In this annual call-in show, the hosts discuss their childhood influences and a story album for children called The Point. They also express their admiration for Madonna as a cultural icon and debate her changing appearance. Additionally, they share their thoughts on book acknowledgments and reflect on the profound impact of certain books on their worldview.
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Quick takeaways
Reading contemporary nonfiction books can be a powerful tool for storytelling and shaping a career as a journalist.
The experience of reading 'Jane Eyre' as a young adult introduced the speaker to the power of classic literature and ignited their love for reading and storytelling.
Reading 'Savage Inequalities' in high school opened the speaker's eyes to the disparities in public education and inspired them to advocate for social issues.
Deep dives
The Power of Nonfiction: A Revolutionary Reading Experience
During a semester program on a farm, the speaker's English curriculum focused on contemporary nonfiction, which was a revelation for them. They discovered the power and impact of literary nonfiction, exemplified by books like John McPhee's 'Control of Nature' and Jonathan Reben's 'Badland.' This experience opened their eyes to the potential of journalism as a storytelling medium and helped shape their career as a journalist. Additionally, reading Jonathan Kozol's 'Savage Inequalities' in high school provided a profound understanding of the disparities in public education and ignited a desire to better understand and advocate for social issues.
The Liminal World of 'Jane Eyre': A Gateway to Adult Literature
In seventh grade, the speaker stumbled upon Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre' and it became the first work of adult literature they read. The familiarity of the format, an orphan making good, struck a chord with the speaker who had grown up reading similar stories. They found themselves falling into the world of 'Jane Eyre' and developed a deep connection with the novel, frequently picking it up and reading random pages. This experience introduced them to the power of classic literature and set the foundation for their love of reading and storytelling.
The Eye-Opening Impact of 'Savage Inequalities'
Reading Jonathan Kozol's 'Savage Inequalities' in junior or senior year of high school had a profound impact on the speaker. The book exposed them to the harsh reality of the disparities and challenges within America's public education system, particularly highlighting the struggles faced in East St. Louis. This eye-opening experience shattered their narrow perspective and made them realize the extent of the world beyond their own privileged upbringing. It deepened their awareness of social issues and fueled their desire to actively work towards creating a more equitable society.
Madonna's Impact on Popular Culture
Madonna is seen as a cultural icon who revolutionized pop music and the music video industry. She emerged during the MTV era and her provocative image and fearless ownership of her sexuality challenged societal norms. Her videos, like 'Like a Prayer,' broke new ground with their controversial and thought-provoking imagery. Madonna's influence extended beyond music and into the realm of feminism and gender expression, as she empowered women to embrace their individuality and challenge traditional expectations.
Sleep and Cultural Consumption
The discussion also touched on the conflict between the desire for cultural engagement and the need for sleep. The guests shared personal experiences of sacrificing sleep for reading books, watching movies, or attending late-night comedy shows. They acknowledged the pleasure and benefits of staying up late for cultural activities, but also highlighted the importance of maintaining good sleep habits and being mindful of the impact on overall well-being. The conversation demonstrated how individual preferences and priorities factor into decisions about sleep and cultural consumption.
This week, it’s the yearly call-in episode! Steve, Dana, and Julia dive into questions submitted by Culture Gabfest listeners.
Outro music: “Forbidden Love” by OTE
Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.
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