In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the legacy of filmmaker John Singleton, an anti-Semitic cartoon in the New York Times, and the latest social media sensation, TikTok.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

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

• Filmmaker John Singleton has died. Natalia discussed this article by Singleton in the Hollywood Reporter about whether a white director can make a great black movie. She also cited Tom Wolfe’s book Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers. Niki cited this interview with Singleton in the New York Times.
• The international edition of the New York Times printed a cartoon many have criticized as anti-Semitic. Natalia endorsed part of Bret Stephens’ argument in the New York Times.
• TikTok, a social media app few Americans over 30 have heard of, has more users than Twitter. Niki recommended Taylor Lorenz’ article at the Atlantic and mentioned this NPR article to which Lorenz responded.

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

• Natalia reflected on the history of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
• Neil discussed the new emperor of Japan, reported here at BBC News.
• Niki shared Jonah Engel Bromwich’s New York Times article, “The Raisin Situation.”