Penn and Teller Bullshit Season 7 Episode 8 Lawns

Penn Teller Bullshit season 7 episode 8, titled "Lawns," takes a critical look at the American obsession with perfectly manicured and landscaped lawns. The episode explores the cultural and historical significance of lawns, as well as the environmental and economic impact of our constant maintenance of them.

Penn and Teller open the episode by discussing how the perfect lawn has become a symbol of status and success in America. They examine the cultural significance of lawns and trace their origins back to medieval European nobility. From there, they explore how the idea of a perfect lawn has evolved over time, from the British obsession with the manicured lawn to the American suburban lawn craze of the post-World War II era.

The hosts delve into the environmental impact of maintaining lawns, which include the excessive use of water, pesticides, and herbicides. Penn and Teller talk about the ways in which lawn maintenance can contribute to factors like climate change, soil erosion, and water pollution. They also examine the negative consequences of the American preoccupation with lush lawns, particularly in drought-prone regions of the country.

Throughout the episode, Penn and Teller interview various experts and homeowners who offer different perspectives on lawns. They speak with representatives from the lawn care industry, as well as environmental advocates who are working to promote sustainable alternatives to traditional lawn maintenance. The episode also features a number of homeowners who have opted to replace their lawns with sustainable landscapes, including vegetable gardens and native plants.

One particularly surprising segment of the episode examines the economic impact of lawns. Penn and Teller explore the ways in which lawn care has become a billion-dollar industry in the United States, and they investigate some of the hidden costs associated with maintaining a perfect lawn. They discuss how the high cost of lawn care and maintenance can be a burden for lower-income families, and they explore some of the inequities inherent in the American obsession with the perfect lawn.

Overall, Penn Teller Bullshit season 7 episode 8 is a thought-provoking examination of the origins and impact of the American lawn. The hosts provide a nuanced look at the cultural and historical significance of lawns, as well as the environmental and economic costs of maintaining them. By featuring a diverse range of perspectives and viewpoints, the episode encourages viewers to consider the ways in which their own lawn maintenance choices can impact the world around them.