Episode 80: The Right to Disloyalty

“I have learned to hate all traitors, and there is no disease that I spit on more than treachery.”
— Aeschylus, Ancient Greek Dramatist
“Though those that are betrayed do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor stands in the worst case of woe.”
— William Shakespeare

In a world where causes and sincerity are increasingly valued, we are very quick to label those who come to stand against as "traitors". Despite our language of simple dichotomies, between heroes and traitors, loyalty and betrayal, these ideas are more complex than they might appear. Can the individual offer their loyalty to more than one cause? Does the concept of loyalty allow for natural and inevitable human growth and change? This week we welcome Gabe Brison-Trezise to discuss some of these nuances and to explore their implications in our lives and the decisions we make.

Episode 79: "What Does the Academy Value in a Black Performance?"

“Black men have been up for best actor Oscars only 20 times. 13 of those characters were arrested. 15 were violent.”
— Brandon K. Thorp, The New York Times
“Of the 10 black women ever up for best actress Oscars, all played characters in poverty. 9 were homeless or nearly so.”
— Brandon K. Thorp, The New York Times

Given the popularity, influence and relevance of movies in America, the Oscars often present opportunities for cultural and historical consideration. This year, the lack of any black nominees at the Oscars caused massive outcries in response from audiences and actors alike. Social media conversations like #OscarsSoWhite remind us that the discontent is genuine and its roots in issues of race are deep. We chose to explore this issue through a New York Times article discussing black actors and actresses in the history of the Oscars.

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.