Episode 111: Etiquette Books, a Royal Engagement, and National Monuments

In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the resurgence of etiquette books, the announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal engagement, and President Trump’s decision to limit the size of two national monuments.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• Etiquette books are making a comeback, and we referenced this New York Times roundup of new titles by Judith Newman. Natalia cited Richard Bushman’s classic book, The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities and Gloria Steinem’s My Life on the Road.
• Prince Harry is getting engaged to biracial American actor Meghan Markle. Natalia cited this Washington Post article critiquing American’s fascination with British royal culture.
• President Trump reduced the size of two national monuments, breaking with presidential precedent and angering many. Natalia cited Federico Finchelstein’s new book From Fascism to Populism in History. Neil cited the role of outdoor recreation companies in resisting this move and Natalia cited Tom Sugrue’s article “America’s Real Estate Developer in Chief” in Public Books.

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Neil commented on Steve Bannon’s attack on Mitt Romney.
• Natalia discussed the new Netflix documentary, Voyeur.
• Niki shared the Vox video, “The U.S. Medical System Still Haunted By Slavery.”