Ep 1185. Wed, Jan 16, 2019

The Young Turks is a progressive news and commentary show that covers political and social issues affecting millennials and Generation Z. Season 1 episode 1185, which aired on Wednesday, January 16th, 2019, features a wide range of topics that touch on everything from politics and media to pop culture and activism.

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the ongoing government shutdown, which at the time of filming had entered its 26th day. Hosts Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian break down the various ways in which the shutdown is affecting federal workers and Americans at large, including the suspension of government services, furloughed employees, and the economic impact of the impasse. They also touch on the polarization of the political landscape, with both Democrats and Republicans digging in their heels on the issue of funding for a border wall.

The show then shifts gears to discuss a controversial Buzzfeed article that claims President Trump instructed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to lie to Congress about the Trump Tower Moscow project. The hosts debate the ethics of such an action and the potential legal ramifications for the President if the allegations are proven true.

Next up, the show covers the Women's March, which at the time of airing was set to take place on January 19th. The hosts analyze the positive impact of the movement and highlight key issues that will be addressed at the event, including reproductive rights, racial justice, and immigration reform. They also touch on the controversy surrounding some of the organizers and their ties to Louis Farrakhan, and debate the merits of supporting the march despite these concerns.

Later in the episode, the hosts discuss the recent Gillette ad, which tackles toxic masculinity and encourages men to hold each other accountable for their behavior. The segment focuses on the public backlash to the ad, with some critics accusing the razor company of "virtue signaling" and others praising its message. The hosts dissect the cultural factors behind toxic masculinity and analyze the ways in which the ad contributes to the ongoing conversation around gender and identity.

Another noteworthy segment of the episode features a discussion on the state of the media landscape, with the hosts breaking down the various ways in which news outlets have been impacted by the rise of social media and the advent of fake news. They argue that the current landscape poses a threat to the public's ability to access reliable information and critically engage with political issues, and call for greater transparency and accountability from media companies.

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts delve into pop culture, with a segment on the recent controversy surrounding Kevin Hart's homophobic tweets and subsequent apology. They analyze the cultural factors that contribute to anti-LGBTQ attitudes and debate whether or not Hart's contrition was genuine.

All in all, season 1 episode 1185 of The Young Turks offers a broad and insightful look into the political and social issues that were dominating the headlines in January 2019. The hosts demonstrate their expertise and thoughtful analysis, providing a valuable perspective for viewers looking to stay informed and engaged with current events.