Comedy exposes societal absurdities and propaganda, while public complacency and passive media consumption enable misinformation and political regression.
Black women face a compounded "double tax" of racism and sexism, limiting economic mobility and hindering overall U.S. growth. Collective action and policy reform are essential for equitable advancement.
Authoritarians weaponize language and events to dismantle protections, while a razor-thin majority risks further consolidation. Support local journalism to counter obfuscation and hold power accountable.
Claire Danes reveals the "tough and nervous" duality in her powerful performances, exploring the universal fears and complex inner lives that resonate with audiences.
Epstein's files expose systemic failures and re-center #MeToo, revealing how privilege shields predators and why political inaction enabled widespread exploitation across administrations.
"The Book of Massage" - This book was given to Jess Michaels by Jeffrey Epstein as a study guide for massage techniques.
Videos & Documentaries
"Julie K. Brown's Piece of Justice article" - This article is mentioned as the first time Jess Michaels saw Jeffrey Epstein's face in the news after years of not remembering his name, and it prompted her to recall her experience.
"Julie Brown and others" investigative journalism - Mentioned as important work that, along with civil lawsuits, pushed for further investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's activities.
Research & Studies
"CDC quote on damage to a sexual assault survivor" - A conservative estimate from 2014 stating the lifetime damage of sexual assault is $122,000 per person.
Articles & Papers
"Julie K. Brown's Piece of Justice article" - This article is mentioned as the first time Jess Michaels saw Jeffrey Epstein's face in the news after years of not remembering his name, and it prompted her to recall her experience.
People Mentioned
Jess Michaels - Survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse and advocate for truth, transparency, and justice.
Jennifer Freeman - Attorney for Jess Michaels and other survivors.
Jeffrey Epstein - Perpetrator of abuse and sex trafficking, whose crimes are discussed.
Ghislaine Maxwell - Accomplice to Jeffrey Epstein, mentioned in relation to his crimes.
MC Hammer - Jess Michaels danced for him in Tokyo.
Aretha Franklin - Jess Michaels was a backup dancer in one of her videos.
Peter Levine - Quoted as saying, "Trauma isn't the event, it's the absence of an empathetic witness."
Caroline Livin - Mentioned as someone who could not acknowledge the words of Epstein survivors.
Donald Trump - Mentioned in relation to the denial of the existence of Epstein's birthday book.
Steven Hoffenberg - Mentioned in relation to a large Ponzi scheme and Jeffrey Epstein's potential involvement in providing information.
Julie K. Brown - Journalist whose reporting on Jeffrey Epstein is highlighted.
Maria Farmer - Whistleblower who came forward to the FBI in 1996 and 2006 about Epstein and Maxwell.
Les Wexner - Mentioned in relation to his close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and financial dealings.
Todd Blanche - Deputy Attorney General who interviewed Ghislaine Maxwell.
Mike Johnson - Speaker of the House.
Tom Massie - Republican congressman.
Organizations & Institutions
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) - Mentioned for its failure to act on information provided by survivors.
US Attorney's Office - Mentioned in relation to policy violations.
Department of Justice - Mentioned in relation to policy and priorities.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - Cited for a quote on the damage of sexual assault.
NBC - Mentioned as a platform where Jess Michaels gave an interview.
Websites & Online Resources
TikTok - Mentioned as a platform where Jess Michaels shared her story and received comments.
YouTube - Mentioned as a platform where episodes of "The Best People" are available.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) - Mentioned as a mechanism used to request records related to Maria Farmer.
Other Resources
Epstein files - Referred to as documents being released to the public.
Jeffrey Epstein's birthday book - A book containing a cartoon depicting sexual acts, mentioned as fodder for trivializing rape.
Lawsuit (filed by Jennifer Freeman on behalf of Maria Farmer and other clients) - A legal action to understand the FBI's failure to act and to pursue justice for survivors.
Post-traumatic stress injury - Framed as an injury that demands care, rather than a disorder.