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.
#66 Janet Harris, CEO of the Rockefeller Institute in Arkansas, 4-2-24, part 2: OTOH Episode 66
#65 Janet Harris, CEO of Rockefeller Institute in Arkansas, 4-2-24, Part 1: OTOH Episode 65
#64 Breanne Davis, AR state Senator & sponsor of 2023 LEARNS act, Part 2, Feb 20 2024; OTOH Episode 64
#63 Breanne Davis, AR state Senator & sponsor of 2023 LEARNS act, Part 1, Feb 20 2024; OTOH Episode 63
#62 Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe history professor, Part 2, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 62
#60 Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activist, Jan 30 2024, Part 2: OTOH Episode 60
#59 Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activitist, Jan 30 2024, Part 1: OTOH Episode 59
#58 Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 58
#57 Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 57
#56 Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 56
#55 Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 55
#54 Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 54
#53 Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 53
#52 Nate Bell, former AR legislator, political consultant, government transparency activist, 10-18-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 52
#51 Nate Bell, former AR legislator, political consultant, government transparency activist, 10-18-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 51
#50 Marquis Hunt, recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader, 9-25-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 50
#49 Marquis Hunt, recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader, 9-25-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 49
#48 Rex Nelson, veteran journalist and political/governmental figure, 9-27-23, single episode: OTOH Episode 48
#47 John Brummett, prominent and long-time Arkansas journalist & columnist, 8-25-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 47
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