In our last episode of Season 2 (or ever?), we discuss the power of words and language to reinforce systems and to subvert them. Also, Vana is not here to get a degree in linguistics, Teresa finds more sponsorship opportunities for us, and Simmy forgets the name of the pod, but finally remembers our Twitter handle!
**Explicit language warning: We use stronger language than usual this episode.**
Content note: We mention some distressing news stories. This guide provides some suggestions for how to cope with traumatic news events.
If you’re viewing this in an app, see full show notes here.
In the news
Australia had the country’s hottest day on record on December 18th, with average temperatures across the entire continent reaching 41.9C (107.4F).
The Brazilian space research institute INPE has released pictures showing deforestation of the Amazon forest is at record levels.
Somalia is experiencing the worst desert locust plague in 25 years.
Dr Margaret Lawrence, pioneering doctor of psychiatry, died last week.
The Italian Serie A football league created an anti-racism campaign that contained images of face-painted chimpanzees.
The charter of Fudan University, a top university in China, has had a phrase referring to “freedom of thought” removed and a phrase pledging obedience to the Communist party added.
Donald Trump has become the third US President to be impeached by the US House of Representatives.
Former Education Minister Hassan Diab has been nominated to become Lebanon’s prime minister, sparking further protests against the government.
People are protesting in many countries around the world currently, including:
* In France, doctors are protesting cuts to healthcare and there are ongoing protests about pension reforms.
In the Czech Republic, protesters are calling for the prime minister to resign after prosecutors reopened a case into alleged subsidy fraud against him.
In Poland, protesters are opposing new laws that would give the government power to control and fire judges.
In Spain, Catalan protesters continue to demand independence, and there were protests outside the UN climate forum calling for greater action on climate change.
In Chile,