Episode 180: Sex Strike, David McCullough, and Doris Day

Past Present

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss a proposed "sex strike," historian David McCullough's new book, and the life and legacy of Doris Day.

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

• Actor and activist Alyssa Milano this week suggested that women withhold sex from men until women achieve "bodily autonomy." Natalia referred to Christian writer Laura Turner's tweets about the role of paternalistic religion in shaping an anti-abortion worldview.
• Historian David McCullough has written a new bestselling book that has historians frustrated for its dated views about westward expansion. Natalia recommended Rebecca Onion's review of The Pioneers at Slate, while Niki highlighted the shortcomings of another at NPR. Natalia suggested @ProfWehrman's tweets contextualizing McCullough's work, and Niki recommended an alternative text, Anna-Lisa Cox's The Bone and Sinew of the Land.
• Film star and songstress Doris Day has died. Natalia referred to Anthony Lane's reflections on her legacy at the New Yorker and to the series on "Dead Blondes" by the Hollywood podcast You Must Remember This.

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

• Natalia shared Lyz Lenz' Columbia Journalism Review article, "The Heavy Crown of Gretchen Carlson."
• Neil discussed the death of iconic architect I.M. Pei.
• Niki reflected on the influence of "Grumpy Cat" on meme culture in the wake of the cat's recent death.