Restoring Truth and Sanity
"Restoration" is usually a goal when folks want to return something back to its original condition or state...but what if that "original" state was only good for some and not good for most? In this week's episode, the hosts discuss school vouchers, mental health, GenX, and question the current brand of “restoration” being put forth for the many Smithsonian museums that document our nation’s history and achievements.
Word of the Week [1:37]: School Vouchers: The notion of "returning" education to the states is a smoke screen when education is already there. School vouchers sound good but when you scratch a little deeper, it's clear they are an empty gesture for families in lower income brackets.
Phase 1 [7:25]: WHO's Mental Health Report: The World Health Organization (from which the USA is withdrawing) has published guidance connecting mental health to social and structural determinants. Dr. Shaunna shares her thoughts on this new document.
Phase 2 [22:20]: GenX Career Meltdown: As both Drs are members of this generation, they get tired of GenX’s exclusion from many discussions inside and outside the workplace. This generation is currently the largest in the workplace, but what happens when we're too "old" to be considered young and innovative, but too "young" to retire? The New York Times article, "The Gen X Career Meltdown" spurs us to stop and pay attention.
Phase 3 [32:30]: Smithsonian: As part of the identity erasure of the current presidential administration, a March Executive Order charged the Vice President to work with Congress to “prohibit expenditure on exhibits or programs that degrade American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy”. Lonnie Bunch III, the current Secretary of the Smithsonian has something to say about that though.
Mentioned in the show
Guidance on mental health policy and strategic action plans – World Health Organization
The Gen X Career Meltdown - NYT
Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History - Executive Order
Trump Calls on Smithsonian Institution to Promote ‘American Greatness’ - NYT
What to Know About Trump’s Order Taking Aim at the Smithsonian - NYT
