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Killers of the Flower Moon

Published by USC Bedrosian Center on

In Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann brings readers back to Osage County Oklahoma in the 1920s. After discovering oil, members of the Osage U.S. state/federal governments, the money was often held in guardianship for tribe members. Soon, the Osage were found murdered, or killed under mysterious circumstances. What followed is a tale of greed and corruption at multiple levels.

Who were the heroes of this story? How did Hoover use these murders to create a narrative to bolster the FBI, during a period in which the nation was wary of a Federal institutions? Which institutions prevailed, which failed? Did Grann tell the story of the Osage well?

Host Jeffery Jenkins (@jaj7d) is joined by guests Richard Green (@keynesianr), Lisa Schweitzer (@drschweitzer), and David Treuer (@DavidTreuer).

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To listen to the Bedrosian Book Club discussion of the “Killers of the Flower Moon” episode click the arrow in the player on this post. Or you can download it and subscribe through ApplePodcasts, Soundcloud, Google Play, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting app!

Links & further immersion:

Osage Nation
Curse of Oil
Headrights
Dawes Act, 1887
J. Edgar Hoover
Path Dependence
The Other Slavery by Andrés Reséndez
The Round House by Louise Erdrich

Next Month …

We’ll discuss the classic science fiction novel, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.
We’ll look at themes in the book as well as some the real world controversy of the author. What role does art play? What role does the artist play? Can we separate art from politics, artist from politics?
From the book jacket:

Once Again, Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a front assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens.But who?

Ender Wiggin. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child.

Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender’s childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battle School. Among the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses. In simulated war games he excels. But is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions? After all, Battle School is just a game.

Right?

Read along with us! Let us know what you think of the book & our podcasts on Facebook or Twitter.

This podcast was produced by Aubrey Hicks and Jonathan Schwartz, recorded and mixed by The Brothers Hedden, Ryan and Corey Hedden.

Bedrosian Center