Positionality

From major news publications to social media apps like TikTok, fear of the growing conflict in Russia and Ukraine and warnings of a possible "World War III" have consumed the internet. But what exactly is the Russia-Ukraine conflict? In this episode, we explore the intricate history and development of this crisis while carefully considering how each of the involved party's perspectives and international relations affect what the future of the conflict looks like. We also delve deep into how economic factors such as the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline and control of the Black Sea could possibly drive and hinder a future Russian invasion. Finally, we discuss the effects of a decades-long conflict between capitalism and communism and how the cold war ideologies of the past may still be continuing to harm third-party nations through conflicts reminiscent of proxy wars.

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Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA

Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia

Email us: [email protected]

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Music Credits:

Intro Music | Kairo Serna

Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata

Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

If you've been anywhere on the Internet, you've probably heard of extremely wealthy people spending absurd amounts of money on tweets and gifs of Nyan Cat (why... just why?)---all of which have been called "NFTs". But, what exactly is an NFT?

In this episode we delve into what NFTs and blockchain are and how they operate in the world of cryptocurrency and cryptoart. We then discuss the involvement of human psychology and hype in the novelty of NFTs and how the way we assign value to certain items or things is rapidly changing in society. Finally, we explore how the seemingly metaphysical, intangible concept of NFTs has real consequences in the real-world, whether it may be catalyzing the evolution of how society operates and makes monetary transactions, or further instigating climate change and environmental disasters.

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Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA

Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia

Email us: [email protected]

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Music Credits:

Intro Music | Kairo Serna

Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata

Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing global economies to shut down, many people lost their jobs, and therefore ability to afford basic necessities, such as food, utilities, and more importantly, rent for stable housing. However, this issue has always existed, and many have turned to the solution of rent control. But, what exactly is rent control? And is it as truly beneficial as beneficial as we perceive it to be?

This episode explores regional rent control policies in Canada, the implications it has on living conditions and the economy, and whether it is truly as beneficial as we deem it to be.

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Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA

Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia

Email us: [email protected]

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Music Credits:

Intro Music | Kaylie Serna

Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata

Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

Since the documentary, The Social Dilemma, came out 2 years ago today, the term "surveillance capitalism" has been widely discussed in the realm of technological politics and social justice. But what exactly is it?

In this episode, we explore the different methods employed by social media companies and platforms to unethically collect data on every single user, how this data is used to help social media companies profit, as well as the larger implications of it on the geopolitical stage. We also discuss the power hierarchy and dynamics that surveillance capitalism establishes in modern society and whether it is truly possible to change this exploitative system.

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Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA

Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia

Email us: [email protected]

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Music Credits:

Intro Music | Kaylie Serna

Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata

Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

Since the art forgery scandal at Knoedler Gallery took place, many have been quick to point fingers regarding whose fault it was. Some accused the gallery director, Ann Friedman, of being involved in the scandal & purposefully allowing forged art to circulate, while others suggested that her inability to discern between real art & forged art meant that "she was the stupidest people to have ever worked at an art gallery". However, it seems that nearly everyone involved in the high-end elite art world was fooled by the forged pieces, so how was this possible? Moreover, who would make these forged pieces & why? In this episode, we explore legendary art forgers & their motive to get into art forgery in the first place. We then look at why the fine art world is perceived as exclusive & unapproachable, as well as the classism associated with this belief. Finally, we examine protests taking place to challenge who has the power to define what art is & should be.

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Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA

Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia

Email us: [email protected]

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Music Credits:

Intro Music | Kaylie Serna

Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata

Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

Happy Pride Month everyone! Pride is an important celebration of queer identities that takes place in June, but it is also a time to educate ourselves on the issues afflicting the community today. In light of that, we wanted to explore the prevalence of prejudice based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This week, we delve into how a concert in Egypt led to one of the more brutal & extensive crackdowns on LGBTQ+ people, as well as the human rights abuses that came with it. We also discuss the social & cultural significance of these actions & how activism manages to flourish despite it. Finally, we look at why Pride is so important for advocacy & progress to advance.

Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia

Email us: [email protected]

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Music Credits:

Intro Music | Kaylie Serna

Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata

Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

Veganism vs meat consumption has been a widespread topic of discussion in recent days. Many vegans often argue environmentalism being their main reason for going vegan, but what exactly makes veganism more beneficial for the environment? Moreover, what makes the meat industry detrimental to it? This week, we delve into sustainability of veganism, as well as why meat consumption is highly prevalent in western cultures. We also take a look at the affordability of veganism & why meat products are so inexpensive in comparison to produce & vegan alternatives. Finally, we explore the psychology behind the stigma around veganism, as well as where we should go from here to ensure both economic & sustainable development can continue.

The US War on Terror, a military campaign first started by President Bush following the 9/11 Al Qaeda terrorist attacks, has led to the US being increasingly involved in Middle Eastern affairs. While we often see our conquests being painted as nationalistic & patriotic endeavors, we almost never consider the seemingly irreparable damage to development that results from the forever wars. In this episode, we discuss one of the biggest humanitarian crises in the world: Yemen, existing political & religious strife within the nation that led to significant civil wars, & ultimately how US & Saudi Arabian involvement contribute to the suffering of millions.

The wealth gap has been one of the most widely discussed issues in the socio-political realm. We always scrutinize the ethics behind how billionaires make their money, but we almost never examine how they give it away. This week, we examine structures of big philanthropy that essentially enable the wealthy to gain social & political control, while still benefiting economically from their endeavors. We then analyze who this actually helps & why, even in the most optimistic of situations, such a system ends up infringing on democratic principles.

The Hong Kong protests that took place in June 2020 seemed to stir up a lot of national & international attention over recent extradition laws passed by the Chinese Communist Party in an attempt to gain more control over Hong Kong civilians. But what led to the culmination of these tensions in the first place? This week we explore the intricacies of Hong Kong's socio-political landscape, from its struggles to merge with China as a post-colonial society to current dissent & the CCP's suppression of opposition. We also delve into the realities of living in an Orwellian nightmare & look at what it means to have liberty, justice, sovereignty, & power amidst a society of totalitarianism, surveillance, & censorship.