Episode 120: Black Panther, Adam Rippon, and Plastics

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the blockbuster film Black Panther, the ascendancy of Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon, and the preponderance of plastics in contemporary life.

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

• The release of blockbuster film Black Panther is being hailed as a watershed moment in African American, and mainstream, popular culture. Niki and Natalia both referenced Laurence Ware’s New York Times article on black nerds.
• Figure skater Adam Rippon has attracted media attention for using his platform to defend LGBTQ rights. Natalia mentioned this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour featuring journalist Sam Sanders describing what it’s like to cover the Olympics. Niki referenced this Newsweek article about the “frozen closet” and Natalia commented on this New York Times article about disordered eating among male figure skaters.
• The Anglican Church is recommending that people give up plastics for Lent. Natalia noted the role of plastics in the 1967 film The Graduate and Niki referred to this Washington Post article on the magnitude of plastic pollution in in the United States.

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

• Neil shared historian Josh Clark Davis’ Atlantic article on the FBI crackdown on black-owned bookstores.
• Natalia discussed this Sexing History podcast episode on the sexual harassment of flight attendants.
• Niki commented on Fergie’s rendition of the national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game and shared Cindy Boren’s Washington Post article that placed it in the context of poorly regarded national anthem performances.