Red-Pilling Grandma with Eli Saslow

Need some advice on how to deal with that one uncle who brings up the Birther Conspiracy at every family gathering? This week journalist Eli Saslow (@elisaslow) joins host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss to radicalization of older people. One of our listeners, Holly Griffith, is a NASA rocket scientist. She wrote to us because she’s experienced a huge disconnect with her mother over fake news related nonsense. She called-in and discussed some of the trauma of losing a parent to Russian troll-farm memes. But that led us to asking a specialist about why 55+ is the target age for radicalizing older people with nonsense. That’s why Eli outlines how we got here and the reasons why fake news has persisted. Afterwards, there’s a discussion of the things we can do as individuals to make a difference. Although Eli tells us that you probably will not be able to straighten out your uncle by Easter or Passover dinner, he reminds us that there are plenty of success stories and that there is hope yet. Thanks to our sponsors! Most of us have the best of intentions to eat better, cut back on takeout, and spend more time with the family. And then real life happens. Gobble is the meal prep delivery service designed for real life. Get 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping when you go to Gobble.com/FRIENDS. The Pink Tax is the extra amount of money women are charged every year for basic goods and services. And it adds up...to $1,351 every year. Yeah, for real. The Pink Tax is charging women more money on everything from baby bottles to canes! Toys, personal care products, clothes, dry-cleaning. Yes, dry-cleaning. See for yourself at AxThePinkTax.com. Ritual’s Essentials have the nutrients most of us don’t get enough of from food—all in their clean, absorbable forms. No shady additives or ingredients that can do more harm to your body than good. Get 10% off during your first three months at ritual.com/FRIENDS Fully’s standing desks and collection of active chairs, give you the freedom to move, stretch, and be in healthier, more comfortable positions that work for your body’s unique and changing needs as they change throughout the day. To get your body moving in your workspace, go to FULLY.com/FRIENDS. Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. And right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS. Plus, you’ll get free shipping on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices