The History of Emoji

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the cultural significance of emoji, in light of the release of new forms.

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• The Unicode Consortium has released dozens of new emoji, including a pregnant man, a melting face, and multiple new family configurations. Natalia referred to this Atlantic essay and to this BBC piece, and Niki to this essay on Science Friday. 

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Natalia discussed the range of causes currently motivating student protests, including this walkout in Poway, California.
• Neil shared Dr. Amanda Joy Calhoun’s Stat News article, “How Black Hair Racism Affects Mental Health.”
• Niki recommended Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times piece, “We Still Can’t See American Slavery For What It Was.”