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Birdie in the Cage

Radiolab

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The Dance of Heritage and Identity

This chapter explores the cultural significance of square dancing in America, tracing its roots from community events in Brooklyn to its historical ties with immigrant integration and national identity. Through a discussion on the evolution of dance traditions, it highlights the contentious proposal for square dancing to be declared the national folk dance, revealing tensions between cultural acknowledgment and historical injustices. The narrative underscores the interplay between past and present, particularly in relation to Native American experiences and the overarching quest for belonging in American society.

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