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Socially Conscious Summer Entertainment

I'm not a fan of describing things as "woke," but I am a fan of these shows.

Stella Grimaldi

Jul 04, 2019

University of Southern California

101

It's no secret that us students have more spare time in the summer. With more spare time comes more boredom, and thus more media consumption. While watching and listening to things can feel like a waste of time, some of the things you stream can teach you about relevant issues. If you find yourself in the mood to lean back and binge, these are some socially conscious shows and podcasts you can stream to fill the time.

Podcast: The Bechdel Cast

Using Alison Bechdel's "Bechdel test" as a springboard, comedians Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus discuss the portrayal of women in movies. Ranging from half an hour to ninety minutes, I've found these to be a perfect way to pass the time on my commute to my internship. It's honestly difficult to listen to one of these episodes without laughing out loud for at least half the time, so keep that in mind if you're using earbuds to listen. Aside from the infectious comedic banter between the hosts and their guests, this podcast provides great insight about your favorite films through an intersectional feminist lens.

YouTube: ContraPoints

Natalie Wynn, or "ContraPoints," is a YouTuber I've been binge watching for the past month. She creates fabulously exaggerated, sarcastic, and eye-catching videos about race, gender, philosophy, and politics. As a theatre person, I'd compare the theatrical style of her videos to Brecht. As a law person, I applaud her for her comprehensive, compelling arguments and clever rhetoric. Overall, she's insanely witty, self aware, and intriguing in her analysis and dramatization of social justice issues.

Amazon Video Series: Transparent

I initially began watching these because I'm such an admirer of Alexandra Billings, who plays Davina on the show, teaches at my school (!!!!!), and has an inspiring social media presence. Transparent, starring Jeffrey Tambor as Maura, is similarly inspiring. The series centers around a transgender woman and her family during her transition. Although the characters are mostly white, I feel that the show has an exceptionally intersectional bent. It explores the role of gender, sexuality, mental health, and religion (specifically Judaism) in the lives of the main characters. This, along with the impeccable acting and writing, makes the show impossible to resist.

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Socially Conscious Summer Entertainment

I'm not a fan of describing things as "woke," but I am a fan of these shows.

In This Article:

Podcast: The Bechdel Cast

YouTube: ContraPoints

Amazon Video Series: Transparent

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We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

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