Season 6 E 1 • 01/04/2018

Franchesca explores why pronouncing the word ask as "ax" is pejoratively associated with Black and working-class people.

Watching

Full Ep

02:21

Decoded

Can Legalizing Weed Fight Racism?

Franchesca explores the racist marijuana arrest patterns disproportionately affecting BIPOC in U.S. states where weed is legal and states where it is illegal.

The Strange and Gross Origin of "Cuck"

Franchesca traces the development of the word cuck, from Shakespeare to forums like Reddit, on which it's used by the radical right as a catchall insult.

Three Cinco de Mayo Misconceptions Debunked

Kat explains why it's more American than Mexican to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by drinking margaritas and loading up on nachos.

Five Poverty Myths Debunked featuring The Liberal Redneck

Franchesca busts five common myths about poverty with the help of Trae Crowder a.k.a. The Liberal Redneck.

How to Be Queer AF at Prom featuring Dylan Marron

Franchesca and Dylan Marron explain what rights are available to LGBTQ youth who want to attend prom together.

Five Mental Health Stigmas That Need to Go

Franchesca tackles mental health misinformation, such as love being a solution for depression or that there is no cure for mental health issues.

Would You Date a Short Guy?

Franchesca explores heightism as it relates to success, gender norms and Hollywood with her friend Tyler, who's been rejected on dating apps because of his height.

Five Transgender Tropes That Need to Stop ft. Patti Harrison

Franchesca reviews some common Hollywood tropes and stereotypes.

Franchesca and friends try to unpack what it means to be a "real man."

How to Stop Victim Blaming

Franchesca looks into the psychology of victim blaming, why it happens so often and why it's often used against victims of sexual assault.

Why Do People Say "Ax" Instead of "Ask?"

Franchesca explores why pronouncing the word ask as "ax" is pejoratively associated with Black and working-class people.

Do All Muslim Women Wear a Hijab? featuring Fareeha Khan

Franchesca tasks Fareeha Khan with explaining the Muslim tradition of wearing a hijab.

Will Multiracial Kids End Racism?

Franchesca explains why ending racism is going to be more complicated than welcoming a new generation of multiracial babies.

Are Your Choices Instinct or Influence?

Raymond Braun helps Franchesca understand how cigarette companies have found ways to influence low-income communities to smoke.

Four Black Hair Myths Debunked

Franchesca presents a FAQ about Black hair, introduces common Black hairstyles and reveals misconceptions people of other races have about Black hair.

Racism in Gay Dating? featuring Dylan Marron

Dylan Marron shows how "preferences" are often used to mask discrimination in the world of gay dating apps and LGBTQ relationships.

How Hollywood Misrepresents the Working Class ft. Gabe G.

Gabe Gonzalez talks about the importance of accurately depicting middle- and working-class people in the media.

Colorism in the Latinx Community featuring Lee Chin

Franchesca enlists Lee Chin to break down colorism, a form of discrimination based on skin color in Latin America and the Latinx community in the U.S.

Are Mexicans Taking Our Jobs? featuring Maritza Montanez

Maritza Montanez shares what kinds of work undocumented immigrants do in the U.S. and debunks the racist notion Mexicans steal existing jobs from Americans.

Are All Asians Rich? featuring Lily Du

Lily Du topples the myth of the model minority.

Can You Choose Your Own Pronouns? featuring Patti Harrison

Guest Patti Harrison explores gender pronouns, and why asking and using someone's preferred pronouns is a sign of respect.

03/14/2018