It's Kind of a Funny Story

This is a rerun episode from a long time ago (November 2020) that still remains relevant today.

We start off with a quick biography of the late Palestinian public intellectual, Edward Said. Then we discuss the history of Orientalism and its relevance in popular culture today. Join us for a conversation about the Enlightenment period, Aladdin [1992], and the Met Gala.

Further Reading:

• ⁠The Enlightenment’s Dark Side ⁠(Slate) 
• Orientalism II Episode

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We walk through the special relationship between Nigeria and South Africa from the 1960s until today.

Further Reading:

• Aaron Sorkin Goes Off Script (NYT)
• Works by Omid Scobie (Harper Collins)
• Scientology Episode (A Cult Classic)
• Nigeria 'offended' by sci-fi film (BBC News)
• South Africa's recurring waves of xenophobic violence (DW)
• Thousands Flee South Africa as Anti-Immigrant Attacks Grow (NYT)

We stumbled our way into a bonus episode this week - Mariam walks us through the Lindsay Clancy trial (trigger warning 00:01:55 to 00:14:47), we watch a couple of new trailers together, and then we yap about Aisha's favourite film of the 2000s, Nigel Farage, and Texas.

Mariam delves into the history of the Partition using the story depicted in the film Main Vaapas Aaunga.

Further Reading

• Bill Gates: The turbulent AI era is here. The choices we make now are critical.
• Main Vaapas Aaunga (Netflix)
• Our KoF Episode on Bollywood

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On our August Bonus Episode, we share our thoughts on the death of Dolly Parton, the reverse Megxit, and xenophobia in South Africa. At some point, Aisha says "Carl Weathers" instead of "Carl Dean" and I think we should all agree to let that one go.

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We’re trying something different for this episode - a commentary episode! Mariam and Aisha sit down to watch the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony together (commentary starts at 00:23:56).

Further Reading:

• The Complete London 2012 Opening Ceremony⁠ (YouTube)

Mariam takes Aisha down the rabbit hole of contemporary conservative media!

Further Reading:

• Joe Rogan Experience #2526 - JD Vance
• Candace x Hunter Biden: The Interview
• What Does Tucker Carlson Really Believe? I Went to Maine to Find Out. | The Interview
• Jon Stewart on Crossfire with Tucker Carlson
• Tucker Carlson on 30 Rock

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On this episode, Mariam still hasn't seen the Odyssey, FIFA is being corrupt (again), and Aisha learns the difference between Colton and Clayton.

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How does FIFA make money? Why does it need so much money? We get into those questions and more in our latest episode!

Further Reading:

• Ramenez la coupe à la maison
• The BookKeeper — Exploring FIFA’s finances: Where the money comes from and where it goes (The Athletic)
• FIFA Officials Arrested on Corruption Charges; Blatter Isn’t Among Them (NYT)
• A Closer Look at the Global South (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)
• FIFA Uncovered (Netflix)

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Mariam and Aisha invite you back into the group chat! We pick up the phone to chat about Love Island, Summer House, the World Cup, TX politics, and more!

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