We examine how HBO’s series “Watchmen” and Bong Joon Ho’s film “Parasite” bring to light the hidden histories that shape our modern lives.Discussed this week:<ul><li>“<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_(2019_film)" target="_blank">Parasite</a>” (directed by Bong Joon Ho, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.hbo.com/order/watchmen?camp=GOOGLE%7cHTS_SEM%7cPID_p49039760123&amp;keyword=%2Bwatchmen&amp;utm_id=71700000058951050&amp;utm_medium=paid-search&amp;utm_content=acq&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9o3VquvV5QIVip6fCh32wgWuEAAYASAAEgLByfD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Watchmen</a>” (HBO, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.graywolfpress.org/books/white-flights" target="_blank">White Flights: Race, Fiction, and the American Imagination</a>” (Jess Row, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.dukeupress.edu/in-the-wake" target="_blank">In the Wake: On Blackness and Being</a>“ (Christina Sharpe, 2016)</li></ul> We're going on hiatus, but we'll be back in your ears in early 2020!

We examine how HBO’s series “Watchmen” and Bong Joon Ho’s film “Parasite” bring to light the hidden histories that shape our modern lives.Discussed this week:“Parasite” (directed by Bong Joon Ho, 2019)“Watchmen” (HBO, 2019)“White Flights: Race, Fiction, and the American Imagination” (Jess Row, 2019)“In the Wake: On Blackness and Being“ (Christina Sharpe, 2016)We're going on hiatus, but we'll be back in your ears in early 2020!

Still Processing

Wake

California’s new legislation allowing college athletes to make money off endorsements. One step forward. The backlash against victims who came forward in the wake of #MeToo. Two steps back. Does big, sustainable change have to feel like grasping at straws?Discussed this week:&nbsp;<ul><li>“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/04/sports/california-tells-the-ncaa-to-share-and-it-pitches-a-fit.html" target="_blank">California Tells the N.C.A.A. to Share, and It Pitches a Fit.</a>” (Michael Powell, The New York Times, Oct. 4, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.thecut.com/2019/09/the-toll-of-me-too.html" target="_blank">The Toll of Me Too.</a>” (Rebecca Traister, The Cut, Sept. 30, 2019)</li></ul>

California’s new legislation allowing college athletes to make money off endorsements. One step forward. The backlash against victims who came forward in the wake of #MeToo. Two steps back. Does big, sustainable change have to feel like grasping at straws?Discussed this week:&nbsp;“California Tells the N.C.A.A. to Share, and It Pitches a Fit.” (Michael Powell, The New York Times, Oct. 4, 2019)“The Toll of Me Too.” (Rebecca Traister, The Cut, Sept. 30, 2019)

Straws

We revisit "Fight Club" on the 20th anniversary of its release, and consider how the trope of the "psychobro" is showing up onscreen — in the new blockbuster “Joker” and HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Succession” — and off.Discussed this week:&nbsp;<ul><li>"<a href="http://www.bradpittpress.com/artint_99_rollingstone.php" target="_blank">The Unbearable Bradness of Being</a>" (Chris Heath, Rolling Stone, Oct. 28, 1999)</li><li>"<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/" target="_blank">Fight Club</a>" (directed by David Fincher, 1999)</li><li>"<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Joker</a>" (directed by Todd Phillips, 2019)</li><li>"<a href="https://www.hbo.com/succession" target="_blank">Succession</a>" (HBO, 2019)</li><li>"<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/10/08/768216311/whistleblower-explains-how-cambridge-analytica-helped-fuel-u-s-insurgency" target="_blank">Whistleblower Explains How Cambridge Analytica Helped Fuel U.S. 'Insurgency'</a>" (Fresh Air, Oct. 8, 2019)</li></ul>

We revisit "Fight Club" on the 20th anniversary of its release, and consider how the trope of the "psychobro" is showing up onscreen — in the new blockbuster “Joker” and HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Succession” — and off.Discussed this week:&nbsp;"The Unbearable Bradness of Being" (Chris Heath, Rolling Stone, Oct. 28, 1999)"Fight Club" (directed by David Fincher, 1999)"Joker" (directed by Todd Phillips, 2019)"Succession" (HBO, 2019)"Whistleblower Explains How Cambridge Analytica Helped Fuel U.S. 'Insurgency'" (Fresh Air, Oct. 8, 2019)

Psychobros

Jennifer Lopez is having a triumphant 2019. From her Motown tribute at the Grammys to the success of “Hustlers” to the announcement that she’ll be performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, she seems to be enjoying the fruits of her labor from about three decades in show business. So we want to know: is Jennifer Lopez finally getting her due?Discussed this week:<ul><li>“<a href="https://www.gq.com/story/jennifer-lopez-versace-google-images" target="_blank">How Jennifer Lopez’s Versace Dress Created Google Images</a>” (Rachel Tashjian, GQ, Sept. 20, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5503686/" target="_blank">Hustlers</a>” (directed by Lorene Scafaria, 2019)</li><li>Jennifer Lopez’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP9hra2eLBc" target="_blank">Motown Tribute</a> at the 2019 Grammy Awards</li><li>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_VzAap2vl0" target="_blank">Jennifer Lopez Talks Engagement, Diddy’s Instagram Comments, Bonding With Cardi B + More</a>” (Breakfast Club, Apr. 10, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/15/arts/hustlers-movie-box-office.html" target="_blank">‘Hustlers’ Has a Strong Opening at the Box Office</a>” (Gabe Cohn, The New York Times, Sept. 15, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/09/sports/alex-rodriguez-and-jennifer-lopez-engagement-a-rod.html" target="_blank">Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez Announce Their Engagement</a>” (The Associated Press, March 9, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120094/" target="_blank">Selena</a>” (directed by Gregory Nava, 1997)</li><li>“<a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Movies_And_Other_Things.html?id=_YiHDwAAQBAJ&amp;source=kp_book_description" target="_blank">Movies (And Other Things)</a>” (Shea Serrano, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_66jPJVS4JE" target="_blank">Waiting for Tonight</a>” (Jennifer Lopez, 1999)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4" target="_blank">1999</a>” (Prince, 1982)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120780/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Out of Sight</a>” (directed by Steven Soderbergh, 1998)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0369735/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3" target="_blank">Monster-in-Law</a>” (directed by Robert Luketic, 2005)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0209475/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4" target="_blank">The Wedding Planner</a>” (directed by Adam Shankman, 2001)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252076/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Maid in Manhattan</a>” (directed by Wayne Wang, 2002)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299930/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Gigli</a>” (directed by Martin Brest, 2003)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dly6p4Fu5TE" target="_blank">Jenny from the Block</a>” (Jennifer Lopez, 2002)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuw-YZaTNo" target="_blank">Play</a>” (Jennifer Lopez, 2001)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/28/nyregion/rap-performer-puffy-combs-is-arrested-after-shootings-at-times-sq-nightclub.html" target="_blank">Rap Performer Puffy Combs Is Arrested After Shootings at Times Sq. Nightclub</a>” (William K. Rashbaum, The New York Times, Dec. 28, 1999)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458522/" target="_blank">El Cantante</a>” (directed by Leon Ichaso, 2006)</li><li>“<a href="https://abc.go.com/shows/american-idol" target="_blank">American Idol</a>” (Jennifer Lopez as judge in Seasons 10-11 and 13-15)</li></ul>

Jennifer Lopez is having a triumphant 2019. From her Motown tribute at the Grammys to the success of “Hustlers” to the announcement that she’ll be performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, she seems to be enjoying the fruits of her labor from about three decades in show business. So we want to know: is Jennifer Lopez finally getting her due?Discussed this week:“How Jennifer Lopez’s Versace Dress Created Google Images” (Rachel Tashjian, GQ, Sept. 20, 2019)“Hustlers” (directed by Lorene Scafaria, 2019)Jennifer Lopez’s Motown Tribute at the 2019 Grammy Awards“Jennifer Lopez Talks Engagement, Diddy’s Instagram Comments, Bonding With Cardi B + More” (Breakfast Club, Apr. 10, 2019)“‘Hustlers’ Has a Strong Opening at the Box Office” (Gabe Cohn, The New York Times, Sept. 15, 2019)“Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez Announce Their Engagement” (The Associated Press, March 9, 2019)“Selena” (directed by Gregory Nava, 1997)“Movies (And Other Things)” (Shea Serrano, 2019)“Waiting for Tonight” (Jennifer Lopez, 1999)“1999” (Prince, 1982)“Out of Sight” (directed by Steven Soderbergh, 1998)“Monster-in-Law” (directed by Robert Luketic, 2005)“The Wedding Planner” (directed by Adam Shankman, 2001)“Maid in Manhattan” (directed by Wayne Wang, 2002)“Gigli” (directed by Martin Brest, 2003)“Jenny from the Block” (Jennifer Lopez, 2002)“Play” (Jennifer Lopez, 2001)“Rap Performer Puffy Combs Is Arrested After Shootings at Times Sq. Nightclub” (William K. Rashbaum, The New York Times, Dec. 28, 1999)“El Cantante” (directed by Leon Ichaso, 2006)“American Idol” (Jennifer Lopez as judge in Seasons 10-11 and 13-15)

J.Lo

We'll be back with a new episode next Thursday, October 17th.

We'll be back with a new episode next Thursday, October 17th.

Back Next Week!

Comedy is changing. Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix comedy special, "<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81140577" target="_blank">Sticks &amp; Stones</a>," makes us wonder if he can keep up.Discussed this week:<ul><li>"<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81140577" target="_blank">Dave Chappelle: Sticks &amp; Stones</a>" (Netflix, 2019)</li><li>"<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81098589" target="_blank">Aziz Ansari: Right Now</a>" (Netflix 2019)</li><li>"<a href="https://www.hbo.com/a-black-lady-sketch-show" target="_blank">A Black Lady Sketch Show</a>" (HBO, 2019)</li><li>"<a href="https://www.hbo.com/specials/my-favorite-shapes-by-julio-torres" target="_blank">My Favorite Shapes</a>" (HBO, 2019)</li><li>"<a href="https://hbo.com/specials/ramy-youssef-feelings" target="_blank">Ramy Youssef: Feelings</a>" (HBO, 2019)</li></ul>

Comedy is changing. Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix comedy special, "Sticks &amp; Stones," makes us wonder if he can keep up.Discussed this week:"Dave Chappelle: Sticks &amp; Stones" (Netflix, 2019)"Aziz Ansari: Right Now" (Netflix 2019)"A Black Lady Sketch Show" (HBO, 2019)"My Favorite Shapes" (HBO, 2019)"Ramy Youssef: Feelings" (HBO, 2019)

Chappelle

We’re in love with MTV’s dating-reality TV show “Are You the One?”Discussed this week:<ul><li>Jenna Wortham. "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/28/magazine/how-queer-people-brought-some-actual-reality-to-dating-reality-tv.html" target="_blank">How Queer People Brought Some Actual Reality to Dating-Reality TV</a>" (The New York Times Magazine, Aug. 28, 2019)</li><li>Wesley Morris. "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/24/magazine/romantic-comedy-movies.html" target="_blank">Rom-Coms Were Corny and Retrograde. Why Do I Miss Them so Much?</a>" (The New York Times Magazine, April 24, 2019)</li><li>"<a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/are-you-the-one" target="_blank">Are You the One?</a>" (MTV, Season 8, 2019)</li></ul>

We’re in love with MTV’s dating-reality TV show “Are You the One?”Discussed this week:Jenna Wortham. "How Queer People Brought Some Actual Reality to Dating-Reality TV" (The New York Times Magazine, Aug. 28, 2019)Wesley Morris. "Rom-Coms Were Corny and Retrograde. Why Do I Miss Them so Much?" (The New York Times Magazine, April 24, 2019)"Are You the One?" (MTV, Season 8, 2019)

BoomBoom

How "Old Town Road" gave us hope without making us cringe, and became our song of the year.Discussed this week:&nbsp;<ul><li>Joe Coscarelli, Alexandra Eaton, Will Lloyd, Eden Weingart, Antonio de Luca and Alicia DeSantis.&nbsp;"<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/video/arts/music/100000006445156/old-town-road-lil-nas-x-billy-ray-cyrus.html" target="_blank">Diary of a Song — ‘Old Town Road’: See How Memes and Controversy Took Lil Nas X to the Top of the Charts</a>" (The New York Times, May 10, 2019)</li><li>Jon Caramanica. "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/26/arts/music/lil-nas-x-old-town-road-7.html" target="_blank">The Short Rise and Long Tail of Lil Nas X</a>" (The New York Times, Jun. 26, 2019)</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/queenjadejolie?lang=en" target="_blank">Jade Jolie</a></li><li>"<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0811136/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" target="_blank">Shut Up &amp; Sing</a>" (directed by Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck, 2006)</li><li><a href="http://brimalandro.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">BriMalandro.tumblr.com</a></li></ul>

How "Old Town Road" gave us hope without making us cringe, and became our song of the year.Discussed this week:&nbsp;Joe Coscarelli, Alexandra Eaton, Will Lloyd, Eden Weingart, Antonio de Luca and Alicia DeSantis.&nbsp;"Diary of a Song — ‘Old Town Road’: See How Memes and Controversy Took Lil Nas X to the Top of the Charts" (The New York Times, May 10, 2019)Jon Caramanica. "The Short Rise and Long Tail of Lil Nas X" (The New York Times, Jun. 26, 2019)Jade Jolie"Shut Up &amp; Sing" (directed by Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck, 2006)BriMalandro.tumblr.com

Yeehaw

Remember that beer test? It’s not enough. That’s why this election season, we bring you: Still Processing’s Rubric for Leadership and Democratic Excellence.Discussed this week:<ul><li>Astead Herndon, Jon Caramanica and Jon Pareles. "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/19/us/politics/presidential-campaign-songs-playlists.html" target="_blank">What Do Rally Playlists Say About the Candidates?</a>" (The New York Times, Aug. 19, 2019)</li><li>Clara Guibourg and Helen Briggs. "<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46654042" target="_blank">Climate change: Which vegan milk is best?</a>" (BBC News, Feb. 22, 2019)</li><li>The AP reporter Alexandra Jaffe’s <a href="https://twitter.com/ajjaffe/status/1116372183633276929?lang=en" target="_blank">post on Twitter</a> that Senator Kamala Harris drinks oat milk</li><li>Matt Flegenheimer and Sydney Ember. "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/22/us/politics/amy-klobuchar-staff.html" target="_blank">How Amy Klobuchar Treats Her Staff</a>" (The New York Times, Feb. 22, 2019)</li><li>Carl Zimmer. "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/15/science/elizabeth-warren-native-american.html" target="_blank">Elizabeth Warren Has a Native American Ancestor. Does That Make Her Native American?</a>" (The New York Times, Oct. 15, 2018)</li><li>Adrienne Keene, Rebecca Nagle and Joseph M. Pierce. "<a href="http://www.criticalethnicstudiesjournal.org/blog/2018/12/19/syllabus-elizabeth-warren-cherokee-citizenship-and-dna-testing" target="_blank">Syllabus: Elizabeth Warren, Cherokee Citizenship, and DNA Testing</a>" (Critical Ethnic Studies, Dec. 19, 2018)</li><li>Thomas Kaplan. "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/us/politics/elizabeth-warren-native-american.html" target="_blank">Elizabeth Warren Apologizes at Native American Forum: ‘I Have Listened and I Have Learned.</a>’" (The New York Times, Aug. 19, 2019)</li><li>Matt Stieb. "<a href="http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/08/where-does-marianne-williamson-actually-stand-on-vaccines.html" target="_blank">Where Does Marianne Williamson Actually Stand on Vaccines?</a>" (NYMag, Aug. 4, 2019)</li><li>Glenn Thrush. "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/16/us/politics/biden-obama-history.html?action=click&amp;module=Top%20Stories&amp;pgtype=Homepage" target="_blank">Obama and Biden’s Relationship Looks Rosy. It Wasn’t Always That Simple.</a>" (The New York Times, Aug. 16, 2019)</li></ul>

Remember that beer test? It’s not enough. That’s why this election season, we bring you: Still Processing’s Rubric for Leadership and Democratic Excellence.Discussed this week:Astead Herndon, Jon Caramanica and Jon Pareles. "What Do Rally Playlists Say About the Candidates?" (The New York Times, Aug. 19, 2019)Clara Guibourg and Helen Briggs. "Climate change: Which vegan milk is best?" (BBC News, Feb. 22, 2019)The AP reporter Alexandra Jaffe’s post on Twitter that Senator Kamala Harris drinks oat milkMatt Flegenheimer and Sydney Ember. "How Amy Klobuchar Treats Her Staff" (The New York Times, Feb. 22, 2019)Carl Zimmer. "Elizabeth Warren Has a Native American Ancestor. Does That Make Her Native American?" (The New York Times, Oct. 15, 2018)Adrienne Keene, Rebecca Nagle and Joseph M. Pierce. "Syllabus: Elizabeth Warren, Cherokee Citizenship, and DNA Testing" (Critical Ethnic Studies, Dec. 19, 2018)Thomas Kaplan. "Elizabeth Warren Apologizes at Native American Forum: ‘I Have Listened and I Have Learned.’" (The New York Times, Aug. 19, 2019)Matt Stieb. "Where Does Marianne Williamson Actually Stand on Vaccines?" (NYMag, Aug. 4, 2019)Glenn Thrush. "Obama and Biden’s Relationship Looks Rosy. It Wasn’t Always That Simple." (The New York Times, Aug. 16, 2019)

2020

Still Processing will be back in your ears on Thursday, September 12th.

Still Processing will be back in your ears on Thursday, September 12th.

Catnip

We dissect Jordan Peele’s new psychological thriller, “Us,” and discuss the film’s central question (WITHOUT SPOILERS): Are any of us ever truly free from the past?Also, we’re going on a short hiatus. Happy spring, and we’ll be back in your ears soon.Discussed this week:<ul><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6857112/" target="_blank">Us</a>” (directed by Jordan Peele, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076786/" target="_blank">Suspiria</a>” (directed by Dario Argento, 1977)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105121/" target="_blank">The People Under the Stairs</a>” (directed by Wes Craven, 1991)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3235888/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">It Follows</a>” (directed by David Robert Mitchell, 2014)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/125757/white-is-for-witching-by-helen-oyeyemi/9781594633072/" target="_blank">White Is for Witching</a>” (Helen Oyeyemi, 2014)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/117647/beloved-by-toni-morrison/9780307264886/" target="_blank">Beloved</a>” (Toni Morrison, 1987)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120603/" target="_blank">Beloved</a>” (directed by Jonathan Demme, 1998)</li><li><a href="http://www.jansvankmajer.com/" target="_blank">Jan Svankmajer</a></li><li>“<a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Beloved-Audiobook/B002V8KIZQ" target="_blank">Beloved</a>” (Toni Morrison, audiobook, 2006)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/292303/the-souls-of-black-folk-by-w-e-b-du-bois/9780140189988/" target="_blank">The Souls of Black Folk</a>” (W.E.B. DuBois, 1903)</li></ul>

We dissect Jordan Peele’s new psychological thriller, “Us,” and discuss the film’s central question (WITHOUT SPOILERS): Are any of us ever truly free from the past?Also, we’re going on a short hiatus. Happy spring, and we’ll be back in your ears soon.Discussed this week:“Us” (directed by Jordan Peele, 2019)“Suspiria” (directed by Dario Argento, 1977)“The People Under the Stairs” (directed by Wes Craven, 1991)“It Follows” (directed by David Robert Mitchell, 2014)“White Is for Witching” (Helen Oyeyemi, 2014)“Beloved” (Toni Morrison, 1987)“Beloved” (directed by Jonathan Demme, 1998)Jan Svankmajer“Beloved” (Toni Morrison, audiobook, 2006)“The Souls of Black Folk” (W.E.B. DuBois, 1903)

We celebrate Whoopi Goldberg from her days as a boundary-pushing stand-up comedian in the early ’80s to her current role as professional curmudgeon on “The View.”Discussed this week:<ul><li>“<a href="https://garage.vice.com/en_us/article/wjm5xm/whoopi-goldberg-ottessa-moshfegh" target="_blank">Whoopi Goldberg</a>” (Ottessa Moshfegh, Garage magazine: Issue 16, Feb. 19, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457207/" target="_blank">Whoopi Goldberg: Direct From Broadway</a>” (directed by Thomas Schlamme, 1985)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088939/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Color Purple</a>” (directed by Steven Spielberg, 1985)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091306/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Jumpin’ Jack Flash</a>” (directed by Penny Marshall, 1986)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092710/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Burglar</a>” (directed by Hugh Wilson, 1987)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093011/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Fatal Beauty</a>” (directed by Tom Holland, 1987)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094882/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Clara’s Heart</a>” (directed by Robert Mulligan, 1988)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099653/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Ghost</a>” (directed by Jerry Zucker, 1990)</li><li>Whoopi Goldberg winning the best supporting actress <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9kDwdxVlEw" target="_blank">Oscar</a> for her role in Ghost (1991)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105417/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Sister Act</a>” (directed by Emile Ardolino, 1992)</li><li>“<a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=AXKlThqFFT0C&amp;pg=PA21&amp;lpg=PA21&amp;dq=The+Fine+Print:+Danson+in+the+Dark&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=06AFxLnGz_&amp;sig=1iidlSk4HRKeCkKOhAZzN2fnHk4&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjAoery_5TOAhUGRCYKHad4DpYQ6AEIKzAC#v=onepage&amp;q=The%20Fine%20Print%3A%20Danson%20in%20the%20Dark&amp;f=true" target="_blank">The Fine Print: Danson in the Dark</a>” (Louis Theroux, Spy magazine, February 1994)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115580/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">The Associate</a>” (directed by Donald Petrie, 1996)</li></ul>

We celebrate Whoopi Goldberg from her days as a boundary-pushing stand-up comedian in the early ’80s to her current role as professional curmudgeon on “The View.”Discussed this week:“Whoopi Goldberg” (Ottessa Moshfegh, Garage magazine: Issue 16, Feb. 19, 2019)“Whoopi Goldberg: Direct From Broadway” (directed by Thomas Schlamme, 1985)“The Color Purple” (directed by Steven Spielberg, 1985)“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (directed by Penny Marshall, 1986)“Burglar” (directed by Hugh Wilson, 1987)“Fatal Beauty” (directed by Tom Holland, 1987)“Clara’s Heart” (directed by Robert Mulligan, 1988)“Ghost” (directed by Jerry Zucker, 1990)Whoopi Goldberg winning the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in Ghost (1991)“Sister Act” (directed by Emile Ardolino, 1992)“The Fine Print: Danson in the Dark” (Louis Theroux, Spy magazine, February 1994)“The Associate” (directed by Donald Petrie, 1996)

Whoopi

We chat with David Wallace-Wells, climate columnist for New York Magazine, about the limits of individual consumption choices and the necessity of political action to combat climate change.&nbsp;Discussed this week:<ul><li>“The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” (David Wallace-Wells, 2019)</li></ul>

We chat with David Wallace-Wells, climate columnist for New York Magazine, about the limits of individual consumption choices and the necessity of political action to combat climate change.&nbsp;Discussed this week:“The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” (David Wallace-Wells, 2019)

Circular(s)

HBO’s “Leaving Neverland” — a two-part documentary that focuses on the stories of two men, James Safechuck and Wade Robson, who allege that Michael Jackson sexually abused them as children — prompts us to wrestle with our love for and discomfort with the pop star. We examine how Jackson seemed to have been culturally exonerated, and we ask what to do with a man whose artistic reach is so profound that “canceling” him — an imperfect way of dealing with problematic artists to begin with — might not even be possible.Discussed this week:<ul><li>“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/smarter-living/sexual-abuse-assault-support-mental-health.html" target="_blank">How to Support a Friend or Loved One Who Has Been Sexually Abused</a>” (Vanessa Marin, The New York Times, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/leaving-neverland" target="_blank">Leaving Neverland</a>” (HBO, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/85952/moonwalk-by-michael-jackson/9780307716989/" target="_blank">Moonwalk</a>” (Michael Jackson, 2009)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.oprah.com/entertainment/oprah-reflects-on-her-interview-with-michael-jackson/all" target="_blank">The Oprah Winfrey Show</a>” (ABC, Feb. 10, 1993)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z34BKlCr9o" target="_blank">Living With Michael Jackson</a>” (ITV, 2003)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/86913/on-michael-jackson-by-margo-jefferson/9780307277657/" target="_blank">On Michael Jackson</a>” (Margo Jefferson, 2006)</li></ul>

HBO’s “Leaving Neverland” — a two-part documentary that focuses on the stories of two men, James Safechuck and Wade Robson, who allege that Michael Jackson sexually abused them as children — prompts us to wrestle with our love for and discomfort with the pop star. We examine how Jackson seemed to have been culturally exonerated, and we ask what to do with a man whose artistic reach is so profound that “canceling” him — an imperfect way of dealing with problematic artists to begin with — might not even be possible.Discussed this week:“How to Support a Friend or Loved One Who Has Been Sexually Abused” (Vanessa Marin, The New York Times, 2019)“Leaving Neverland” (HBO, 2019)“Moonwalk” (Michael Jackson, 2009)“The Oprah Winfrey Show” (ABC, Feb. 10, 1993)“Living With Michael Jackson” (ITV, 2003)“On Michael Jackson” (Margo Jefferson, 2006)

M.J.

The Jussie Smollett investigation has captured America’s attention — and ours. We take a look at the support for as well as the doubts about Smollett’s claims, and try to make sense of the charge that Smollett staged his own attack. In an era in which personal trauma and victimhood are often leveraged for cultural capital, we consider the long-term repercussions of the Smollett case.Discussed this week:<ul><li>“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/17/arts/television/jussie-smollett-attack-timeline.html?rref=collection%2Fbyline%2Fsopan-deb&amp;action=click&amp;contentCollection=undefined&amp;region=stream&amp;module=stream_unit&amp;version=latest&amp;contentPlacement=2&amp;pgtype=collection" target="_blank">Jussie Smollett Timeline: Mystery Remains as Actor Is Charged With Faking His Assault</a>” (Sopan Deb, The New York Times, Feb. 17, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.etonline.com/lee-daniels-shares-powerful-words-for-jussie-smollett-after-racist-homophobic-attack-watch-118383" target="_blank">Lee Daniels Shares Powerful Words for Jussie Smollett After Racist, Homophobic Attack</a>” (Alex Ungerman, ETOnline, Jan. 29, 2019)</li><li>April Ryan asks <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?457444-1/president-trump-if-wall-work" target="_blank">President Trump</a> what he thinks about the alleged attack on Jussie Smollett (C-Span, Jan. 29, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://abc.go.com/playlists/PL557769560/video/VDKA8148942&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1551307249771000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEMaOpFSJb1X1Uf7kaa1c24ebdSKw" target="_blank">Jussie Smollett speaks to Robin Roberts in ABC News exclusive interview</a>” (Good Morning America, Feb. 14, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/07/arts/music/grammy-awards-diversity.html" target="_blank">Can the Grammys Please Anyone</a>?” (Ben Sisario, The New York Times, Feb. 7, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81035279?source=35" target="_blank">Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened</a>” (Netflix, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.hulu.com/movie/fyre-fraud-e47078f3-1c0e-49a8-9da9-c571a7a20fec?&amp;cmp=10701&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=SEM&amp;utm_campaign=CM_SEM_Fyre%20Fest%20Doc&amp;utm_term=fyre%20fraud%20hulu&amp;ds_rl=1251123&amp;ds_rl=1251123&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2JqLva_a4AIVg0oNCh2jBwUvEAAYASAAEgI1rPD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;dl" target="_blank">Fyre Fraud</a>” (Hulu, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.amc.com/shows/breaking-bad" target="_blank">Breaking Bad</a>” (AMC, 2008-13)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.out.com/news-opinion/2019/1/31/wheres-energy-attacks-black-transgender-women" target="_blank">Where’s All This Energy for the Attacks on Black Transgender Women?</a>” (Raquel Willis, Out, Jan. 31, 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/111678/at-the-dark-end-of-the-street-by-danielle-l-mcguire/9780307389244/" target="_blank">At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance — A New History of the Civil Rights Movement From Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power</a>” (Danielle L. McGuire, 2011)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.salon.com/2019/02/20/prada-gucci-and-now-burberry-are-brands-under-fire-for-offensive-designs-doing-it-on-purpose/" target="_blank">Prada, Gucci and now Burberry: Are brands under fire for offensive designs doing it on purpose?</a>” (Rachel Leah, Salon, Feb 20. 2019)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T9reBLpiv0" target="_blank">Former Goucher Student Faces Four Counts of Hate Crime Charges for Racist Graffiti</a>” (WJZ, Dec. 5, 2018)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000002258183/the-tawana-brawley-story.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FBrawley%2C%20Tawana&amp;action=click&amp;contentCollection=timestopics&amp;region=stream&amp;module=stream_unit&amp;version=latest&amp;contentPlacement=3&amp;pgtype=collection" target="_blank">Revisiting a Rape Scandal That Would Have Been Monstrous if True</a>” (Retro Report, The New York Times, June 3, 2013)</li><li>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcWM_1hBu_c" target="_blank">Why You Always Lying</a>” (Nicholas Fraser, Sept. 14, 2015)</li></ul>

The Jussie Smollett investigation has captured America’s attention — and ours. We take a look at the support for as well as the doubts about Smollett’s claims, and try to make sense of the charge that Smollett staged his own attack. In an era in which personal trauma and victimhood are often leveraged for cultural capital, we consider the long-term repercussions of the Smollett case.Discussed this week:“Jussie Smollett Timeline: Mystery Remains as Actor Is Charged With Faking His Assault” (Sopan Deb, The New York Times, Feb. 17, 2019)“Lee Daniels Shares Powerful Words for Jussie Smollett After Racist, Homophobic Attack” (Alex Ungerman, ETOnline, Jan. 29, 2019)April Ryan asks President Trump what he thinks about the alleged attack on Jussie Smollett (C-Span, Jan. 29, 2019)“Jussie Smollett speaks to Robin Roberts in ABC News exclusive interview” (Good Morning America, Feb. 14, 2019)“Can the Grammys Please Anyone?” (Ben Sisario, The New York Times, Feb. 7, 2019)“Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” (Netflix, 2019)“Fyre Fraud” (Hulu, 2019)“Breaking Bad” (AMC, 2008-13)“Where’s All This Energy for the Attacks on Black Transgender Women?” (Raquel Willis, Out, Jan. 31, 2019)“At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance — A New History of the Civil Rights Movement From Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power” (Danielle L. McGuire, 2011)“Prada, Gucci and now Burberry: Are brands under fire for offensive designs doing it on purpose?” (Rachel Leah, Salon, Feb 20. 2019)“Former Goucher Student Faces Four Counts of Hate Crime Charges for Racist Graffiti” (WJZ, Dec. 5, 2018)“Revisiting a Rape Scandal That Would Have Been Monstrous if True” (Retro Report, The New York Times, June 3, 2013)“Why You Always Lying” (Nicholas Fraser, Sept. 14, 2015)

Liars

Step inside the confession booth of Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham, two culture writers for The New York Times. They devour TV, movies, art, music and the internet to find the things that move them — to tears, awe and anger. Still Processing is where they try to understand the pleasures and pathologies of America in 2018.

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Still Processing

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