Topic: Othering

Anthropologist Julie Lesnik argues that the Western aversion to eating insects is a learned behavior rooted in European colonial history. Lesnik suggests that early colonists avoided indigenous foods like bugs to maintain a sense of "civilized" identity and avoid becoming "savages." The hosts critique the concept of "othering" insects as a social justice framework applied to diet.

Media outlets and politicians like Chuck Schumer have framed the Capitol riot as a "super spreader" event to create a psychological link between Trump supporters and disease. Schumer has called for participants to be placed on federal no-fly lists, a move criticized by some as "othering" and dehumanizing political opponents.

The term "othering" has emerged as a new verb in political discourse, used by figures on The View and CNN to describe the marginalization of groups. This linguistic shift is also appearing in popular culture, such as the TV show Supergirl, where "The Others" are used as an allegory for immigrants. Critics argue that "otherization" is a tool of identity politics designed to create existential enemies out of political opponents.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker made a bizarre comment during a speech in French regarding Brexit, stating that "leaders of other planets" are worried about the future of the EU. The hosts debate whether he was drunk or if the word "planètes" was a slip of the tongue for "pays" (countries).