about a judge in Georgia who has sequestered young folks for months and even years for misdemeanors that other judges wave off with a fine. Continue reading →

Posted in journalism, news bias | 2 Comments

Finding an Authentic Role Model

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I shamefully revealed in the blog that growing out my gray hair is a feeble attempt at authenticity. There’s an inexplicable mashup of identity, informed by post-50 angst combined with new-found freedom of movement, infused with teachings from my Indian family members and a journey of self-discovery. Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, cinema, framing, Indian | 2 Comments

Radiate Me

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Americans are frightened about radiation. And why not? The news is chock-full of reports about elevated levels of radiation in food and water. This week ABC news ran a report that scientists found “higher-than-normal levels of radioactive Iodine-131 in milk samples from California and Washington.” Continue reading →

Posted in framing, health, news bias, risk, science, science communication | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Doogie Howser Mice

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

While researching how discourse frames designer babies, I found an apt example of a literal designer baby: twins, in fact. The fashion maven and darling of designers, Sarah Jessica Parker, and husband Matthew Broderick, had twin girls via a surrogate, which means the babies were likely created in vitro (outside the womb) and then implanted into the surrogate. Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, framing, health, human origin, risk, science, science communication | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Same Old, Same Old

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Over the weekend I saw the animated film Rango featuring Johnny Depp and a flock of critters who carve out a town in the desert, literally thirsting for water. Depp’s performance is subtle, funny and well-honed. But that’s where the brilliance ends. Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, cinema, film, framing, Indian, news bias | Tagged | Leave a comment

Long Life, Short Life

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

When I heard about Americans buying fistfuls of iodine tablets to stave of the effects of radiation poisoning I wondered: are these the same folks who refuse to immunize their children against childhood diseases? Continue reading →

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

Ethical Dilemmas and Designer Babies

Posted on March 9, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I’ve been polishing a manuscript about my specialty: how we communicate about science, and took a look at how we talk about designer babies. I recently learned that some parents do indeed have an opportunity to select some embryos over others. Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, health, risk, science | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Revisiting Authenticity

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

It’s one thing to write about someone else’s fakery, but it’s another to ignore your own. Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity | Leave a comment

Authenticity and Hollywood

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

actor Christian Bale

The Oscars generated feelings of authenticity for me, although, to be truthful, I am often consumed with issues of authenticity. Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, cinema, film, framing, Indian, Native Science, news bias, social media | Leave a comment

What’s Memorable

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Writing about how we choose brings to mind other research about decision-making. Not only do we take the choice that’s framed positively: we avoid risks except when it comes to our own sense of vulnerability. Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, framing, health, risk, science, science communication | Leave a comment