Intense emotion has been revered, feared and everything in between since our species began introspecting. When it comes to the intensity we show others, especially in the realm of romance, complications emerge. How do we determine the proper amount of emotion to show? Where does flattery slip into fixation? This week, we explore some of the distinctions between creepy and romantic gestures and behaviors.
Episode 192: Ticket Philanthropy and Representation
Recent films like Black Panther, Wonder Woman and Love, Simon have amplified a desire among moviegoers to promote better representation of our society. In the past year they have been record-breaking films, sparking conversations about topics like gender, race and sexual orientation. Celebrities like Octavia Spencer and Matt Bomer have even purchased full theaters to share these movies with children and those who can't afford tickets. What does the film industry say about issues of representation in contemporary society? How to the identities of these celebrities speak to the roles or expectations of distinct demographics and communities?
Further Reading:
CinemaBlend, "Octavia Spencer Is Buying Out A Whole Theater So Kids Can Screen Black Panther"
Bustle, "Matt Bomer Bought Out A 'Love Simon' Screening So Kids Can See That #LoveIsLoveIsLove"
Metro, "Kendrick Lamar and TDE buy out three theaters so kids can see 'Black Panther' for free"
Education Week, "Why People Are Raising Money to Show Students 'A Wrinkle in Time'"
Episode 191: To Tell the Young of Ends
In the process of growing up, we learn a great deal about the world and the people around us. Common in all of our experiences are the truths of mortality - our abilities, our frailties and the reality of demise. But we don’t all encounter or sit with this truth at the same moment in life. This week, Dan Farina joins us to discuss the prospect of sharing this fact with a young person. How does this knowledge affect people and their relative innocence? How do we view our time in life differently upon learning about death?
Episode 190: The Painted Walkway
“Designed to evoke emotion and to spark conversation. It embraces the community and marries both sides of the bridge gracefully by creating a new urban texture. The mural layout and color palette masterfully softens and generates a new energy with ever step.”
Though we all share public spaces and avenues, we navigate and perceive it in distinct ways. Some notice the ground, some rarely use the sidewalk and others could tell you about every safe place to lock a bike. This week, we’re discussing a particular circumstance tied to Allston, Massachusetts and a footbridge which, previously covered in striking graffiti, has now been painted over with a mural. How do spaces like this designate ownership or artistic intent for a public? How does graffiti draw our attention where it may previously have been absent?
Episode 189: Voids for the Networkers
At every stage of life, our communities provide us with shelter, guidance, support and friendship. For millennials in particular, communities, their definitions and boundaries appear to be shifting. Young professionals away from their hometowns and looking to establish connections might resort to recreational sports leagues, book clubs or similar means of creating communities in contrast to "natural" communities. This week, we welcome Callum Melrose to discuss the phenomenon and its implications. How might millennials be more territorial about activities or relationships meant to be more stress-free and enjoyable because of a need for community?
