Ep 61: "It's Scary"

This week we're diving into a mix of entertainment, controversy, and community issues. First, we give our review of Scary Movie 6. The Wayans family returns to the franchise that made them famous, bringing back the over-the-top parody humor fans remember. While critics have largely panned the movie for relying on outdated jokes and nostalgia, audiences have shown up in large numbers, helping the film become a major box-office success. We discuss whether the movie is a worthy comeback or simply a reminder that some franchises are best left in the past. Next, we tackle the heated debate surrounding the not-guilty verdict in the shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. A South Carolina jury acquitted store owner Rick Chow, a decision that has sparked outrage among many who believe justice was not served. The case has led to calls for protests and economic boycotts. We discuss whether Black Americans should boycott Asian-owned businesses because of the verdict, examining the difference between holding an individual accountable versus assigning blame to an entire community. We explore the historical consequences of collective punishment, economic activism, and whether unity or division is the better path forward. We also ask a question that many people in Missouri continue to debate: Does St. Louis really have a crime problem? While St. Louis has long carried a reputation for violent crime, recent statistics show major improvements. Homicides, robberies, burglaries, and auto thefts have all declined significantly over the past year. Yet many residents still feel unsafe, creating a gap between crime data and public perception. We break down why both things can be true at the same time and what still needs to be done to improve neighborhoods across the region. Plus, we discuss whether social media is making people more divided than ever, the difference between accountability and revenge, the power of community economics, and why perception often shapes reality more than facts. All that and more on this week's episode.