This week on Behind The Lens, The Krewe of Choctaw throws plastic tomahawks and feathered headdresses, while their membership has no indigenous members, representing a harmful portrayal of culture to those of Choctaw heritage who continue to protest and call for change.

Gun arrests spike during Mardi Gras and nearly all those arrested last year were Black prompting concerns from some critics that the police are engaging in racial profiling.

And for the first time, there was a visible, and organized push to keep Mardi Gras trash out of the landfill and get it into the hands of recyclers, thanks to several non profit organizations and the City of New Orleans.

Our guests this week are Lens reporters La’Shance Perry, Nick Chrastil, Delaney Dryfoos and managing editor Katy Reckdahl. 

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Spring Solstice by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

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Carolyne Heldman has been in media for 35 years, most recently as Executive Director at an NPR member station in Colorado where she was responsible for new multi-platform content initiatives, strategic...