In this second part of our interview with Dr. Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe professor of history, we further explore his insights into the culture and politics of rural Arkansans in the Ozark region, who he terms "Ozarkers." In this episode, he provides additional detail into the reality, as opposed to stereotypes, of Ozarkers' frequently described distrust of outsiders. He includes lessons from history and his studies that suggest ways to reduce misunderstandings of people such as rural Arkansans, and he outlines some of the understandable and rational basis for some of their views. He also offers one model of how to use debate exercises in the classroom about historical events as a means of helping students to better appreciate diversity of views and ideologies, while promoting critical thinking about an issue. Current suspicion in some quarters about the value of higher education is also discussed. Dr. Perkins concludes with a humorous story of how another professor's energetic engagement with his class ended up revealing more of the professor than he likely wanted.
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 1, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 61
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
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