Tag: appalachia
A New Age of Appalachian Music
By Rea Needler from MIAR’s Appalachian music tradition and sound evolved from a massive blend brought by migrants from Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and West Africa. Types of songs ranging from ballads, fiddle and banjo tunes, and inspiration of religious hymns became the musical heartbeat of the Appalachian Mountains, preserving local…
The History of Bluegrass Music in Appalachia
By Iziah Cole from MIARs Introduction When most people hear bluegrass, they picture banjos, fiddles, and front porch jam sessions. But Bluegrass is much more than a style of music; it reflects Appalachian history, culture, and community. Even though the bluegrass genre became nationally recognized in the 1940s, its roots…
Car Culture in Appalachia
By Iziah Cole from MIARs Introduction Long before street racing and car meets, Appalachian drivers were modifying their vehicles for a different reason: Outrunning the law. What started with building faster, more agile cars in order to run moonshine helped shape stock car racing and helped contribute to a regional…
The Mystery That Still Haunts Flatwoods, WV
By Iziah Cole from MIARs The Flatwoods Monster The Flatwoods monster is one of Appalachia’s most famous cryptids, with sightings dating back to 1952, when it was first seen. Due to its massive media coverage, the time period during which it was spotted, its unique appearance, and the fact…
The Opioid Crisis in Appalachia: Who Should Be Held Responsible?
Introduction When most people think about Appalachia, they think of mountains, small towns, and coal mining. But for many people who live there, the opioid crisis has become one of the biggest problems the region has ever faced. Thousands of families have been affected by addiction, overdoses, and the loss…
Two Sides of Social Justice
Explore Nancy Fraser’s argument that true social justice requires both economic equality and recognition of identity to create a fair and inclusive society.
The Ethical Dilemma of Mountaintop Removal Mining in Appalachia
Coal mining has shaped the economy and identity of Appalachia for generations, but mountaintop removal mining has also left lasting environmental scars. This blog explores the ethical dilemma of balancing economic opportunity with protecting the mountains, waterways, and communities of eastern Kentucky and Tennessee.