The tradition of fried fish, pancakes and the Internet, Inside Appalachia – West Virginia Public Broadcasting

This week on Inside Appalachia, Can the Internet Rebuild Appalachia? We ask science fiction novelist and technology writer Corey Doctorow. Also, French fries have been a staple in the black community of Charleston, West Virginia for generations. We learn more about them. And ride the Cass Scenic Railroad to meet the people who keep the steam trains moving.

Can the Internet Rebuild Appalachia? We ask Cory Doctorow, science fiction novelist and technology writer.

Also, French fries have been a staple in the black community of Charleston, West Virginia for generations. We learn more about them.

And ride the Cass Scenic Railroad to meet the people who keep the steam trains moving.

You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia

In this section:

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Digital Rights of Dr. Cory’s Heroes in Appalachia

Author Cory Doctorow is one of the world’s foremost thinkers on the Internet and how it is changing our lives. Ph.D.’s science fiction novels address social media culture and the pervasiveness of surveillance. He is also a digital human rights activist who sees technology as a pure commodity if people are given better control over it.

Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Doctorow about what it could mean for Appalachia.

Fish Fry Traditions in Charleston, WV

Signs for fish fries are common in Charleston, West Virginia, especially in the city’s black community, where it has been a tradition for generations.

Folkways contributor Licia Lee grew up in Charleston and says friends and neighbors would often host roasts, often as a way to raise money for community needs. He brings us this story.

Anne Pancake as Appalachian Heritage Writer in Residence

West Virginia author Anne Pancake is best known for her acclaimed 2007 novel Strange as this weather has been. This is a family in southern West Virginia affected by mountaintop removal. Now, Pancake is the Appalachian Heritage Writer at Shepherd University.

WVPB member Liz McCormick recently spoke with him about what inspires his writing. First, listen to Pancake sing part of it Strange as this weather has been.

Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week comes from The Company Stores, Sierra Ferrel, Gerry Milnes, The Carpenter Ants and Jerry Douglas.

Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloy is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelly Libby is our editor. Our sound mixer is Patrick Stephens.

You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.

You can follow us on Instagram, threads and twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.

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Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.