Topic: Social Customs

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has proposed making social media handles mandatory for tourists entering under the ESTA visa waiver program. The proposal seeks five years of social media history to screen for hostility toward the U.S. government or extremist affiliations. The hosts discuss the potential impact on international visitors and the complexity of implementing such a policy.

President Trump, a self-described germaphobe, discusses his lifelong dislike of shaking hands and how the pandemic might permanently change this social custom. He notes that health officials like Dr. Deborah Birx suggested that ending handshakes could cut the incidence of the common flu in half. Trump expresses a hope that while stadiums and restaurants will return to normal, the "concept of shaking hands" might become a thing of the past.

The hosts discuss the American tradition of high school yearbooks and the social protocols of signing them. They express skepticism regarding the Roy Moore yearbook evidence, questioning why a man in his 30s would have signed a student's book in that specific manner.

A listener inquiry prompts a discussion on how tall individuals should approach shorter people for traditional European cheek-kiss greetings. The conversation evolves into an analysis of the "man pat" or back pounding during hugs, which the hosts claim is a relatively recent American phenomenon that gained popularity in the 1990s. They contrast these modern displays of affection with the more reserved social standards of previous decades.

A discussion regarding the widespread media coverage of global uprisings and the effectiveness of corporate customer service on social media platforms. While Delta Airlines failed to respond to assistance requests via Twitter, other companies like Comcast are noted for their rapid response times. The conversation highlights the contrast between the high volume of revolt coverage in Europe versus the United States.

A negative experience at Monterey Foods involving a slow and "grumpy" employee serves as a counterpoint to the discussion on good service. The hosts conclude that while you should compliment good workers, it is often futile to criticize those who "suck," as incompetence is widespread. This leads into a transition toward future segments on food and restaurant reviews.