Navigating America as an immigrant, History of postcards

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time
A pile of letters and postcards waiting to be mailed.
Peyri Herrera (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Long before online social media, postcards let people swap notes and jokes. We look back at the history of postcards and why they became so popular at their peak. We also talk with an author about growing up as an immigrant in America and using humor to cope with encountering racism.

Featured in this Show

  • Navigating Islamophobia and racism as a Pakistani American

    A new book takes us through life growing up as a Pakistani American, navigating Islamophobia and racism while figuring out where to fit in society.

  • A history of postcards and their place in today's communication

    We may think of postcards as a pleasantry you send your family when you’re on vacation, but our guest sees them as much more. She describes them as artifacts at the intersection of history, science, technology, art and culture. We look at how they got started and the role they play today.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Lee Rayburn Technical Director
  • Trina La Susa Technical Director
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Lorin Cox Producer
  • Bill Martens Producer
  • Wajahat Ali Guest
  • Lydia Pyne Guest

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