DC Writers Way
Related Articles
Posted 3 hours ago
Political tensions and an ongoing public health crisis have one thing in common: disinformation. So how do we learn what is what?
This episode is a conversation starter. In Episode Four, we take a look at how belief systems have changed and have been shaped over the past year, while harnessing their evolution in public health and politics.
We are learning with Dr. Beth Vonnahme, professor of political science at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Next, we talk to Jason Glenn, historian and medical philosopher at the University of Kansas Medical Center, who explains what he has done to crack down on misinformation about the COVID vaccine and build bridges to better understanding.
What we read and listened to:
Here are some fascinating reads and tunes we found during our research for this episode. Go for it and let us know what you think! Tweet us at @vickyd_c and @fentywise.
- Is there a way to fight or stop people from descending into the holes of disinformation? This expert says yes. Listen to NPR’s Short Wave, a science podcast, to find out how.
- Vox broke down the famous Nikki Minaj incident where she warned people to “do their own research” on COVID vaccines. It turns out that she was basing her hesitation on an incident that happened to her cousin in Trinidad, which has become something of an internet pop culture meme. Read more here.
- Did you know that psychologists study uncertainty? This brief from the American Psychological Association describes some fascinating facts and includes links to ongoing studies. If you like, read it here.
- Here’s a link to the International Society for Political Psychology’s research paper on conspiracy theories, which we cite in the episode.
Meet the hosts:
Ieshia Downton (she / she) is co-host and creator of The filter podcast and social media coordinator at Kansas City PBS. She is originally from Kansas City with Caribbean roots and an interest in cultural storytelling and reporting. Prior to joining Kansas City PBS, Ieshia was instrumental in Studio KC review and indiscipline magazine as a feature film editor. She graduated from the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri, majoring in magazine writing.
Vicky Diaz-Camacho (she / she) is the co-host and creator of The filter podcast and community reporter for Flatland in Kansas City PBS. Raised in El Paso, Texas, a southwestern border town, Vicky’s roots as a half Mexican and Puerto Rican inform much of her reporting, which tends to focus on culture, race, and religion. health. Prior to joining Kansas City PBS, she interned at NPR and worked as a data reporter for the Kansas City Business Journal. She graduated from the University of Kansas School of Journalism, specializing in News and Publishing, and is proud to be a University Daily Kansan alumnus.
Production team credits: Ieshia Downton, Vicky Diaz-Camacho, Naina Rao, Felicia Diaz, PJ Kelly and Ana Parra.
Theme song credit: Aysia Berlynn and the music of primary colors.
