Stride & Saunter

As graduation season begins again, we felt it would be worthwhile to analyze and respond to another popular commencement address. This week we're looking at Jim Carrey's speech to the 2014 graduating class of the Maharishi University of Management. In this address, he discusses his belief that our choices are generally based in either fear or love. He encourages the graduates to have faith in themselves, to follow their passions in spite of negativity and doubt. He also promotes feelings of connection and urges them to express both their desires and skills without hesitation.

Often incorporated into our daily or regular habits after adolescence, body hair becomes relatively mundane to us. We might notice it on occasion or sculpt it in particular ways, ignore it or pay it close attention. What is its relevance in the ways we treat and view one another, as well as our own bodies? How are certain types of body hair policed in some people and not others? This week, we revisit the topic to explore new avenues of discussion and thought.

Without question, sex plays a huge role in our biological, sociological and personal lives. Some treat it with hesitation, others with curiosity and delight and still others find sex to be taboo and unworthy of discussion. But everyone has the right to understand both their sexual identities and the role sex plays in our society. Given its importance, we wanted to examine how it is taught, both in our country and elsewhere. In our conversation, we tackle some of our biases and linguistic choices when talking about sex, as well as some of the dangers of avoiding the topic in conversation with children and young adults. Not only is the issue significant, it is also highly controversial and as always, we welcome alternative perspectives.

Invariably, the societies we establish force us to ask difficult questions and often present equally difficult, nuanced and uncomfortable answers. How do we define "justice"? How will we share or distribute resources? Who will defend us? These questions are particularly potent when describing individual behavior. This week, we react to a Boston Globe article entitled "Is crime genetic? Scientists don't know because they're afraid to ask". Would the answers to such questions make us a better society or might they cause even more stratification and division than already exists? After all, crime is both legally and socially determined and therefore might vary between cultures. Furthermore, how does our seemingly unconditional trust in scientists lead us to believe any conclusions they might draw? We explore the ideas surrounding criminality and how developmental mechanisms might also influence what we define as "criminal behavior".

In a world where nearly everyone seems concerned with weight, health and appearance, many folks are concerned with the foods they eat and the connotations attached to their diets and nutrition. As a result, certain items and contents, such as fat, have been stigmatized. People pursue non-fat options under the banner of good health, unaware of potential consequences. Because of this, many of us fail to understand the dietary and biological roles of nutrients like fats, sugars and salts. Our conversation focuses on our relationship to these ideologies through an examination of fat content in different types of milk.

Improvisational comedy, often termed "improv," is seen by many as intimidating, impressive and surreal. Actors who can come up with answers and scenarios on the spot are treated as superhuman performers when the reality is quite different. As guest Kay Kelley helps describe in this episode, improv and everyday life are not so different. Both reward good listening, creativity and inventive thinking. As improv performers, we wanted to explore some memories we have of the format and how its philosophy can benefit anyone outside of a theatrical context.

Since his passing over two months ago, we knew we wanted to discuss the public response to Bowie and the legacy he leaves behind. He was an artist, a visionary and so thoroughly involved throughout the experimental time in which he lived. But he also made choices during his life that some might question or condemn. We release this episode today because of necessary research and scheduling with our guest, Peter Wear. It is worth considering, given our delay, when we find it appropriate and worthwhile to mourn. How will we remember Bowie? What impact did he have on music and was he truly as singular as many describe him to be? What were his influences and how did he in turn influence spheres of fashion, music, celebrity and personal expression?

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

As we grow older and explore the world we live in, especially in college and the years beyond, we come to reexamine our relationships and the status they hold. Our values develop, our priorities shift and our definitions of love and friendship might also change. In this process, many of us establish chosen families - those without biological ties with whom we share strong bonds of affection and trust. This week we welcome Qossay Alsattari to discuss our expectations and opinions on the concept of a chosen family and its function in our lives.

With so many factors to manage in our daily lives, many of us might forget about the integral role health and systems of government both play. For the people of Flint, Michigan, deliberate neglect, mistrust and abuse of power have led to an atrocious water poisoning at the hands of politicians. Over the course of the past few years, democratic abilities were withheld from citizens and those who protested water discoloration and taste were told the situation was under control. Only now, after details have come to light, has public discourse taken this issue into consideration. Regardless, certain damage has been done to both the people of Flint and their trust.

A country, like any larger system, group or society, should take the time to reflect on its growth, progress and flaws every so often. That is one of the principles behind the State of The Union Address. The American people (like those watching elsewhere) hear about the status of the country from the standing President. Our conversation this week focuses on the tone President Obama took, the attention he gave to certain issues, those he declined to discuss and the values behind his speech. It should be noted that we do not comment from a place of political expertise but rather social observation.