Episode 152: U.S.-Saudi Relations, Trans Americans, and Horror Movies

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of U.S.-Saudi relations in light of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Trump administration’s policies toward transgender people, and the continued popularity of horror movies.

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

• The brutal death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has turned attention to the historical relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Niki referred to the data in this report about journalists killed in the line of duty.
• A memo from the Health and Human Services Department reveals that the Trump administration plans to further roll back the rights of transgender people. Natalia recommended the work of historian Jen Manion on the history of trans identity.
• In an age of digital streaming, horror movies remain a sure bet for box office success. Niki recommended Netflix horror series The Haunting of Hill House.

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

• Natalia recommended Jessica M. Goldstein’s Entertainment Weekly article, “’Britney Spears wanted to be a star’: An oral history of ‘…Baby, One More Time’.”
• Neil shared Tejal Rao’s New York Times article on the history of Kit Kat in Japan, “Big in Japan.”
• Niki discussed David Robson’s Atlantic article, “Neanderthals Suffered a Lot of Traumatic Injuries. So How Did They Live So Long?”