Americana: 13 Feb 11: The American Filibuster

The American Filibuster: As the row over filibustering in the UK
heats up, Americana takes a look at the history of this
increasingly popular senatorial tactic in the U.S. Can it be put to
good use - or is it really just the resort of the time-wasting
obstructionist? Melting Pot Myth? The BBC's Matthew Wells tests out
the immigrant's dream of melting-pot New York. Are the streets
paved with gold - or is the myth finally wearing thin? Reclaiming
Racist Language: Throughout America's struggles with integration,
the vocabulary of "us" and "them" has spawned some unutterable
words. Students from Maryland explain how they are reclaiming the
language of racism. Joyce Carol Oates: And one of America's
pre-eminent authors, Joyce Carol Oates, talks about her new
memoire; a raw and candid appraisal of life after her husband's
death in 2008.