Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 174 Ken Burns, Rebecca Traister
- September 24, 2010
In season 7 episode 174 of Tavis Smiley, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns joins the show to discuss his latest documentary project, "The Vietnam War." Burns delves into the research and filming process behind the 10-part series, which explores the complex and controversial war through the perspectives of those who lived it. He also discusses the importance of examining history through multiple viewpoints and how the Vietnam War continues to influence American society today.
In the second half of the episode, author and journalist Rebecca Traister discusses her book "All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation." Traister examines the societal shifts that have led to more women delaying or forgoing marriage, and the economic and cultural implications of this trend. She also discusses how single women have been historically stigmatized and the ways in which they are now forming their own communities and political movements.
Throughout the episode, Tavis Smiley engages with both guests on a range of topics, from the role of storytelling in shaping public memory to the intersection of race and gender in contemporary politics. The conversation is thoughtful and engaging, offering insights into two significant cultural phenomena and their lasting impacts on American society.