It's been a while, but we're back with a new direction for the Axis podcast!  You'll be seeing one episode a week of The Culture Translator Podcast starting now plus the occasional "in-betweenisode!"

 

This week...there are, as always, 3 things to know:

1. The Boy Scouts are dropping the gendered title to simply be called "The Scouts." Their statement says, simply that this is because the character development emphasized by The Scouts is relatable and necessary for anyone, regardless of gender. They began admitting girls last year, so this should come as no surprise. It has ignited a fierce debate politically and socially, though, as you can imagine. With such a controversial change, this is a great opportunity to enter into conversation with your teen! It could open up topics such as inclusivity and gender. No matter where the conversation goes, try inviting your teen to share their thoughts first. Some of the trademarks of GenZ include acceptance and openness to other idea. “Scout Me In” reveals a glimpse into the world GenZ-ers often find themselves in!

 

Wanna dive in deeper? Check out the links below:

https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/scout-me-in/

 

https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/07/opinions/girls-boy-scouts-surbaugh-opinion/index.html

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/05/02/boy-scouts-scouts-bsa-girls-joining-cub-scouts/572036002/

 

1. 13 Reasons Why is on its way back with a new season full of new issues and more drama. Netflix released the date, May 18th, of Season 2 along with a new promo video. The video is already filling fans heads with intrigue and preparing them for the episodes to come. If you missed the first season, the show follows the story of a girl named Hannah Baker who died by suicide. It was a widely popular show as well as one that is extremely graphic as it unapologetically depicts the struggles many high schoolers face including suicide, rape, abuse, drinking, drugs, loneliness, etc. Many people who followed the series praised it highlighting real issues. Teens found themselves identifying with certain characters and seeing some of their stories played out on a screen, albeit a bit magnified, hopefully. However, it wasn’t adored by all - many spoke out against the ways they talked about these all too prevalent issues.

Netflix listened. For season 2 they are adding warning videos and extra precautions to help eliminate negative effects while still maintaining the riskiness of the show. So do your research! If your student has seen season 1 - discuss it! Who did they identifiy with? What parts of the show did they agree with and feel encouraged by? And if they want to watch season 2, maybe watch it with them. You can then monitor the graphicness while engaging in their world! The show talks about issues that are one way or another in the world of your teen (maybe not directly) but we encourage that you enter that conversation!

 

Keep diving:

https://virtual.axis.org/suicide

 

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/13-reasons-why-season-2-address-suicide-controversy-warning-video-1096070

 

https://13reasonsresearch.soc.northwestern.edu/index.html

 

1.  A new app was released and is gaining popularity: Discord. It is a free multi-platform app that lives in the gamer world. It is a voice and text-chat app designed to bring gamers together in community. The designers were inspired by the ways video games used to build community and saw a need for connection and created one! We are excited about the ways this encourages teens to not just live in a reality they created by themselves but rather to build connections in the real world. Win! But with any kind of app where you can chat and text, there is the possibility of inappropriate material to be shared. So - check out the app. See what you think and if you teen has it you can find solutions for the dangers. Encourage them to utilize Discord only when you are present or have access to it so you can be aware of what is being shared! As always, we desire for connection and relationships to be built out of these cultural happenings.

 

To the depths:

https://axis.org/guides

 

https://discordapp.com/

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discord_(software)

 

https://discordapp.com/features?

 

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/discord-chat-for-gamers/user-reviews/adult

 

BONUS TRANSLATION

 

Avengers: Infinity War came out April 27. People were jazzed and flooded the theaters and sold out the seats. The long awaited build up of this film [ahem - 18 Marvel films later] did not disappoint. The movie achieved over a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has remained extremely popular.  Yet throughout the fight scenes and the uniting of all of your favorite characters (no spoilers, don’t worry) - there was an intriguing depiction of the Gospel woven throughout. Or perhaps a better way to explain the message in this movie are through the words ‘mercy’ and ‘sacrifice.’ The main “villain” Thanos exemplifies a certain definition of these two words that lives in contrast to how the Avengers live those out. And honestly different from the way Christ lived these out in His own life. What a great place to start a conversation with your teen while meeting them in what they love! Sounds like Culture Translation to me :)

 

Last links, we promise:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154756/

 

https://factsandtrends.net/2018/04/27/avengers-infinity-war-packs-a-punch-hits-on-spiritual-themes/

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FOLLOW ---> https://axis.org/ct/