Blackface, Venezuela, and Conversation Hearts

Past Present Episode 166

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of blackface, political upheaval in Venezuela, and the demise of Valentine’s Day conversation hearts. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Two top Virginia Democrats have admitted to wearing blackface. Natalia pointed to a recent Gucci turtleneck that many have ...
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Blackface, Venezuela, and Conversation Hearts

The KonMari Method as Consumer Theory

How Marie Kondo helps us re-learn to love the things we buy

This essay was originally published on February 11 2019. I first sat down to watch Tidying Up with Marie Kondo only after “Bookgate” had already erupted and passed. In early January, a series of viral tweets criticized Kondo and her “KonMari” tidying method for the suggestion that one ought to keep no more ...
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The KonMari Method as Consumer Theory

Howard Schultz, Gay Priests, and Ted Bundy

Past Present Episode 165

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss Howard Schultz’ presidential bid, gay men in the priesthood, and the enduring fascination with serial killer Ted Bundy. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Starbucks founder Howard Schultz has announced he is running for the presidency in 2020. Natalia referred ...
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Howard Schultz, Gay Priests, and Ted Bundy

Marching on Washington, the LA Teachers’ Strike, and Cities and Economic Inequality

Past Present Episode 164

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss marching on Washington as a form of political protest, the Los Angeles teachers’ strike, and how American cities reflect economic inequality. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Native American and pro-life activists both marched in Washington, D.C., last ...
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Marching on Washington, the LA Teachers’ Strike, and Cities and Economic Inequality

Sex, Race and Religion Flood the Streets of Washington, DC

Hundreds of protestors coincide over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend

Multiple marches filled the streets of Washington, D.C. over the cold, winter weekend celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Sex, race and religion were major themes. The first was the Indigenous People’s March, which met at the Dept. of Interior at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, January 18. After a greeting with prayers ...
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Sex, Race and Religion Flood the Streets of Washington, DC

‘First thing we do, we kill all the lawyers.’

How Trump’s immigration policies have been (largely) stopped in the courts. A conversation with law professor Peter Margulies.

Lawyers -- outraged by the Trump Administration's harsh policies against immigrants -- have brought scores of cases challenging the President's actions. They have been remarkably successful in persuading judges to invalidate or put on hold many of the Administration's new policies. Law professor Peter Margulies tells us why the lawyers ...
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Gillette’s New Ad, Rep. Steve King, and Cursive’s Decline

Past Present Episode 163

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Gillette released a new ad taking aim at “toxic masculinity.” Natalia recommended historian Gail Bederman’s book Manliness and Civilization: A Cultural History of Race and Gender in the United States, 1880-1917 and a Twitter thread she compiled of relevant historical images. Neil referred to his HuffPost piece on the campaign’s ...
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Gillette’s New Ad, Rep. Steve King, and Cursive’s Decline

Border Tragedies

A Tempest Tossed Essay by Alex Aleinikoff on Trump border policies.

The death of 7 year old Jakelin Caal while in Border Patrol custody is a tragedy, and it is sadly emblematic of Trump Administration border policies that have devastated families, undermined U.S. asylum laws and betrayed traditional American values. Alex Aleinikoff, Director of the Zolberg Institute on Migration and Mobility ...
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Tempest Tossed Episode 10

The Trump Administration’s Assault on Gender Asylum

Two actions of the Trump Administration have sought to make it practically impossible for women who are victims of intimate partner violence to apply for and be granted asylum in the United States. The first is an action by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to overturn a decision of the Board of ...
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The Weekly Standard, Sheryl Sandberg, and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

Past Present Episode 160

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the closing of the conservative magazine The Weekly Standard, changing public perceptions of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, and the controversy over the 1944 Christmas classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: After twenty-three years, the ...
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The Weekly Standard, Sheryl Sandberg, and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”