With the affirmative consent bill now in effect across California colleges and universities, how should you approach your college-bound teen about it? Also, we examine the impact that New York Governor Mario Cuomo has had on American politics. Then, join us for Filmweek as we look at a new Obama biopic that is slated to explore Barack and Michelle’s beginnings in Chicago.
'Affirmative consent' becomes law on college campuses statewide
The way California collegiates “hook up” was changed with the stroke of a pen this past September, the moment Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 967 into law.
Known widely as the “affirmative consent” bill, the new legislation requires all California colleges and universities to radically alter campus policies toward sexual activity. Effective as of yesterday, sexual encounters must be agreed upon explicitly by both parties, before any intimacy takes place. In short, anything short of “yes” means “no.” While the bill was met with resistance by parties who claimed the law was too rigid, most women’s groups (both on campus and off) see the law as a win, expressing hope that the change in policy will result in fewer sexual assaults on college campuses.
But as college acceptance letters begin showing up in mailboxes, thousands of parents are facing the same tricky question: “How do I talk to my college-bound student about consent?” Think of it as “the talk” 2.0.
A roundtable of child raising experts join Pat Morrison to tackle these tricky questions on sexual consent.
How do you speak to your college-bound teen about sex, in light of the new consent law? How are the responsibilities of boys and girls different? Can you teach empathy in one sitting, or does it take longer-term efforts to raise a considerate young man or woman?
Guests:
Michael Josephson, founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics
Michael Thompson, Ph.D., child and family psychologist, NYT Bestselling Author and co-author of Raising Cain
Elizabeth Schroeder, Ph.D., sexual education expert
The liberal legacy of Mario Cuomo
He served three terms as governor of New York; after seeing the state through so many of its most tempestuous times, he became a liberal icon and democratic rallying point. Last night, the legacy of gubernatorial legend Mario Cuomo came to a close, when he passed away at his home in Manhattan at the age of 82.
Rising to prominence at a time when liberal policies were widely defamed, Adam Nagourney with the New York Times says Cuomo forever endeared himself to democrats after “challenging Ronald Reagan at the height of his presidency with an expansive and affirmative view of government and a message of compassion, tinged by the Roman Catholicism that was central to Mr. Cuomo’s identity.” Cuomo’s unrestrained demeanor and dedication to liberal principles led democratic leaders to press him twice to run for president; Cuomo declined each time.
The political landscape in the nation has changed considerably since Cuomo’s heyday, and while liberal ideals are more widely accepted across the political landscape, the nation’s most recent elections indicate an increasingly more powerful GOP will continue to challenge the continuance of many policies that Cuomo championed over three decades ago.
Today on AirTalk, we examine the impact that Mario Cuomo has had on American politics, and discuss the challenges faced by both parties in light of the recent election.
Does any other democratic politician have as much influence as Cuomo? What does the future look like for American politics in 2015, when Washington seems increasingly polarized?
Guests:
Ken Rudin, host of the radio show, Ken Rudin’s Political Junkie
David Mark, former senior editor at Politico, co-author of "Dog Whistles, Walk-Backs, and Washington Handshakes: Decoding the Jargon, Slang and Bluster of American Political Speech" (ForeEdge, 2014).
Shaping the English language, one expletive at a time
*()!@, %#^&, @$$, )!-$*&%^, or even ~*@(\&$#?
A lexicographer by trade and the author of "Green's Dictionary of Slang," Green defends profane words as a part of our cultural history. These terms that have become embedded in the vernacular often cover profane themes such as sex, drugs and crime that have originated everywhere from sporting arenas to tightly-knit ethnic communities. By looking at how the use of these words has changed over hundreds of years, from British beggar books to modern times, "The Vulgar Tongue" adds to the history of profanity and celebrates its impact on our language and culture. How do you view the place of profanity and vulgarity in language and culture? Does slang erode English, or does it make the language richer?
Guest:
Jonathon Green, British lexicographer of slang and writer on the history of alternative cultures. His latest book is "The Vulgar Tongue: Green's History of Slang” (Oxford University Press)
FilmWeek: ‘A Most Violent Year,’ ‘The Woman in Black 2: The Angel of Death,’ ‘[REC]4: Apocalypse,’ and more
Patt Morrison and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Henry Sheehan review this week’s releases, including “A Most Violent Year,” “The Woman in Black 2: The Angel of Death,” [REC]4: Apocalypse,” and more. TGI-Filmweek!
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com
A look at past and present presidential movies
A new Obama biopic, “Southside With You,” is slated to explore Barack and Michelle’s beginnings in Chicago. The movie will focus on their first date around the city in 1989, a day that changed both of their lives forever. Tika Sumpter will play Michelle Obama (her maiden name is “Robinson”), and the role of Barack Obama has yet to be cast.
While the filming is set to begin in July in Chicago, there is a rich history of presidential movies gone by. From “Wilson” to “Sunrise At Campobello” to “The President’s Lady” and more, various presidents have been portrayed across the silver screen. Typically these movies are done after the current President’s tenure, sometimes as a reflection of a bygone era, and we will travel throughout the decades to see how such movies are received and how they could even shape a president’s legacy.
Are you excited to see a portrayal of the Obamas’ love story? Will this film have an impact on the President’s legacy, or will it be just another part of the cultural impact he leaves behind?
Guests:
Julian Zelizer, Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University and the author of multiple books, including “Jimmy Carter” (Thorndike Press, 2010), and “The Presidency of George W. Bush: A First Historical Assessment” (Princeton University Press, 2010)
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com
A reflection on 2014 in loss and change throughout the film industry
Another year has come and gone, and with it comes a reflection on the film industry and how it has changed. Part of that change comes from the people who have passed away and how their work will continue to be seen and enjoyed by future generations. Another part of that change comes from how the year has shaped film and how film has shaped the year.
From the Sony hack leading to a video-on-demand release of “The Interview” to the 12-years-in-the-making release of “Boyhood,” 2014 is sure to influence the shape of 2015 in film. How did 2014 change film for you?
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com