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Birdie in the Cage

Radiolab

ANECDOTE

Square Dancing and American History

  • Rep. Jim Davis defends square dancing as uniquely American and reflective of community values.
  • He acknowledges the historical mistreatment of Native Americans but emphasizes the importance of recognizing aspects of US culture.
  • Davis recalls de Tocqueville's observations about the sense of community in small Western towns, highlighting people caring for one another.
  • The interviewer pushes back, pointing out the historical context of westward expansion and displacement of Native American tribes.
  • Davis reiterates the importance of mutual support in American communities and suggests that recognizing square dancing would be a nice gesture to those who enjoy it.
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