Positionality

About Positionality

To us, the word "positionality" is reflective of the social context that influences the issues we face every day. Each individual has a story to tell that shapes the way we understand the world we live in. With an increasingly divisive political & cultural landscape & a seemingly exhaustive news cycle, this realm can feel like a convoluted echo chamber. This podcast, hosted by Avani Ghosh & Diva Sony, aims to shed light on the unheard voices & stories around the world, expand our own perspectives, & find ways to bring about meaningful change. --- Follow our Instagram: @positionalitymedia

Publisher

Positionality Media

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Nov 2020

Latest episode

10 Feb 2022

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Feb 2022

   Episode 13: The Russia-Ukraine Conflict

   From major news publications to social media apps like TikTok, fear of the growing conflict in Russia and Ukraine and warnings of a possible "World War III" have consumed the internet. But what exactly is the Russia-Ukraine conflict? In this episode, we explore the intricate history and development of this crisis while carefully considering how each of the involved party's perspectives and international relations affect what the future of the conflict looks like. We also delve deep into how economic factors such as the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline and control of the Black Sea could possibly drive and hinder a future Russian invasion. Finally, we discuss the effects of a decades-long conflict between capitalism and communism and how the cold war ideologies of the past may still be continuing to harm third-party nations through conflicts reminiscent of proxy wars. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia Email us: positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kairo Serna Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

2. 

   31 Jan 2022

   Episode 12: NFTs and Cryptocurrency

   If you've been anywhere on the Internet, you've probably heard of extremely wealthy people spending absurd amounts of money on tweets and gifs of Nyan Cat (why... just why?)---all of which have been called "NFTs". But, what exactly is an NFT? In this episode we delve into what NFTs and blockchain are and how they operate in the world of cryptocurrency and cryptoart. We then discuss the involvement of human psychology and hype in the novelty of NFTs and how the way we assign value to certain items or things is rapidly changing in society. Finally, we explore how the seemingly metaphysical, intangible concept of NFTs has real consequences in the real-world, whether it may be catalyzing the evolution of how society operates and makes monetary transactions, or further instigating climate change and environmental disasters. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia Email us: positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kairo Serna Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

3. 

   26 Jan 2022

   Bonus: Rent Control

   With the COVID-19 pandemic causing global economies to shut down, many people lost their jobs, and therefore ability to afford basic necessities, such as food, utilities, and more importantly, rent for stable housing. However, this issue has always existed, and many have turned to the solution of rent control. But, what exactly is rent control? And is it as truly beneficial as beneficial as we perceive it to be? This episode explores regional rent control policies in Canada, the implications it has on living conditions and the economy, and whether it is truly as beneficial as we deem it to be. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia Email us: positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kaylie Serna Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

4. 

   26 Jan 2022

   Episode 11: Surveillance Capitalism

   Since the documentary, The Social Dilemma, came out 2 years ago today, the term "surveillance capitalism" has been widely discussed in the realm of technological politics and social justice. But what exactly is it? In this episode, we explore the different methods employed by social media companies and platforms to unethically collect data on every single user, how this data is used to help social media companies profit, as well as the larger implications of it on the geopolitical stage. We also discuss the power hierarchy and dynamics that surveillance capitalism establishes in modern society and whether it is truly possible to change this exploitative system. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia Email us: positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kaylie Serna Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

5. 

   21 Jun 2021

   Episode 10: Art Forgery

   Since the art forgery scandal at Knoedler Gallery took place, many have been quick to point fingers regarding whose fault it was. Some accused the gallery director, Ann Friedman, of being involved in the scandal & purposefully allowing forged art to circulate, while others suggested that her inability to discern between real art & forged art meant that "she was the stupidest people to have ever worked at an art gallery". However, it seems that nearly everyone involved in the high-end elite art world was fooled by the forged pieces, so how was this possible? Moreover, who would make these forged pieces & why? In this episode, we explore legendary art forgers & their motive to get into art forgery in the first place. We then look at why the fine art world is perceived as exclusive & unapproachable, as well as the classism associated with this belief. Finally, we examine protests taking place to challenge who has the power to define what art is & should be. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia Email us: positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kaylie Serna Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

6. 

   11 Jun 2021

   Episode 9: LGBTQ+ Rights in Egypt

   Happy Pride Month everyone! Pride is an important celebration of queer identities that takes place in June, but it is also a time to educate ourselves on the issues afflicting the community today. In light of that, we wanted to explore the prevalence of prejudice based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This week, we delve into how a concert in Egypt led to one of the more brutal & extensive crackdowns on LGBTQ+ people, as well as the human rights abuses that came with it. We also discuss the social & cultural significance of these actions & how activism manages to flourish despite it. Finally, we look at why Pride is so important for advocacy & progress to advance. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia Email us: positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kaylie Serna Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie

7. 

   2 Apr 2021

   Episode 8: Veganism & The Meat Industry

   Veganism vs meat consumption has been a widespread topic of discussion in recent days. Many vegans often argue environmentalism being their main reason for going vegan, but what exactly makes veganism more beneficial for the environment? Moreover, what makes the meat industry detrimental to it? This week, we delve into sustainability of veganism, as well as why meat consumption is highly prevalent in western cultures. We also take a look at the affordability of veganism & why meat products are so inexpensive in comparison to produce & vegan alternatives. Finally, we explore the psychology behind the stigma around veganism, as well as where we should go from here to ensure both economic & sustainable development can continue. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia Email us: positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kaylie Serna Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie Moonlight Sonata | Beethoven

8. 

   19 Mar 2021

   Episode 7: The Yemen Crisis

   The US War on Terror, a military campaign first started by President Bush following the 9/11 Al Qaeda terrorist attacks, has led to the US being increasingly involved in Middle Eastern affairs. While we often see our conquests being painted as nationalistic & patriotic endeavors, we almost never consider the seemingly irreparable damage to development that results from the forever wars. In this episode, we discuss one of the biggest humanitarian crises in the world: Yemen, existing political & religious strife within the nation that led to significant civil wars, & ultimately how US & Saudi Arabian involvement contribute to the suffering of millions. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia! Email us at positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kaylie Serna Falling to Pieces | Jurrivh Concerto for Piano No. 2 in C Minor | Rachmaninoff Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie Beau Soir | Claude Debussy

9. 

   12 Mar 2021

   Episode 6: Big Philanthropy

   The wealth gap has been one of the most widely discussed issues in the socio-political realm. We always scrutinize the ethics behind how billionaires make their money, but we almost never examine how they give it away. This week, we examine structures of big philanthropy that essentially enable the wealthy to gain social & political control, while still benefiting economically from their endeavors. We then analyze who this actually helps & why, even in the most optimistic of situations, such a system ends up infringing on democratic principles. --- Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA Check out our Instagram: @positionalitymedia! Email us at positionalitymedia@gmail.com --- Music Credits: Intro Music | Kaylie Serna Arrival of the Birds | The Cinematic Orchestra Moonlight Sonata (1st Movement) | Ludwig van Beethoven Gymnopedie No. 1 | Erik Satie & Philippe Entremont Swan Lake Op. 20 | Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Reflections | Toshifumi Hinata

10. 

    19 Feb 2021

    Episode 5: Hong Kong Protests

    The Hong Kong protests that took place in June 2020 seemed to stir up a lot of national & international attention over recent extradition laws passed by the Chinese Communist Party in an attempt to gain more control over Hong Kong civilians. But what led to the culmination of these tensions in the first place? This week we explore the intricacies of Hong Kong's socio-political landscape, from its struggles to merge with China as a post-colonial society to current dissent & the CCP's suppression of opposition. We also delve into the realities of living in an Orwellian nightmare & look at what it means to have liberty, justice, sovereignty, & power amidst a society of totalitarianism, surveillance, & censorship. --- Special thanks to our friend Kaylie Serna for producing all of the music in this episode! --- Check out our Instagram @positionalitymedia! For bonus content, check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfEjQiQf5lYwMwGC07OQqA/videos Email us at positionalitymedia@gmail.com

11. 

    20 Nov 2020

    Episode 4: The Dark Web

    Often described as an illicit cyber underworld where the worst possible criminals order hitmen and purchase illegal contraband, the dark web is a topic shrouded in mystery and fear which few people truly understand. This week we delve into the intricacies of the dark web, investigating both the malicious, more publicly reported on aspects, along with the surprisingly beneficial facets the general public rarely takes time to consider. We also explore the numerous measures government and non-governmental organizations alike are taking to combat the dark web while also considering where we must draw the line between protections regarding our security and privacy. --- Special thanks to our friend Kaylie Serna for producing all of the music in this episode! --- Check out our Instagram @positionalitymedia! Email us at positionalitymedia@gmail.com

12. 

    13 Nov 2020

    Episode 3: Femicide in Turkey

    Femicide (the killing of women because they're women) has been on the rise in Turkey, reaching record levels this year. From outrage over the murder of 27-year-old Pınar Gültekin, to social media movements such as #ChallengeAccepted, this week we examine the various political, social, and cultural landscapes that affect women's rights in Turkey. We also take a look at feminism in various global and historical contexts, and what happens when social movements become echo chambers. --- Special thanks to our friend Kaylie Serna for producing all of the music in this episode! --- Check out our Instagram @positionalitymedia! Email us at positionalitymedia@gmail.com

13. 

    6 Nov 2020

    Episode 2: Fast Fashion

    Some of the most popular fashion brands, including Forever 21, Zara, and H & M, are all known for replicating high fashion designs and selling them at costs low enough to be accessible to the general public. The question then arises: is it too good to be true? This week we delve into fast fashion and its detrimental effects on the environment and the welfare of its workers. --- Special thanks to our friend Kaylie Serna for producing all of the music in this episode! --- Check out our Instagram @positionalitymedia! Email us at positionalitymedia@gmail.com

14. 

    6 Nov 2020

    Episode 1: Private Prisons

    The private prison industry has been capitalizing on mass incarceration since the 1980s, but no one seems to talk about it. This week, we dive into how companies, such as GEO Group and CoreCivic, have managed to profit off of the incarceral system in the US, the rising significance of their political and social influence, as well as ethical issues involved with the industry. --- Special thanks to our friend Kaylie Serna for producing all of the music in this episode! --- Check out our Instagram @positionalitymedia! Email us at positionalitymedia@gmail.com

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

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