Fall | Winter 2020 OKLAHOMA HUMANITIES Culture | Issues | Ideas CITIZEN 2020 INFORMED & ENGAGED OKLAHOMA PERSPECTIVE HUMANITIES CONTENTS Culture | Issues | Ideas FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITIZEN 2020 FALL | WINTER 2020 | VOL. 13, NO. 2 This considerable, expanded issue CITIZEN 2020, which will be acces- 7 ELECTION DAY of our award-winning magazine is sible to Oklahomans in all 77 counties. A vote for hope. By Loren Gatch one programming component of a In addition to this expanded CITIZEN 12 WHAT COMES BEFORE “WOKE”? larger national initiative entitled 2020 magazine issue (the most On the history of sleep as a form of protest. Democracy and the Informed Citizen. substantive in our history), we’re part- By Franny Nudelman Humanities Councils in 46 states, nering with a large statewide coalition 20 A SHORT HISTORY OF CAMPAIGN Guam, and the Northern Marianas of public media entities, journalists, DIRTY TRICKS Islands are participating in this humanities scholars, and cultural Election meddling before Twitter and Facebook. By Elaine Kamarck collaborative project administered by organizations to examine compelling 26 IN PURSUIT OF PRESIDENTS the Federation of State Humanities questions about the shifting media AND PRINCIPAL CHIEFS Councils with funds from the Andrew landscape and how it affects our ability The arc of dual citizenship. W. Mellon Foundation. By Jay Hannah to access information, assess its credi- Across the nation, communities bility, and analyze its significance. We 38 LEARNING FROM THE PAST— are coming together to examine the ACTING FOR THE FUTURE look forward to your participation in Listen, learn, think, act. historical and constitutional founda- this vital and exciting project. There By Ben Alpers tions of a free press, the connection are multiple ways for you to engage in 44 LEADING THE WAY between journalism and the human- our conversations: The extraordinary accomplishments of ities, the critical role that humanities Ida B. Wells and Madam C. J. Walker. By Michelle Duster and A’Lelia Bundles and journalism play in shaping the • Tune in to free nonpartisan election judgments and opinions of citizens coverage, on-air or online, via 50 ON CIVILITY Looking for a sense of belonging. in a democratic society, and the a statewide partnership with the By Pamela Chew contraction of traditional media and collaborative journalism project 54 EDUCATING THE TROOPS CAROLINE LOWERY local news, particularly in small-town “Oklahoma Engaged.” Shaping consensus with Executive Director and rural America. • Listen to the CITIZEN 2020 “democratic propaganda.” By Stacy Takacs [email protected] Federation of State Humanities BrainBox podcast series, featuring Councils President Phoebe Stein initiative-specific episodes and 62 FIXING OUR REALITY PROBLEM The case for common sense. notes: “In response to the dynamic complementary online resources. By Thomas E. Patterson landscape of American journalism • Participate in virtual public forums 68 THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE and the mounting social and political with local journalists and media Exercising media literacy. polarization of the American public, experts to discuss aspects of By Kimberly Roblin the Democracy and the Informed gathering the news and analyzing 72 THE ASSAULT ON JOURNALISTIC ETHICS Citizen initiative supports programs it as consumers. What happened to trust in the media? By Andy Rieger and resources that examine the • Request additional copies of our 76 ASK A JOURNALIST essential role that journalism and the CITIZEN 2020 magazine to start humanities play to inform and engage Q&A about reporting the news. a discussion in your family, your By Our Readers and “The Press.” citizens at all levels of our democracy.” school, or your community. 88 POPCORN, POLITICS, AND THE PRESS Oklahoma Humanities is partici- Real to reel—Hollywood’s take. pating in this national work with Please join us! Dates, times, and By Kimberly Roblin new programming on multiple details are posted at our website. IN EVERY ISSUE platforms—a project we’re calling okhumanities.org/citizen2020 2 Perspective From the Executive Director 4 Post: Mail | Social Media | Messages Johnson on trunk reading newspaper, 6 The Editor’s Desk Cover design by Anne Richardson, ca. 1920-1925, Bain News Service. 97 Noteworthy: OH News Spec Creative. speccreative.com Library of Congress 98 2019 OH Annual Report 2 FALL | WINTER 2020 | CITIZEN 2020 OKLAHOMA HUMANITIES 3 OKLAHOMA POST MAIL | SOCIAL MEDIA | MESSAGES HUMANITIES OKLAHOMA Culture | Issues | Ideas HUMANITIES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Caroline Lowery [email protected] ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & EDITOR Carla Walker What a fabulous issue [HOME, Spring/ Reader Feedback [email protected] Summer 2020]. It’s right up there with the JUSTICE issue in my hall of fame. CITIZEN 2020 PROGRAM OFFICER Kelly Burns I immediately was drawn to the Guthrie MEDIA LITERACY [email protected] and Dust Bowl essays, but what most THANKS PANEL PROGRAM OFFICER delighted me were the pieces by Ayelet Christopher Carroll Tsabari and Seungho Lee. Congratulations [email protected] OKLAHOMA CITY on putting together such a timely and DICK PRYOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT emotionally/intellectually resonant issue! General Manager, KGOU Radio & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UNIVERSITY! —Daniel Simon, Assistant Director and Chelsi Dennis and [email protected] Editor in Chief, World Literature Today ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CELEBRATING A TEN-YEAR PARTNERSHIP I’m very proud to have contributed to the YVETTE WALKER MANAGER Gaylord College of Journalism HOME issue. The magazine is a treasure. Khylee Forgety & Mass Communication, [email protected] Oklahoma City University (OCU) is a valued partner of —Will Kaufman, University of Central University of Oklahoma Lancashire, UK Oklahoma Humanities magazine is published Oklahoma Humanities’ reading and discussion program, biannually (March and September) by Oklahoma Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma (LTAIO). Join us for an engaging discussion Humanities (OH), 424 Colcord Dr., Suite E, Oklahoma on how to find nonbiased news City, OK 73102, (405) 235-0280, [email protected]. 2020 Magazine Awards sources, techniques for assessing See page 97 for information on the OH organization, For ten years, OCU’s Dulaney-Browne Library has generously the accuracy of reporting, and board of trustees, grants, and programs. Our privacy provided a repository for the program’s 14,000 books that are how to contend with the nonstop policy is posted on our website. Great Plains Journalism Awards Oklahoma Humanities magazine is an award- loaned to Oklahoma libraries, prisons, and other nonprofits. bombardment of disinformation. winning collection of culture, issues, and ideas—a rich mix Oklahoma Finalist I really have enjoyed your latest of humanities scholarship, insightful narratives, informed Humanities Spring/Summer 2020 issue Magazine Page Design opinions, and beautiful images, for a read that is smart, LTAIO book discussions are transformational, fostering a safe on HOME. The articles’ perspectives on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 balanced, educational, and entertaining. Subscribe space to express diverse opinions and offering opportunities the meaning of home are very interesting Society of Professional Journalists Awards online: okhumanities.org or call (405) 235-0280. Oklahoma Pro Chapter LIVE, VIA ZOOM 6:30 P.M. Oklahoma Humanities magazine is free of advocacy for personal reflection and growth. and thought-provoking. I was amazed and advertising, supported by donors (like you). It by the cover! I have never seen such a First Place | General Writing REGISTER: is distributed as free educational programming via unique portrait of Woody Guthrie, done “Losing Time—And Finding It” two-year subscriptions rotated annually to serve as OCU’s gift of on-site office space and use of the mailroom okhumanities.org/citizen2020 many Oklahomans as possible. To continue your in Sara Bowersock’s contemporary style. I By Kimberly Roblin print subscription beyond two free years, make guarantee the smooth circulation of books and helps loved the way she included Woody’s a gift of support (use enclosed envelope or visit Oklahoma Humanities continue to offer the program—for Third Place | General Writing This Oklahoma-specific programming is lyrics as part of his guitar. This was the okhumanities.org/donate) or contact us and request “Poetic Justice” part of Democracy and the Informed continued free mailings. Back issues of Oklahoma free—to Oklahomans across the state. most eye-catching, appealing cover your By Julie Ann Ward Citizen (DATIC), a national initiative Humanities are archived on our website. Reading administered by the Federation of State group and classroom use is encouraged. Other magazine has ever used. It was a great We are extremely grateful for OCU’s continued support! decision to feature Ms. Bowersock’s Second Place | Best PR Publication Cover Humanities Councils with funds from reproduction requires written permission. Contact: [email protected]. beautiful image (“This Land is Your Land”) Justice | Spring/Summer 2019 the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Humanities councils in 46 states, Guam, Oklahoma Humanities awards include 44 Oklahoma of an Oklahoma icon on the cover about Third Place | Best PR Publication Cover and the Northern Marianas Islands are Society of Professional Journalists awards, including multiple first place honors for Best Writing, Best Cover, HOME. Her Oklahoma connections shine engaging in this collaborative project. Time | Fall/Winter 2019