Today on AirTalk, we look at a new survey looking at American young adults knowledge of the Holocaust and its history. Also on the show, we discuss the future of DTLA after the pandemic; talk about CA's track on plastic use and recycling; and more.
Survey Finds Nearly Two Thirds Of American Young Adults Unaware Of The Scope Of The Holocaust
According to a new survey, almost two thirds of American young adults do not know that six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust.
The “U.S. Millennial Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Survey”, produced by Schoen Cooperman Research, also found that more than one in ten believe that Jews caused the Holocaust, and that nearly a quarter said they believed the Holocaust was a myth or had been exaggerated. The survey divides the results by state, and uses three criteria: whether young people have definitely heard about the Holocaust; whether they can name one concentration camp, death camp or ghetto; and whether they know 6 million Jews were killed. Wisconsin ranked the highest, while the lowest ranking states were Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas. The findings are particularly concerning when considering that almost half of the millennial and Gen Z respondents reported seeing “Holocaust denial or distortion posts on social media” or elsewhere online.
Today on AirTalk, we’re discussing the survey’s findings and what they mean for Holocaust education in the United States. Thoughts? Comment below or give us a call at 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Arielle Confino, senior vice president of Schoen
Deborah Lipstadt, professor of Jewish History and Holocaust History at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia; she tweets @deborahlipstadt
Checking In On CA’s Track Record On Plastic Use And Recycling
As reported by Politico’s Debra Kahn, many environmentalists have placed their hopes of minimizing plastic waste in the hands of California.
Most plastic isn’t accepted into recycling facilities, ending up in landfills. As the nation’s most populous state, changes in the recycling chain in California would ripple across the country. However, in this past legislative season, twin bills that would help address the issue died.
The bills would’ve required that all single-use plastic packaging be compostable or recyclable by 2032. So what happened? Plus, as Californians lean on take-out in pandemic times, how is that affecting the consumption of non-recyclable plastic?
Guests:
Debra Kahn, reporter for Politico where she covers California environmental policy; she tweets
Susan Collins, president of the Container Recycling Institute, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles focusing on research and education towards container recycling and deposit systems
Chris Evans NSFW Leak: Have You Ever Accidentally Exposed Yourself Digitally?
Nowadays it’s become commonplace for a person’s NSFW photos to be leaked into the public, whether it be intentional or accidental. Last week, Chris Evans found himself in a compromised situation when during an Instagram live stream, he accidentally revealed NSFW pictures on his phone while sharing his camera roll with viewers.
For a celebrity like Evans, a nude photo accidentally posted for a short amount of time on your Instagram, can be all it takes to have your pictures chronicled in the NSFW media landscape.
Since stories like this are as common as the body parts involved, we want to hear from you and learn about any similar mishaps you may have had. Today on AirTalk, we talk with listeners about how they handled any accidental leaks of their own. Has something like this happened to you? How did you handle the situation? Leave a comment below or join the conversation by giving us a call at 866-893-5722.
The Future Of DTLA: Is The Pandemic Just A Bump In The Road Or Something More Serious?
The coronavirus pandemic has softened the spark of Downtown Los Angeles, much as it’s done to communities all across the country.
It’s only been within the last couple decades though that Downtown LA has gained traction with residential housing, nightlife and dining options. The pandemic has temporarily shuttered social outlets along with office spaces, which begs the question: is this just a bump in the road for DTLA or something more serious?
Before 2000, Downtown could be considered a nine to five destination, as residents commuted to and from the area solely for work. Residential projects began to explode once city leaders passed an ordinance that allowed developers to transform obsolete commercial buildings into residential housing. Those projects have continued up until COVID-19 put things on hold. But the virus also paints a murky picture for Downtown’s future. How will office spaces evolve as more companies and employees make working from home the norm? What does that mean for housing? And what does this mean for homelessness in the area? Today on AirTalk, we discuss those questions and think through the possibilities. We also want to hear from you. Do you live in Downtown LA? What do you hope the future holds for the community? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Jon Regardie, long time Los Angeles journalist and writer, former executive editor of Los Angeles Downtown News; he tweets
Jessica Lall, president and CEO of Central City Association, a membership-based advocacy organization working to enhance Downtown LA and confront issues of homelessness, housing and transportation
“General” Jeff Page, skid row community activist commonly known as the defacto mayor of skid row, he’s also the chair of the Skid Row Neighborhood Council Formation Committee; he tweets
James E. Moore, professor of public policy and director of the transportation engineering program at USC
Larry Interviews With LA Times’s New California Columnist
Gustavo Arellano, has spent two decades showcasing his talents as a Latino journalist through his many books and columns that have become a reflection of the communities we see in Los Angeles.
Books like “Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America,” gives a detailed history of the Southern California food scene and its relation to the Mexican American community. Or his work with OC Weekly where Arellano was both a reporter for the paper and satirical columnist. He spent 13 years on the column “¡Ask a Mexican!” where he poked fun at those unaware of Mexican customs. Now, he’s taking his perspectives of LA culture over to the LA Times as their new columnist.
Today on AirTalk, two of Los Angeles’s most observant natives, AirTalk host Larry Mantle and longtime Southern California journalist Gustavo Arellano, have a conversation about Arellano’s new job as an LA Times columnist and how he plans to take this opportunity to showcase the community he cares so deeply for.
Guest:
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times’s new California columnist; his first column is out this week, “Wherever there’s a fight for California’s future, this Mexican nerd will be there”; he tweets