Dr. Blake Perkins, History professor at ASU-Beebe, talks with Glen and April about his research on the history of "Ozarkers" or rural folk in the Arkansas mountains over the last couple of centuries. He specifically addresses aspects of how these Arkansans have tended to view "outsiders," whether those from state or federal government, from more urban areas, or persons with money and influence. Given the importance of such divisions in understanding polarization in our current society, we felt it helpful to hear his insights, which not only are academic in nature, but also arise in part from his early life being born and raised in rural Arkansas. Blake talks in some detail about both the realities of this culture as well as some myths or stereotypes that don't always correspond to reality. He cites examples of "outsiders" who thrived in the Ozark culture, for example. We also delve into current controversies regarding potential changes in the status of the Buffalo River's national park designation, as well as the recent LEARNS law and its changes that pose some concerns to rural Ozarkers.
Janet Harris, CEO of the Rockefeller Institute in Arkansas, 4-2-24, part 2: OTOH Episode 66
Janet Harris, CEO of Rockefeller Institute in Arkansas, 4-2-24, Part 1: OTOH Episode 65
Breanne Davis, AR state Senator & sponsor of 2023 LEARNS act, Part 2, Feb 20 2024; OTOH Episode 64
Breanne Davis, AR state Senator & sponsor of 2023 LEARNS act, Part 1, Feb 20 2024; OTOH Episode 63
Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe history professor, Part 2, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 62
Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activist, Jan 30 2024, Part 2: OTOH Episode 60
Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activitist, Jan 30 2024, Part 1: OTOH Episode 59
Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 58
Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 57
Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 56
Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 55
Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 54
Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 53
Nate Bell, former AR legislator, political consultant, government transparency activist, 10-18-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 52
Nate Bell, former AR legislator, political consultant, government transparency activist, 10-18-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 51
Marquis Hunt, recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader, 9-25-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 50
Marquis Hunt, recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader, 9-25-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 49
Rex Nelson, veteran journalist and political/governmental figure, 9-27-23, single episode: OTOH Episode 48
John Brummett, prominent and long-time Arkansas journalist & columnist, 8-25-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 47
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free