Episode 78: Donald Trump, Wisdom and Walls

“And he might say he was joking or he’s changed his mind about any of these things, and private individuals are allowed to change their minds - we all do it. But when he’s sworn in as president on January 20th, 2017 - on that day, his opinions are going to matter.”
— John Oliver of Last Week Tonight
“I hate how he exploits people’s fears instead of appealing to their aspirations, their better angels. I hate how he gives people license to say hateful things. I understand why Trump’s backers are angry, and I don’t subscribe to the theory that most of them are bigots. But they are condoning bigotry.”
— Ron Fournier, The Atlantic

In less than a year, Donald Trump has made a profound impact in the political, media and social spheres of the United States. Some are enthralled by his relentless fervor, confidence and promises to "Make America Great Again". Others, understandably are disgusted by the Islamophobia, racism, sexism and derogatory remarks he has made towards journalists, political rivals and everyone in between. Beyond the public reaction, it is important for each of us to consider not only our responses to the current Republican front-runner but our own values, concerns and perceptions. Is hatred an appropriate response to a man who has shown the terrifying influence of hatred? Do our discussions on social media promote recognition of his name? Undoubtedly, we must confront the political juggernaut he has become and the deep-seated problems he has revealed. Will we do so civilly or will Donald Trump's legacy be the spark of a greater conflagration?

Episode 77: The Evolution of Barbie

“This is radical because we’re saying ‘But there isn’t this narrow standard of what a body looks like’...This is what our future looks like because this is what the world looks like.”
— Robest Best, Senior Director of Product Design
“They’re seeing the differences amongst their friends and family being celebrated.”
— Nicole Guice, Senior Designer

Despite the importance of personal representation and its increasing relevance in our public and political discussions, we do not often examine issues of representation on the micro level. In 2016, Mattel has made the decision to now release Barbie dolls in three new body shapes, seven new skin tones, twenty-two eye colors and twenty-four hairstyles. How will consumer preferences dictate purchases of these new models? Will those playing with these new models of Barbie identify with body-types and aesthetics other than their own? How might new skin tones affect (or fail to initiate) conversations surrounding race and racial identity?

Episode 76: For Non-Gamers — Stigma

“Video games are bad for you? That’s what they said about rock-n-roll.”
— Shigeru Miyamoto
“That’s really one of the things I love about video games. It’s a whole new world every time you start.”
— Jennifer Hale

Because of their relative youth as a type of entertainment, pastime and as a form of art, video games are often relegated to lower levels of appreciation or even ridicule. In this first episode of a new series, entitled "For Non-Gamers," we want to take a hard look at the criticisms people level at video games, as well as how and why they do so. When compared to media such as television, books and movies, why are video games discarded as wasteful when they can offer more interactive, thought-provoking and complex emotional experiences? We welcome Phoebe Lewis, self-proclaimed "non-gamer," to help us unpack some of these issues. In particular, we hope listeners who are unfamiliar with gaming as a medium will pay close attention to this series and engage our discussions thoughtfully. We also hope to bridge some of the cultural gaps between gamers and non-gamers. We would also like to thank Will Quam, Tom Hoefner, Alexandra Harmes, Ivan Lescanec and Mark Webster for their written contributions.

Episode 75: Understanding a Chosen Family

“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile & who love you no matter what.”

As we grow older and explore the world we live in, especially in college and the years beyond, we come to reexamine our relationships and the status they hold. Our values develop, our priorities shift and our definitions of love and friendship might also change. In this process, many of us establish chosen families - those without biological ties with whom we share strong bonds of affection and trust. This week we welcome Qossay Alsattari to discuss our expectations and opinions on the concept of a chosen family and its function in our lives.

Episode 74: The Atrocity in Flint

“Walters (a Flint mother) says her 5-year-old son has developed speech issues and a compromised immune system since the water crisis began. ‘There is no trust there anymore.’”
— Joshua Berlinger and Joseph Netto, CNN
“So why was this the state of Michigan’s responsibility and not that of the elected leaders of the city of Flint? Because Snyder had trumped local decision-making by installing an emergency manager under a controversial state law that allows the governor to usurp democracy. And like many issues of inequity in Michigan and nationwide, there’s a racial component — it’s been invoked primarily in the state’s poorest and blackest cities.”
— Scott Martelle, The LA Times

With so many factors to manage in our daily lives, many of us might forget about the integral role health and systems of government both play. For the people of Flint, Michigan, deliberate neglect, mistrust and abuse of power have led to an atrocious water poisoning at the hands of politicians. Over the course of the past few years, democratic abilities were withheld from citizens and those who protested water discoloration and taste were told the situation was under control. Only now, after details have come to light, has public discourse taken this issue into consideration. Regardless, certain damage has been done to both the people of Flint and their trust.