Today on AirTalk, we take a look at the new ways consumers are shopping for holiday sales. Also on the show, we discuss the 8th and 13th Amendments; the weekend's film releases; and more.
Black Friday’s Three-Pronged Offensive: Which Side Will You Join?
The American-born retail holiday known as Black Friday has been swelling amorphously, devouring everything in its path like the deformed Tetsuo in the dystopian anime classic Akira.
Once a quaint excuse to bond with loved ones in beach chairs at 5 AM outside of a Best Buy or Toys ‘R Us, the consumer biomass now seems to have overtaken every remaining retail space, and each URL on the internet, starting on Thursday night and extending past even Cyber Monday. Amid this gurgling atmosphere of targeted ads circling overhead like the Wicked Witch of the West, consumers have formed factionary allegiances: there are the old guard, the Doorbusters, arriving in layered-clothing in the dead of night. They have lost many numbers to the Online Converts, carrying out their orders from warm couches and kitchen tables.
And then there are the separatist Ecoshoppers, convinced their purchases will make the world a better place. That’s how the Wall Street Journal describes the situation, minus the pop culture gags. Which side of the struggle do you find yourself on? Are you a doorbuster? An online convert? Or do you hold back your wallet until you find a product that you feel comfortable supporting as an “ecoshopper?” We take a look at how generational divides and lifestyle choices may affect how we spend during the winter holiday sales.
Guest:
Kit Yarrow, consumer research psychologist and author of the book “Decoding the New Consumer Mind: How and Why We shop and Buy” (March 2014, Jossey-Bass)
Purple Project For Democracy: A Discussion On The 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment, Section 1 states: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” Basically, it outlawed slavery except those convicted of crimes. And some have argued that radicalized mass incarceration of black people today, in a way, is a continuation of of slavery.
Jody Armour sits down with Larry to talk through the complexities of both the 8th and 13th Amendments and their impact on where the country sits today.
Guest:
Jody Armour, professor of law at USC; he tweets
What’s Your ‘Political Strategy’ For The Dinner Table This Thanksgiving?
The Thanksgiving holiday is quickly approaching and many families will sit down to feast and give thanks. Maybe the night will bring loving and pleasant conversation, but more than likely, for a lot of families, it will lead to turmoil as relatives fire political insults across the table faster than they pass the stuffing.
A growing number of people find it “stressful and frustrating” to talk about politics with people they disagree with, according to the Pew Research Center. But political controversy is as timely as ever this Thanksgiving as the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump moves to the House Judiciary Committee. It might be more difficult to keep your opinions to yourself this year, although there are tips out there for how to limit or avoid the political talk. There are also suggestions on how to cut through the awkwardness, in addition to your turkey, and talk about the important issues while still enjoying your family.
We want to know what your “political strategy” is going into the holiday festivities. Are you planning to share your opinions? How do you plan to keep it peaceful? Are you doing things differently than in years past because of the divisive nature of today’s political climate? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
FilmWeek: ‘Queen & Slim,’ ‘The Two Popes,’ ‘Les Misérables’ and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases.
"Queen & Slim" in wide release
“The Frame’s” John Horn spoke with Melina Matsoukas and Lena Waithe, the director and writer of the film. You can hear the interview at here.
"The Two Popes" at The Landmark & The Vista
"Les Misérables" at Arena Cinelounge Hollywood
"Girls On The Run" at Laemmle’s Glendale
"My Friend The Polish Girl" at Laemmle’s Glendale
"Away" at Laemmle’s Glendale
"Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project" at the Nuart Theatre
"After Parkland" at Laemmle’s Monica Film Center
"Branagh Theatre Live: The Winter's Tale" at Laemmle’s Town Center, Laemmle’s Playhouse, Laemmle’s Claremont, Laemmle’s Royal & Laemmle’s Glendale (12/4 one night only)
"When Harry Met Sally" at Laemmle’s Claremont, Laemmle’s Playhouse & Laemmle’s Town Center (12/3 one night only)
CRITICS' HITS:
Tim: "Queen & Slim," "My Friend The Polish Girl," "Away" & "Branagh Theatre Live: The Winter's Tale"
Amy: "Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project" & "When Harry Met Sally"
MIXED FEELINGS:
Tim: "The Two Popes"
Amy: "Les Misérables," "Girls On The Run" & "After Parkland"
Guests:
Amy Nicholson, film critic for KPCC, film writer for The Guardian and host of the podcasts ‘Unspooled’ and the podcast miniseries “Zoom”; she tweets
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com; he tweets
The Most Important Films Of The Last Decade (Plus, The Ones That Have Yet To Come Out)
The 2010s are coming to a close, and layperson and critic alike are flipping back through their memories for the most important and beloved films of the last decade.
“The Avengers,” “Get Out” and “Moonlight” all got a spot in the New York Times critics’ list. But of course, what makes a film “influential” is highly subjective -- its affect on the film industry? Audiences? The world beyond?
Our critics dive into the films they thought were most influential. Plus, we look ahead to the best films yet to be released in 2019.
Guests:
Amy Nicholson, film critic for KPCC, film writer for The Guardian and host of the podcasts ‘Unspooled’ and the podcast miniseries “Zoom”; she tweets
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com; he tweets