New Books in Popular Culture

In this engaging discussion, Lester D. Friedman, an esteemed professor and author, dives into the cinematic legacy of Steven Spielberg. He refutes the notion of Spielberg as merely a purveyor of spectacle, portraying him instead as a profound artist whose films often explore themes of family and morality. Friedman reflects on how Spielberg's work has evolved, from critiques of technology in Jurassic Park to the poignant storytelling in Schindler's List. He also highlights the socio-economic themes in West Side Story and shares insights on Spielberg's artistic vision that continues to resonate.

Michelle McSweeney, a linguist and data scientist, dives into the fascinating story of the word 'OK.' She traces its origins from a playful 1839 newspaper abbreviation to a global staple of communication. The discussion highlights how technological advancements—from telegraphs to television—shaped the word's evolution. McSweeney also explores the intersection of language and identity in the digital age, revealing how 'OK' became more than just a word, including its controversial uses today. Her insights shed light on our ongoing relationship with language and technology.

Doug MacCash, a seasoned New Orleans arts journalist, shares insights from his book on Mardi Gras beads. He explores the fascinating history of these vibrant tokens, tracing their origins to the 1870s and discussing their evolution from glass to modern plastic. MacCash reveals quirky anecdotes, such as the strange journey of radioactive glass beads, and the geopolitical implications tied to their production. He also reflects on family traditions around Mardi Gras and the emotional resurgence of parades after the pandemic, highlighting the cultural significance of this cherished celebration.

The hosts dive into the third episode of Pluribus, exploring individuality in the age of late-stage capitalism. They examine how the show critiques on-demand culture and emphasizes algorithmic influence on desires. From supermarket scenes to the ironic portrayal of consumer identity, they highlight the tension between convenience and true independence. The depiction of characters who resemble chatbots underscores emotional commodification and societal anxieties. Ultimately, they reflect on the show as a mirror of our collective struggle with assimilation in a tech-driven world.

Páraic Kerrigan, an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin, dives into the evolution of LGBTQ visibility in Irish media. He discusses how crucial events like Declan Flynn's murder sparked activism and shaped media representation. The conversation covers significant moments from the 1970s through the 2000s, including activism linked to the AIDS crisis and the media-savvy strategies utilized during the pivotal 1988 Late Late Show debate. Kerrigan also touches on the impact of the Celtic Tiger and post-decriminalization shifts in queer representation.

Caroline Jack, an Associate Professor of Communication at UC San Diego, explores how sponsored economic education media shaped American capitalism. She delves into the role of ephemeral materials like pamphlets and PSAs, funded by corporations to promote ideals of free enterprise disguised as public service. Jack discusses the tension between education and commercial interests, the rise of promotional nationalism, and how these narratives continue to influence contemporary perceptions of corporate responsibility. Plus, she highlights instances of public resistance to these campaigns.

Sophie Bishop, an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds and author of "Influencer Creep," explores how influencers are reshaping the arts. She discusses the unstable nature of platform economies for creators and how both artists and influencers adapt their work to maximize visibility. Sophie dives into strategies for maintaining authenticity, including personal storytelling and emotional engagement. Additionally, she examines the challenges posed by brand partnerships and the impact of AI and TikTok on creative practices, highlighting the evolving landscape of cultural production.

Alice Echols, a prominent historian and author of "Hot Stuff: Disco and the Remaking of American Culture," delves into the intricate role of disco in 1970s society. She discusses how disco transcended its musical roots to reflect racial and sexual politics, challenging the notion of it being "politically empty." Echols contrasts the lush sounds of disco with James Brown's tight funk, highlighting disco's ties to Black artistic agency. From Barry White's redefinition of Black masculinity to the complexities of interracial solidarity, this conversation reveals disco's profound cultural significance.

Shobita Satyapal, a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at George Mason University, teams up with physicist James Trefil to discuss the captivating world of black holes. They dive into the history of these cosmic phenomena, exploring how supermassive black holes form, their role in galaxy evolution, and even their connections to stars and elements. Satyapal highlights groundbreaking discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope and explains fascinating concepts like spaghettification and the black hole information paradox. Prepare to be intrigued by the mysteries of the universe!

Julie Fette, an Associate Professor of French at Rice University and author of "Gender by the Book", dives into the complex world of gender representations in 21st-century French children's literature. She discusses how libraries and book clubs impact what children read, revealing that 80% of sampled books still contain gender stereotypes. Fette also explores the influence of French universalism on literature and why publishers often prioritize male-centric content, fearing to alienate boy readers. However, she highlights the emergence of progressive publishers offering more equitable stories for children.