Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Rachel Dolezal and Race Identity, 'Game of Thrones,' and Border Shootings
We discuss Rachel Dolezal, the former Washington state NAACP chapter head who apparently pretended to be black, and how her story reflects larger questions about racial identity in the U.S.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenWe begin with a discussion about Rachel Dolezal, the former Washington state NAACP chapter head who apparently pretended to be black, and how her story reflects larger questions about racial identity in the U.S. Then, in our weekly TV roundup, our critics hash out last night’s Game of Thrones season finale and more. Next, author Katherine Taylor talks to Madeleine about her new novel, Valley Fever, which is set in Fresno during a drought. And finally, why have border protection authorities decided not to take any action against agents who may have been involved in unjustified shootings?
Banner Image: Rachel Dolezal
In this episode
4 storiesRachel Dolezal and Racial Identity
The parents of Rachel Dolezal appeared on the Today Show this morning to talk about their daughter. Dolezal is a white woman who over the years began presenting herself as African-American. She was a student at the historically black college Howard in Washington, D.C.; she got her M.A.
Read the story15 minTV Roundup: 'Game of Thrones' Bloody Finale, and More
For those of you still smarting from the Game of Thrones finale last night, perhaps the new season of Orange Is the New Black will work as a salve? We talk about how HBO’s historical fiction/fantasy series ended its latest round of episodes, and more in our weekly television segment.
Read the story11 min'Valley Fever'
Katherine Taylor’s new novel, Valley Fever follows a young woman named Ingrid Palamede, who returns to her parents’ farm in Fresno during a personal crisis. Ingrid is the focus of the book, but Valley Fever is also a novel about place. It paints a detailed, modern portrait of the Central Valley during the drought.
Read the story14 minBorder Patrol Shootings
The Customs and Border Protection agency has spent a year reviewing 67 cases of border patrol officers using deadly force. The agency now says it won’t be taking any disciplinary or legal action against officers in any of those cases.
Read the story7 min
