Defiance

Many moons ago, "Defiance" was the name and location of a pivotal "Scandal" episode to seal the U.S. Presidency on primetime tv. In this episode, airing on Election Day, the hosts ponder the systems that make up the fundamental pain points of our existence as Americans -- the prevalence of invisible labor, return to work woes, parenting, and disability.Word of the Week [2:40]: Invisible Labor: Although the term was coined by Arlene Kaplan Daniels in the 1980s, it continues to be reinforced by the individuals who ignore its existence, and thus, it is still relevant today.Phase 1 [7:30]: Return to Work Childcare Costs: After Dell provided its employees 2 days' notice to return to the office and Amazon AWS's CEO told employees to leave if they didn't like the 5 days-a-week return to work, parents are counting the impossible costs of doing so, post-pandemic. Dr. Shaunna questions how well these decision-makers understand the U.S. childcare system --- or the lack thereof.Phase 2 [20:25]: Intensive Parenting: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released a Health and Human Services Advisory concerning the extreme level of stress parents are experiencing – an often overlooked public health issue. The reason for the stress could be the expectations of “intensive parenting” for today’s parents. Dr. Shaunna runs down the general costs -- financially, physically, and socially to everyone involved.Phase 3 [33:50]: "Disability Reframed". PBS shares the details of the first art exhibit that allows illness, disability, and American art to intertwine. Dr. Lisa wonders -- what took so long?Referenced in the show:A Timely Reminder: ‘Invisible Labor’ Is Still Work - VogueTech Amazon cloud boss says employees unhappy with 5-day office mandate can leave - NBCAmericans Spend Nearly 25% of Their Income on Childcare Alone— Here’s Why That’s a Problem for Businesses - ChiefThe parental work disruption index: A new measure of the childcare crisis - KPMGWork Hours Lost by the Millions, Childcare Crisis - ForbesArt exhibit ‘For Dear Life’ shows new perspectives on disability and medicine in the U.S. - PBSHow Gabby Giffords is using music to rewire her brain after being shot - PBS NewsThis Artist Draws Detailed Cityscapes Entirely From Memory - You Tube