Royal Wedding, Brazilians "Right" to Beauty, The Month of RamadanTop of Mind with Julie Rose • Season 1, Episode 816
May 21, 2018 • 1h 42m
Cultures Collide at the Royal Wedding
Guest: Gregory Jackson, PhD, Professor of Integrated Studies at Utah Valley University, Host of the “History Doesn’t Suck” Podcast
The royal wedding – watched by nearly 30 million Americans on TV – was a collision of culture. From the British and American accents of the couple, to the contrast of musical styles during the ceremony. Here we discuss the cultural and symbolic contrasts on display during the royal wedding.
Brazilians ‘Right to Beauty’
Guest: Alvaro Jarrin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
Much breathless coverage of the royal wedding focused on Meghan Markle’s simple, elegant dress and makeup that “accentuated her natural beauty” as many reports noted. The concept of “natural beauty” is an interesting one. How does a culture decide what’s beautiful? Meghan Markle is beautiful. She’s also bi-racial, which for a long time in the United States would have disqualified her from the ranks of beauty. Sociologist Alvaro Jarrin studies the changing cultural definitions of beauty, with particular emphasis on Brazil, where race and plastic surgery collide in dramatic ways.
Observing Ramadan in America
Guest: Mohammad Hassan Khalil, PhD, Associate Professor of Religious studies, Director of the Muslim Studies Program, Adjunct Professor of Law, Michigan state University
Muslims around the world have just begun their annual fasting ritual, known as Ramadan. For roughly 30 days, they abstain from food and drink from sun up to sun down. But there’s more to it than simply fasting.
Festival of Choreography Features Women Behind-the-Scenes
Guest: Adam Sklute, Artistic Director of Ballet West
When you hear ballet, you probably think “ballerina" - tutus and point shoes. Women have long been celebrated in the ballet world as dancers and teachers. But it remains relatively rare for women to hold positions behind-the-scenes, choreographing and directing ballet companies. Ballet West in Salt Lake City is currently hosting a group of company led by women