Favorite Things From This Week 1/19
The theme of this week is unintended consequences. More than just consequences, this week's stories focus on the byproducts of our current conversations. Cause and effect is not always a one-to-one scenario, but as our politics, culture, media, and social lives become more and more intertwined, the permeability between previous divisions increases. The transitive effect of policy and action has far reaching implications that no longer require an episode of Connections or "Revisionist History" to parse.
Cultural studies has a theory called intersectionality, where individual social aspects like race and gender become complexly interwoven to form a broader picture and understanding of that issue. Understanding how these factors interact becomes integral to seeing the whole conflict. Though bred from feminist and racial studies, I'd like to apply the concept of intersectionality more broadly to understand how cultural events reach far beyond their initial sphere and understanding the consequences, intended or unintended, helps paint a clearer picture. (There may be a term for this, but I don't know it).
Think consequences of globalization beyond economics.
With that in mind, here are the byproducts, important and mundane, from another crazy week in 2018.
Is Your Thermostat Sexist [The New Yorker] - Living in LA, the AC is always blasting in every building I've ever been in. I was always cold indoors, which previously attributed to bad circulation or other bodily issues, but I always kept a spare jacket at my desk just in case. But as it turns out, buildings are actually regulated for the natural body heat of men, which are naturally higher and therefore withstand colder temperatures. Additionally, the temperature of traditional offices favors people who dress head to toe and don't expose any skin. Suits vs. skins.
Intersectional Connection: the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have tackled discrimination and harassment in previously unseen and undiscussed spaces. The Aziz Ansari debate opened up a grey area, that while important, could only have been talked about in the current climate where we at a point of questioning granularity. It exposed an issue that is a clear structural byproduct of the moment. It brings up the question: what other structural issues of oppression exist that may not be so readily apparent? Well, we could start by cranking up the thermostat.
Hawaii On Alert [PornHub] - Despite the host site, this is actually an interesting and funny use of data. PornHub released the data on its site traffic during and after the false nuclear missile test in Hawaii this past weekend. Turns out averting the apocalypse is as good a reason as any to get back to doing what Americans love most.
Intersectional Connection: during the Cold War, schools and workplaces routinely ran drills to prepare citizens in the event of a nuclear event. Now, with the specter of nuclear war dangling over this country, it would seem that preparations in the event of one would be at an all time high. How people reacted to last week's false alarm indicates something about the current state of our psyches and what we hold truly dear. How prepared are we for nuclear war, and what will we miss most should the day arrive?
Spotify Launches Visual-Podcast Strategy in Bid to Expand Beyond Music [Variety] - Spotify has been one of the most influential companies when it comes to streaming content and the surrounding ecosystem. This latest move to add visual podcasts is a bold step to incorporate a broader contingent of content to its already expansive library. Is streaming video next? MoviePass seems to want in.
Intersectional Connection: Spotify has taken political stands before, and though incorporating podcasts into isn't expressly political, a lot of the titles they're working with are. Crooked Media, Gimlet, and Buzzfeed News have enjoyed the popularity of podcasts and stand to benefit greatly from the new integrations. Spotify has not really publicized their podcast section, but this new partnership may see an expansion of podcast promotion and new way for Spotify to gain a foothold in the political sphere.
The World's Most Popular Liquor Becomes Scarce On Many Shelves [NPR] - Moutai baijiu, a fiery alcohol and banquet mainstay in China, is being snatched up by speculators, driving the prices past $150 a bottle. Notoriously labor intensive to create, the intensive process assured already high prices for the liquor. Now, with worries of inflation and corruption crackdowns on the rise in China, the liquor is one of the most precious commodities for China's affluent business community.
Intersectional Connection: China has undergone sweeping reforms and crackdowns on corruption as the government seeks to consolidate power in the form of economic purging. This is not a new tactic, but the byproducts of a crackdown like this are hard to predict. Alcohol, especially expensive bottles used as gifts, is a unique and interesting casualty of the climate. Given the crackdowns in Saudi Arabia, it is worth monitoring the unintended consequences of power consolidation and purging.
Rare, Venomous Sea Snake Found Slithering on Southern California Shores. Are More Coming [LA Times] - Turns out venomous snakes aren't only found in Washington DC. 5 yellow-bellied sea snakes have been found in Southern California since 2015. They are indigenous to places with warmer waters like Central America and Asia.
Intersectional Connection: This news, terrifying Southern California beachgoers, is another byproduct of global warming and the rising ocean temperatures. The climate's effect on migration and living patterns of animals is well documented, but places like LA have yet to feel threatened. Are we approaching a doomsday scenario where we must contend with dangerous animal refugees on a day-to-day basis? How will cities and people adapt alongside our animal friends? Sharknado seems imminent.
Movie of the Week - The Commuter - Liam Neeson fighting dudes with a guitar on a train in hopes of saving his wife and son? This is what January movies are all about. Despite the ridiculous premise, the movie delivers thrills and action befitting the genre. Plus, a dramatic legend like Liam Neeson delivering cheesy lines and action catchphrases is worth the trip to the theater. He seems to be getting too old to dole out and take the beatings that have become his trademark in recent films, so take advantage while you can.
Song of the Week - "Nervous Young Inhumans" by Car Seat Headrest - Tracing the recent arc of young Will Toledo's career has been akin to watching a benchwarmer become the team's MVP. Nervous, neurotic, bespectacled, Toledo's transformation has been less obvious and ostentatious than some of his rock compatriots, but it has nonetheless gifted us with some of the best garage punk of the last decade. As part of his reissue of the 2011 album Twin Fantasy, Toledo ventures more into pop than he ever has before, without losing any of the deadpan and inner torture that make him one of the most magnetic and exciting talents in rock.
Honorable Mention for Song of the Week - "Music is Worth Living For" by Andrew WK - this song rocks super hard but this story makes the difference. Good Guy Andrew WK.