Episode 124: Cambridge Analytica, the Austin Serial Bomber, and Stanford's "Manel"

Past Present

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the historical significance of Cambridge Analytica and its relationship with Facebook, a serial bomber in Austin, and an all-white, all-male history conference at Stanford.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• Cambridge Analytica is suddenly a household name for its troubling use of Facebook data to influence the 2016 election. Niki referred to Siva Vaidhyanathan’s forthcoming book, Antisocial Media, about the social costs of the rise of Facebook.
• After terrorizing Austin for several weeks, serial bombing suspect Mark Conditt is dead. Niki referenced this Rolling Stone article about the impact of the Son of Sam serial murders on tabloid journalism. Natalia cited this NPR article on recollections of Conditt.
• Stanford University’s Hoover Institution hosted a conference comprised entirely of white men. Niki referred to this Washington Post article about the long relationship between the Hoover Institution and Stanford.

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Neil discussed Jackie Mansky’s Smithsonian article, “How Smithsonian Helped Solve the Twitter Mystery of the Unknown Woman Scientist.”
• Natalia commented on Joanna Rothkopf’s Jezebel article, “Inside the Convoluted ‘Battle for the Heart and Soul of Yoga’ That Resulted in Alo Yoga Suing a Body-Positive Influencer.”
• Niki shared Michael S. Rosenwald’s Washington Post article, “Toys R Us Founder Charles Lazarus Has Died. Here’s How He Built – And Lost – An Empire.”