Episode 193: Twins, the Equinox Boycott, and "The Hunt"

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss social media “twinfluencers,” a boycott of fitness brands Equinox and SoulCycle, and the controversy over the film The Hunt.

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

• Some of the most popular social media content features identical twins. Natalia referred to this Smithsonian article on twin research, and to Yunte Huang’s book Inseparable.
• When Stephen Ross, CEO of Related Properties, held a lavish fundraiser for President Trump, members of portfolio properties Equinox and SoulCycle were enraged. Natalia referred to Alexandra Petri’s Washington Post article sending up the SoulCycle protest and to James Hamblin’s Atlantic article explaining why the hypocrisy of these brands hit home.
• Universal Studios has indefinitely delayed the release of the movie The Hunt, a politically themed horror movie. Neil referred to this relevant prehistory of the Hays Code.

 

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

• Natalia shared the New York Times obituary of feminist scholar Ann Snitow.
• Neil recommended Kevin Kruse’s New York Times magazine article, “What Does A Traffic Jam in Atlanta Have to Do with Segregation? Quite A Lot.”
• Niki discussed conspiracy theories about the death of Jeffrey Epstein.