Every couple of months I love putting together Read, Watch, Listen posts to share a recent collection of stories I find interesting, good shows I’m watching, and other thought provoking pieces. Can you believe we’re already more than halfway through 2020? Yikes. The pictures in today’s post were taken in Lake Tahoe at sunset 🙂 Something about this Lush Boutique dress makes me feel like I’m ready to vacation in Paris and buy croissants from a local cafe… Anyways, let’s get into today’s read, watch, listen post.

Read

“There’s Still a Pandemic Happening: It’s OK Not to Please Everyone” (The New York Times)- Our social relationships have had to adapt and change with every turn of this pandemic. With many states in different stages of reopening, a lot of people are really tempted to see each other even though coronavirus is still a prominent threat. If you are uncomfortable with seeing people, it’s okay to say no! Risking your safety and mental health isn’t worth it if you aren’t comfortable. This article shares some tips on how to say no and take care of yourself during this pandemic even if you’re a people pleaser.

Watch

The Legend of Korra (stream on CBS)- As you probably know if you follow me on Instagram, Tiktok, or you read my life update post, I have been OBSESSED with Avatar the Last Airbender. I was so sad when my boyfriend and I finished watching ATLA, but I was excited to watch the spinoff series Legend of Korra. LOK takes place after Aang dies (did I cry the first episode when I realized Aang was dead? Yes). It took me about half a season to get into the show, but it’s pretty good.

I didn’t love LOK like I loved ATLA, but I liked it a lot. The show is a lot darker than the original ATLA series. The most significant part of this show is that the new Avatar is a woman. When shows (or books) make the main character a woman, usually only women watch, but LOK is special because all genders still watch the show. I love that both series show men and women as equal. The women in ATLA and LOK don’t need to be saved. Women are heroes too <3

Kim’s Convenience (Netflix)- This show is about a Korean family living in Toronto that operates a convenience store. This show has been the source of many much needed laughs in the past couple months! If you liked Schitt’s Creek, you would definitely enjoy Kim’s Convenience. My boyfriend is Korean and he loves all the references to Korean culture in the show.

“How Running’s White Origins Led to the Dangers of “Running While Black’” (NPR)- This video outlines the history of running culture in America and how it’s roots have made it dangerous for Black runners. Running is easy to market as the secret to health in America. All you need is a pair of running shoes…if you’re white. If white people decide a Black person looks “suspicious” running in their neighborhood, it can be over for the Black runner. Running is often unsafe for female runners, but the problem is that no one is talking about how dangerous it is for Black runners in general. Just look at Ahmaud Arbury’s case. He was murdered while running simply for being Black.

Listen

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text- Owl Post Edition: J.K. Rowling and Transphobia with Jackson Bird– As I don’t use Twitter anymore, I had only heard whispers about J.K. Rowling’s transphobic tweets. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is my favorite podcast because the hosts dive into the books chapter by chapter to see what the characters can teach us about life and making meaning in the world. This podcast episode was specifically about how J.K. Rowling’s tweets have hurt the transgender community. The episode featured lots of voicemails from transgender Harry Potter fans who feel let down by the author. 

I started rereading the Harry Potter books when the pandemic hit. They have been a source of comfort and love for me. I can’t imagine how I would feel as a transgender person reading JKR’s tweets invalidating the transgender experience. As a cis gendered woman, I have the privilege of my sex and gender aligning. I feel at home as a woman. I’ve always been in support of the LGBTQ+ community, but I think it’s time for me to take a more active role in being an ally. I have trans family and friends that I love. Even though I don’t know what it’s like to be them, it makes me happy that they are living as their most authentic selves.

I believe that the Harry Potter books belong to the readers. Of course JKR was their creator, but Harry Potter fans have made their own meaning of the books. I grew up with Harry Potter and I will continue to love the series, but it’s important to speak up about JKR’s transphobic tweets. In this podcast episode, the hosts said that one way to love Harry Potter without supporting JKR is to stop giving her our money. If you don’t already own the books, try to buy them used. Don’t buy any official HP merch and shop fan art on Etsy instead. Hogwarts is always there for those who need it 🙂

What have you been reading, watching, and listening to? I’m always looking for more good shows to watch!