On The Score, Michael and Freddie consider defenses of Richard Sherman that “rob him of his humanity,” and Freddie argues that some supposedly anti-racist criticisms of Macklemore and Lorde have racist assumptions. Then Michael brings up the xoJane writer who was reduced to tears because a black woman came to her yoga class. Does anyone think that shaming racists on Twitter is making the world a better place? Does American mockery of Sochi reveal national insecurity? Freddie and Michael close by considering whether to nationalize sports.
On Critic Proof, Alyssa and Matt consider the sexual assault allegations against Woody Allen in the context of the culture wars. Matt recalls growing up in a conservative home and finding Allen’s films offensive. Is the liberal elite turning on Allen because of the emerging celebrity of Ronan Farrow? To what extent are Allen’s films based on his real life? Next, they remember Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died of a heroin overdose at 46. Has the coverage of the circumstances of Hoffman’s death been appropriate? Why are so many great artists also substance abusers? Can any actor of Hoffman’s generation fill his shoes?