Happy Birthday, America!

In honor of the 4th of July, we’re going with a “Happy Birthday, America” theme. I also decided to write a short love/hate birthday letter to my country. Here it is:

Dear America,

Happy 240th birthday! Wow, you’re old. You would think you’d have your s*%t together better than you actually do. I really love you, but sometimes I really don’t. You have provided me with opportunity and a life that I truly cherish, but lately you are misbehaving. Can you please get your act together and stop embarrassing me? Canada is becoming more attractive by the minute.

Love [almost] always,
Adela

P.S. I love that I live in a country that allows me to write this without fear of punishment. So, thank you for that!

Anyway, on to the selections for this month. I expect some lively discussion at our in-person chapter meetings and I can’t wait to hear about it! Don’t forget to share your feedback about these episodes below in the comments section or via our PBC Facebook Group or twitter.

• Radio Diaries: Women who Fought for the White House. Did you know that more than 35 women have run for President of the United States? Did you know that the first of them ran in 1872? Or that in 1972 a black woman ran? I did not know any of these things and this episode was equally inspirational and infuriating. Why, in 2016, 144 years after the first woman ran for president, is gender even up for discussion when it comes to the ability to rule this country? This episode is a nice segue between last month’s theme of feminism and this month’s theme. It is the first in a three part series called “Contenders” in which the hosts will present portraits of some of the lesser known presidential candidates.
• In Theory: Patriotic Party in the USA. As two self-proclaimed “progressive brown ladies,” Maria and Noorain talk about what America means to them and how patriotism manifests itself in them. In each episode of In Theory, co-hosts Maria Sachiko Cecire and Noorain Khan raid academia for the the most fascinating and relevant social, cultural, and scientific theories, and use them to help make sense of this beautiful mess of a world we live in.
• Stride & Saunter: State of the Reunion. Two thoughtful millennials reflect on the 2016 State of the Union address by President Obama. Stride and Saunter has been devoted to genuine and thoughtful dialogue. It is a podcast for various thoughts, feelings and boundless curiosity.

Happy listening!