Let's Review

We talked with Al Young, associate professor of sociology and African/Afro-American studies at the University of Michigan, about the words we use to talk about race and current events. Here are some of the words we talked about: Is what happened in Baltimore a “riot” or an “uprising?” “Black-on-black crime” as statistically correct, but no more so than other intra-group crime.  What are the assumptions behind saying, an “unarmed black man” Were the recent murders in Charleston, South Carolina a “hate crime” or a “terrorist attack?”

In this Let's Review session, Kim and Jenn talk with Dr. Robin Means Coleman and Dr. Darnell Hunt to get at the heart of a listener-friend question about the proliferation of black leads on TV. Are we seeing a new era in black representation on TV? What's happening behind-the-scenes? Is there progress there? Spoiler alert: nope. But that doesn't stop us from having a great, informative conversation.

In this episode of Let’s Review, Jenn & Kim debate the merits of checking in and checking out on current events. We have different perspectives on the social, political, and psychic benefits and costs of being aware. And social media makes it easy to be informed, but maybe too informed. How do you manage your political awareness?

In this episode of Let's Review, Kim & Jenn ask some important questions about role models, celebrity, and whether African-Americans have a duty to use their platform for bigger causes. You can find show notes on the Let's Review website: medium.com/lets-review

In the pilot interview of Let's Review, your hosts Jenn & Kim, talk with Dr. Miriam Petty (Radio/Film/Television, Northwestern University) about the role of race in Hollywood film. We also share, for your review, our recommendations for films doing new and interesting things with race. You can find show notes on the Let's Review website: https://medium.com/lets-review