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Last broadcast on Sun, 31 Oct 2010, 19:15 on BBC Radio 4.
Synopsis
Americana examines the defining and redefining of a nation.
Once every ten years, when U.S. Census figures are updated, American politicians have the opportunity to draw crooked lines to map out districts of political supporters to their advantage. The abuse of power is called gerrymandering. The honest practice is called redistricting. Americana talks with the filmmaker Jeff Reichert about his new film on the history of gerrymandering and about the debate unfolding about how best to keep the system of redistricting honest.
Matt Frei talks to former poet laureate Rita Dove about how to define the culture of a nation through poetry.
And Garry Wills discusses his new book "Outside Looking In: Adventures of an Observer," a memoir that grapples with how to define oneself.
Gerrymandering or Redistricting
Once every ten years, U.S. Census figures are updated and American politicians have the opportunity to draw crooked lines to map out districts of political supporters to their advantage.
The abuse of power is called gerrymandering. The honest practice is called redistricting.
Matt Frei talks to film maker Jeff Reichert about his new documentary "Gerrymandering." The two discussion the history and potential impacts of upcoming election propositions attempting to clean up the process.
Garry Wills
Garry Wills discusses his new book, "Outside Looking In: Adventures of an Observer." The political historian reflects on the moments and people who helped define him through his life.
Rita Dove
Matt Frei talks to former poet laureate Rita Dove about how to define the culture of a nation through poetry. She shares some of the words that are meaningful to her.
Rita Dove reads Sing Song
Broadcast
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Sun 31 Oct 201019:15
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