Ep 3. The Rubber Episode

In the third episode of season one of This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy (4K UHD) titled The Rubber Episode, host Kal Penn explores the world of rubber and how it impacts the global economy. He starts off by sharing some fascinating facts about rubber, including how it was a major factor in World War II, and how it is used in everything from car tires to condoms.

Kal then travels to Malaysia, which is the largest producer of natural rubber in the world. He meets with rubber farmers and learns about the labor-intensive process of collecting and processing the sap from rubber trees. He also sits down with the president of the Malaysian Rubber Board to learn about the challenges facing the industry, including competition from synthetic rubber and changing global markets.

Next, Kal travels to Detroit, Michigan to visit the Ford Rouge Factory, where he learns about how rubber is used in car manufacturing. He sees firsthand how tires are made and learns about the challenges of producing eco-friendly tires that still perform well on the road.

The episode also delves into the dark history of rubber production, including the forced labor of indigenous people in South America during the rubber boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kal visits the Amazon rainforest to learn about this history and speaks with activists who are fighting to protect the rights of indigenous people and the environment.

Overall, The Rubber Episode is an eye-opening look at the complex and often overlooked world of rubber and its impact on the global economy. From the rubber plantations of Malaysia to the car factories of Detroit and the rainforests of South America, Kal Penn takes viewers on a fascinating journey that highlights the challenges and opportunities facing this essential commodity.