AntiSocial: Recent Episodes
BBC Radio 4
Peace talks for the culture wars. In an era of polarisation, propaganda and pile-ons, Adam Fleming helps you work out what the arguments are really about.
Channel 4 announces a documentary called 'The Great ADHD Myth?' Lots of people - many of them with ADHD - react angrily, arguing the show's title adds to the stigma and distrust around diagnosing the disorder. The documentary aims to explore the causes of ADHD - some people think that's a conversation we urgently need to have, given growing rates of diagnosis, lengthening waiting lists, and rising benefit claims related to the disorder. We find out how ADHD is defined and diagnosed, ask whether there is any evidence of over-diagnosis, and explore the disorder's history.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Annabel Deas, Jo Casserly and Simon TulettStudio manager: Jack WilfanProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
Some historians suggest the NHS would never have got off the ground without large numbers of overseas staff, but why was there such a reliance in the first place, and when did the backlash begin? Adam Fleming speaks to Andrew Seaton, history researcher at the University of Manchester and author of 'Our NHS: A History of Britain's Best Loved Institution'.
An NHS campaign group posts on social media to celebrate the organisation's overseas workers, but there's a backlash from people who think we should have more British-born doctors and nurses. Would the NHS collapse without these foreign workers? We find out how many are employed and ask whether there could ever be enough British-born staff to replace them. The NHS has long relied on foreign workers - we go back to the organisation's beginnings. Plus, where does the NHS fit into the UK's broader immigration row?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Simon Tulett, Lucy Sheppard and Bob HowardStudio manager: Andy MillsProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
The idea of a North-South divide in England carries weight with many people, but is there any historical basis for it, and how far back does it go? Adam Fleming speaks to James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England.
Andy Burnham's pledge to rebalance power in Britain shines new light on a long-standing divide stretching across England. Some say the new Prime Minister's focus on the north is long overdue, while others argue it's divisive and that the south has its problems too. So how deep does the divide go, and where does it come from? We explore the geology, geography and the history. People from north and south often sound different - we discuss the links between accents and prejudice. And we revisit a TV series that has been instrumental in the way the Prime Minister, and many others, view the north of England.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Simon Tulett, Mhairi MacKenzie and Lucy SheppardStudio manager: Hal HainesProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
The alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe prompted a debate about how we should speak about the dead, after some people came under fire for comments they made in the wake of her passing. When is the right time to bring up criticism of a public figure that’s died, and how do you accurately reflect someone’s life and legacy? To find out, Adam Fleming spoke to Ann Wroe, obituaries editor at The Economist.
The suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe - and the reaction to it - prompts a debate about what we should and shouldn't say about someone when they die. The former politician was celebrated by some, but pilloried by others for her lifestyle and political views. So is it ever OK to speak ill of the dead and, if so, when and in what way? Plus, we explore the origins of the phrase itself, and speak to an obituary writer about which details to include, and which to leave out.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Annabel Deas, Mhairi MacKenzie and Simon TulettStudio manager: Hal HainesProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
An online community of women, who are wary of men and their relationship motives, has come up with a check-list for finding the perfect partner. Adam Fleming speaks to Sarah Ditum, a journalist and author, about how ‘female dating strategy’ works in practice.
A contestant on Love Island prompts debate over her interactions with the men on the reality TV show. Some viewers suggest Jasmine has been "pink-pilled" - a reference to a mindset that sees women's relationships with men as adversarial, and is a reaction to the manosphere. Others think Jasmine shouldn't be vilified for some of the same traits displayed by men on the show, and in real life. We find out what pink pill content is, and where it came from. Plus, how does this mindset play out in real life? We explore female dating strategy.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Simon Tulett, Mhairi MacKenzie, Annabel Deas and Lizzy McNeillStudio manager: Jack WilfanProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Richard Vadon
As UK summers get hotter and heatwaves become more frequent, more people are considering air conditioning as a way to keep cool. But how does air conditioning actually work, and in our efforts to cool down are we harming the planet? Chris Warburton speaks to Rob Gross, director of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) and Professor of Energy Policy and Technology at Imperial College London.
The recent record-breaking heatwave prompts calls for more air conditioning in the UK, but some argue this could actually make the planet even hotter and obscures the reality of climate change. We find out how and why AC has become such a hot topic and hear what impact it has on climate change. Some say aircon should be a last resort - we hear what other measures people can adopt to keep their homes cooler. And we look back to the long, hot summer of 1976 and find out whether the UK really did just keep calm and carry on.
Presenter: Chris WarburtonProduction team: Simon Tulett, Lucy Sheppard, and Mhairi MacKenzieStudio manager: Hal HainesProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
Harry Styles is regularly accused of 'queerbaiting' - from his clothing to his music videos. Actors in the TV shows 'Heated Rivalry' and 'Heartstopper' have faced similar allegations. And people online are debating whether it's okay to make these sorts of claims. But what does 'queerbaiting' mean? Adam Fleming speaks to Justin Bengry, who specialises in Queer History at King's College London.
Harry Styles' new music video prompts allegations of queerbaiting: some say he's appropriating queer culture to sell his music; others argue it's a welcome rewriting of the rules of masculinity. We explore what queerbaiting means, where the term came from, and ask whether it's ever OK to accuse an individual of doing it. The allegation has been levelled at a range of stars, films and TV shows - we take a look at some high-profile examples. Plus, why is there such a large female audience for gay male romance?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Annabel Deas, Simon Tulett and Ellie HouseStudio manager: Jack WilfanProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
The new biopic about Michael Jackson has come under fire for not including any of the allegations made against him, but what exactly has the singer been accused of? Rachel McGrath, a freelance culture journalist, gives Adam Fleming a timeline of the alleged victims, the cases, and the outcomes.
Michael - the Michael Jackson biopic - has smashed box office records, but it's also raised questions about the controversial pop star's legacy. Some see the movie as irresponsible propaganda from the singer's estate because it doesn't address the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him - allegations which he repeatedly denied. Others point to the fact that he was never found guilty in a trial, and argue that there is nothing wrong with celebrating his music anyway. We explore what's in the film, what isn't, and why, and get a reminder of the legal cases against the singer and his estate. Plus, is Michael Jackson too big to cancel?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Simon Tulett, Annabel Deas, Ellie HouseStudio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
An investigation by The Telegraph has revealed hundreds of adverts for "Muslim-only" flat and room rentals - sparking debates about housing, discrimination, and whether it's ever okay for minorities to get special treatment when it comes to housing. Many on social media pointed to the case of a housing association specifically for Orthodox Jews that went all the way to the Supreme Court. To explain what the case was, and how the law around it works, Adam Fleming spoke to Sarah Steinhardt, a barrister from Doughty Street Chambers.
An investigation by The Telegraph reveals hundreds of adverts advertising "Muslim-only" flat and room rentals. Some say the newspaper's reports, which also uncover other apparent equality breaches, are a worrying sign of unchecked discrimination. Others question the focus on Muslims and argue that some forms of discrimination in renting are understandable, even necessary. We find out what the law says, step back in time to understand the link between property and race in the UK, and look at some housing developments specifically designed for certain groups.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Simon Tulett, Annabel Deas, Ellie House and Bob HowardStudio manager: Hal HainesProduction coordinator: Gemma AshmanEditor: Penny Murphy
After a report suggesting a 'quiet revival' of the Christian faith in the UK was withdrawn due to faulty data, people have been debating whether this truly is a Christian country. Some point to statistics showing a steep decline in Christianity. Others say that the institutions and history of the UK have been shaped by the Church of England. To learn more about the influence of the established church, Adam Fleming speaks to Linda Woodhead, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Kings College London.
A report by a Christian charity, suggesting a surge in churchgoing is withdrawn due to faulty data, but some Christians in the UK still believe in the finding that there is a 'quiet revival'. Others point to recent data showing the steep decline in Christianity. We get into the story of the report and ask whether data and our institutions can tell us just how Christian the UK really is.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Annabel Deas, Simon Tulett and Ellie HouseStudio manager: Andrew MillsProduction coordinator: Gemma AshmanEditor: Penny Murphy
Ultra-thin appears to be back on trend for Hollywood stars and other A-listers, some aided by weight-loss drugs. It’s led some to ask whether ‘body positivity’ is dead, but what does that term mean and how much success did the movement behind it have anyway? Adam Fleming speaks to Viren Swami, professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University.
Should we call out celebrities we deem too thin, or just leave them alone? That’s the debate prompted by an apparent shift among A-list stars - mostly women - to lose weight. Some people say it’s a worrying trend, fuelled by weight loss drugs, that’s damaging women’s views of their bodies. Others say it’s none of our business what these celebs look like, and that they are the product of a culture that still prizes thinness.
We hear about some of the most prominent celebs to hit the headlines recently, find out what 'body positivity' really means, and explore how some in this debate are linking body shapes to politics.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Simon Tulett, Annabel Deas and Ellie HouseStudio manager: Andrew MillsProduction coordinator: Gemma AshmanEditor: Richard Vadon
Girlguiding has told transgender girls they must soon leave its clubs, following a Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, but why was the Girl Guides set up just for girls? Adam Fleming speaks to Janie Hampton, who has written a book on the organisation’s history.
The organising body of the Girl Guides says that trans girls - biological males - will have to leave by the 6th September to conform with a ruling by the Supreme Court last year. Whatever the perceived rights and wrongs of this decision, it's another chapter in the debate about whether we need single sex groups at all, from the Brownies to the gentleman's club.
We look into the history of the Girl Guides and the Scouts; hear what the law says about single sex organisations and ask whether girls really do better when boys aren't around?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Lucy Proctor, Simon Tullet and Tom GillettStudio manager: Andrew MillsProduction coordinator: Gemma AshmanEditor: Richard Vadon
There's a new beauty standard on the block but instead of lip filler and face lifts aimed at women, it's a trend targeting men. The founder of the movement is the 20-year-old influencer, Clavicular, who has been taking steroids since he was 14 years old to achieve a look he thinks is attractive. Looksmaxxers recommend pseudoscientific methods such as 'mewing' and bone smashing to create a chiseled jawline. But where did this harmful trend originate from? YouTuber, Jimmy the Giant, talks about some of the jargon associated with looksmaxxing and its links to inceldom.
Peace talks for the culture wars. Adam looks at the dark art of looksmaxxing, asking what is it, where does it come from and why has it been growing online? Adam gets a glossary of the terms around this trend. He hears how social media is influencing beauty standards. And we find out about "pretty privilege."
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: John Murphy, Natasha Fernandes and Annabel Deas.Studio manager: Jack WilfanProduction co-ordinator: Gemma AshmanEditor: Penny Murphy
The new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights has sparked controversy online after the director, Emerald Fennell, announced that she would cast a white actor to play Heathcliff. Critics have said the decision ignores references to Heathcliff as an outsider in Emily Brontë’s original text. In recent years, there’s been a growing business to tackle cultural insensitivities in film – cultural consultancy. Co-founder of Good Form cultural consultancy, Melissa Legarda, talks about the power of authenticity in film and what her role entails.
Peace talks for the culture wars. The latest version of Wuthering Heights has come in for criticism on social media, especially about the casting of a white actor as Heathcliff. Chris Warburton and guests examine the debate about representation on the big screen.
Presenter: Chris WarburtonProducers: Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett, John MurphyStudio Manager: Andrew MillsProduction co-ordinator: Gemma AshmanEditor: Penny Murphy
The year 2016 is taking over the internet with people posting ‘throwback’ photos and memories from ten years ago all over their social media. It’s prompted questions over whether 2016 was a simpler time and why people have become nostalgic for that year. Agnes Arnold-Forster, a historian at Edinburgh University and the author of Nostalgia: A History of a Dangerous Emotion, talks about how nostalgia has evolved over time, from a serious medical condition in the 17th Century to a rose-tinted vision of the past.
Peace talks for the culture wars. Nostalgia and the cringe factor. Adam Fleming explores why 2016 is big online, especially for Gen Z. Can you really be nostalgic for things you didn't really experience. With the help of others, Adam unpicks what nostalgia is and where it came from.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett and John MurphyStudio Manager: Andrew MillsEditor: Penny Murphy
The French state railway company has introduced child-free carriages on some of its journeys, but transport isn’t the only area being affected by the child-free phenomenon. There’s also been a rise in weddings without children. Head of Brand at the wedding planning app, Bridebook, Zoe Burke chats through some of the stories she’s come across and the polling she’s done.
Should we have more child-free spaces?The French state railway company has introduced child-free carriages on some of its high-speed trains. This has caused a row online. Adam Fleming gets to the bottom of the story and asks if there is a growing demand for more child-free spaces. But is the debate simply a measure of growing intolerance - particularly of children - in society.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett, John MurphyStudio manager: Andrew MillsProduction co-ordinator: Gemma AshmanSeries Editor: Penny Murphy
The contestants on Britain's most popular TV show, The Traitors, have faced criticism for voting out ethnic minorities early on in the game. It’s led to a slew of posts online saying this is a clear example of unconscious racial bias. Head of Psychology at Aberdeen University, Doug Martin, breaks down unconscious bias and where it comes from.
The UK's most popular TV show, The Traitors, has come under the spotlight not just because of its popularity but because it has been accused of reflecting prejudice in British society. The charge is that contestants from ethnic minorities are more likely to be expelled early on in the game because of unconscious bias, particularly unconscious racial bias. Others shows too, like Strictly Come Dancing, Love Island and Big Brother have faced similar accusations. Adam Fleming unpicks the debate.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Charlotte McDonald, Natasha Fernandes and John MurphyStudio manager: Andrew MillsProduction coordinator: Gemma AshmanEditor: Penny Murphy
A clip from Stephen Bartlett’s podcast has resurfaced and gone viral for claiming that a group of men will go extinct because women don’t want to date and have children with them anymore. It’s prompted questions about whether society should intervene to help men find a date and what women are attracted to in a male partner. Professor of Psychology at Durham University, Linda Boothroyd, speaks to Adam Fleming about the science of attraction and how women’s expectations of men have changed over time.
A podcast conversation between the entrepreneur Steven Bartlett and the gamer-turned psychiatrist-turned-online self help guru Dr K has gone viral. And it's about what might happen if men can't get a date.
The podcast was originally published last summer but more recently re-surfaced clips have sparked a debate online about how far society should go to help men who are struggling to find a partner.
Should we have sympathy for men who can't get a date?
We hear from an intimacy coach who helps men and couples navigate the dating world and from a talent manager and content creator who makes videos about feminism, being single and child free.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Emma Close, Natasha Fernandes and Tom GillettStudio manager: Hal HainesProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
Elon Musk’s chatbot, Grok AI, has been in the news because thousands of its users have been using it to digitally undress women without their consent. Staff writer at The Atlantic, Matteo Wong, has been covering the evolution of Musk’s AI chatbot and the controversies it’s been involved in along the way. He speaks to Adam Fleming about how Grok AI fits into Musk’s wider Modus Operandi and how it was made to compete with other AI tools.
Elon Musk's social networking site X has restricted access to one of the features on its artificial intelligence chat-bot called Grok, because of a global outcry. It allows users to alter photos, for example changing a person's clothes - without their permission. With a simple instruction a man's trousers can become swimming trunks -- and more frequently -- a woman can be made to wear a bikini.
The platform faced a backlash with governments around the world calling for urgent action and some politicians calling for X to be banned.
We hear from someone whose image was manipulated without her consent and from someone who uses it in her business career. So is A.I. image manipulation a force for good or not?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Emma Close, Natasha Fernandes and Tom GillettStudio manager: Andrew MillsProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
For hundreds of years women were treated as somehow incomplete, or dangerous, if they didn’t have a (male) partner. It used to be illegal for women to live alone in some parts of the UK and, until much more recently, single women weren’t allowed mortgages. And then there’s the cat lady stereotype. Amanda Vickery, professor of history at Queen Mary University of London, tells Adam Fleming how the stigma around women’s singledom has evolved, and how it’s fading.
An article in British Vogue asking if it's "embarrassing" to have a boyfriend prompts a discussion about whether women might be better off ditching men and staying single.
Some women say they feel more empowered by single life, and that they expect much higher standards of men these days. Others think it's divisive to suggest men are, on average, poor relationship material and that it's unfair to demean women who are happy with a partner.
We speak to author of the British Vogue article, Chanté Joseph, to find out what prompted it and what it revealed. The image of single women in society has a long, and largely negative, history - we open the archives on cat ladies and old maids.
And who's happier anyway - single women or those in relationships? We look at the available data.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Simon Tulett, Natasha Fernandes, Paul Moss, Marie LennonStudio manager: Andrew MillsProduction coordinator: Gemma AshmanEditor: Penny Murphy
What do we know about the levels of sexual harassment on public transport? Statistics show that a third of women and girls have experienced it and 97% of women fear it could happen to them, but is the problem getting worse, and who is at fault? Author of Mind the Gender Gap and Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Plymouth, Dr Sian Lewis, breaks down the data.
A petition calling for women-only tube carriages has surpassed 12,000 signatures. It comes amid increased reports of sexual offences on public transport, both in London and beyond.
Supporters claim that giving women the option to travel separately from men will make them safer, and send a message that harassment is unacceptable. Critics argue that this is a backwards step, amounting to segregation. Some say it unfairly stigmatises men.
We hear from the woman leading the campaign, and explore the history of single-sex train carriages in the UK. Does the data show that sexual harassment on trains is on the rise, or are the figures a symptom of increased reporting? What do we know about other public safety campaigns attempting to tackle sexual harassment and violence over the years - and do they point us towards better solutions?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Ellie House, Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett, and Bob HowardStudio manager: Andrew MillsProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
The comedian Lenny Henry in a new book has backed calls for the UK to pay more than £18 trillion in compensation for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. It's a figure that some people think is absurdly high. It comes from a report written by an economic consultancy called The Brattle Group. They tried to quantify the impact of slavery on black people in North and South America, and the Caribbean. Adam Fleming speaks to one of the co-authors, Mary Olson.
Sir Lenny Henry has called for the UK government to pay £18tn in slavery reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, and argued that every black Briton also deserves compensation. The comedian, co-author of a new book titled The Big Payback, says the payments would help repair damage caused in parts of the Americas, especially the Caribbean, and argues slavery has contributed to modern day racism and poorer outcomes for black people in the UK. Opponents have argued it's unfair to hold modern Britons responsible for past wrongs and called the £18tn figure absurd and divisive - we find out where that figure came from, and what calculations went into it. Many in this debate point out that, although Britain profited from slavery, it also abolished it - we look at the reasons behind that shift and what it meant for slaves and slave owners. Plus, reparations used to be all about wars - how else have they been applied throughout history?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Mike Wendling, Natasha FernandesEditor: Richard VadonProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesStudio engineer: Andrew Mills
When an art exhibition featuring stickers made to look like graffiti opened in Canterbury Cathedral, there was a surprisingly loud reaction from right-wing activists in the US - even JD Vance, the American vice-president, chimed in. Many on the political right see cathedrals, churches, and monuments in Europe as a grand cultural heritage which they feel they have to defend. And many of Donald Trump's supporters believe that Britain is under attack from multiculturalism, and that the UK is a country in decline because of its alleged failure to uphold Western values. The BBC's Mike Wendling, who’s written books investigating the US far-right, explains to Adam Fleming how the concept of the "decline of the West" has crossed the Atlantic.
An art exhibition in Canterbury Cathedral has enraged traditionalists who believe that it doesn’t fit with the holy site’s beauty or the church’s mission. The works consist of a set of temporary vinyl stickers with questions like “Why did you create hate when love is by far more powerful?” and “Does our struggle mean anything?” The questions for God were devised after artist Alex Vellis and curator Jacquiline Creswell consulted a series of marginalised groups.The organisers say the stickers were tested to make sure they did not damage the cathedral’s ancient walls. But they have faced criticism on artistic grounds and questions about the appropriateness of the art and the values behind it.Among the outraged were Vice President JD Vance, who called the stickers “ugly”, and Elon Musk, who called it an affront to western civilisationThey in turn were faced with supporters of the exhibition who argued it reflected the church’s mission and spread a message of inclusiveness and tolerance.Art has always been intrinsically tied to religion and the Anglican Church, so how far back does this culture war battle really go – and why did political leaders in America jump into the controversy?Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Natasha Fernandes, Ellie House, Mike WendlingStudio manager: Andy MillsProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Richard Vadon
Are middle aged white men angry and if so why and how does that affect our politics? Professor of political science at the University of Manchester, Rob Ford, speaks to Adam Fleming about what is driving this anger from financial insecurity to broader social and cultural attitudes. He covers everything from the motte-and-bailey fallacy to measuring how tolerant someone is based on whether they’d be happy if a family member brought someone with a different political belief home.
Football pundit and former Manchester United star Gary Neville posted a video that he pitched as a call to national unity. But was greeted by a wave of online vitriol for one line in which he blamed “angry middle-aged white men” for creating political division. Many middle-aged white men took to social media – to deny they are angry, to describe their anger as justified, or to call Neville’s comments the out-of-touch ramblings of a “champagne socialist”. But the footballer has his supporters too, with some saying he put his finger on a specific group that has been pulling at the fault lines of British politics by hoisting flags and protesting against immigration. What do polling and history tell us about the political divides within our society – and when it comes to our political divisions, who’s really to blame?Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Emma Close, Natasha Fernandes, Mike WendlingStudio manager: Andy MillsProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Richard Vadon
Patriotism is a concept that’s been used throughout history. From rallying the troops in wartime to acting as the “glue” that brought revolutionaries together in 18th Century France; the idea of loving one’s civilisation and supporting its values, dates all the way back to Ancient Greece.Georgios Varouxakis, professor of the history of political thought at Queen Mary University of London, runs Adam Fleming through a potted history of patriotism and how it’s evolved over time.
It seems like everyone wants to be a patriot this week, from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to people hoisting flags up British lampposts. But what does patriotism really mean?
At the Labour Party conference there was lots of talk of 'progressive patriotism' - a definition of the term that emphasises Britain's tolerance and multiculturalism. Others invoke patriotism when seeking a return to the past. Others reject the word entirely because of its links to nationalism.
We find out why Keir Starmer and the Labour Party are trying to formulate 'progressive patriotism', examine the history of the concept going back to the ancient Greeks, and ask what polling tells us about how patriotic British people feel.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Lucy Proctor, Natasha Fernandes, Mike Wendling, Tom GilletStudio manager: Andy MillsProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Bridget Harney
When people come to the UK seeking asylum they’re supposed to be placed in homes all over the country while their claims are processed – not hotels. Jonathan Darling, professor of human geography at Durham University, tells Adam Fleming where this policy of dispersal came from, how it’s evolved, and why it’s broken down.
Anger has flared outside hotels used to house asylum seekers. Protestors say they are worried about illegal migration, cost to the taxpayer and a lack of consultation, but one issue seems to spark even more concern - the safety of women and children. Opponents have accused protestors of racism and whipping up hate.
Is there any evidence that asylum seekers are more likely to commit sexual offences? We trace the clamour for more data to answer that question.
Police have been given new guidance on disclosing the ethnicity and nationality of suspects in criminal cases - especially high profile ones. What might be the effect?
And why are so many asylum seekers currently housed in hotels anyway? We hear how the system is supposed to work and how it’s evolved.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Natasha Fernandes, Emma Close and Tom GillettEditor: Penny MurphyProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesStudio engineer: Annie Gardiner
At first it was about creating an image that people could aspire to. Then, in the 2000s, brands started promoting their products based on values. Now marketers have entered the ‘dark mode shift’ where the only aim is to ‘ruthlessly’ make money. So says Eugene Healey, brand strategy consultant. He talks to Adam Fleming about the thought process behind branding and how it has evolved over time.
A jeans advert featuring the American actress Sydney Sweeney talking about her good genes provoked fierce reaction - and then came the backlash to the backlash.
Some people say the advert promotes a eugenicist ideal of blonde hair and blue eyes. Others say it's a sign that the days of diversity in the advertising industry are over. Is 'woke' dead? And what does the controversy tell us about how brands use culture to get our attention?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Lucy Proctor, Natasha Fernandes, Mike WendlingEditor: Penny MurphyProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesStudio engineer: Annie Gardiner
Cheating, ghosting and catfishing are all rife in modern dating and it’s often assumed that men are the ones behaving badly, with women the victims. But the evidence on which of the sexes deserves the most red flags is more complex than we might assume. Adam Fleming speaks to Dr Jenny van Hooff, reader in sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University, about what studies have shown.
An app offering women dating safety tools and advice has suspended some of its services following a hack, sparking a debate between the sexes about fairness and respect in dating.
Tea, which lets women do background checks on potential male dates, is only available in the USA, but the incident has prompted discussion about similar online groups available in the UK, like 'Are We Dating The Same Guy' on Facebook. Some users say online spaces where they can flag concerns about infidelity or potential abuse are vital for women's wellbeing and safety, but some men feel they are being treated unfairly and that the groups are spreading lies.
We spill the tea on the Tea app, look at the laws around what users can and can't say on these groups, and ask whether men really are less trustworthy than women when it comes to dating. Plus, online dating has changed the way we meet potential partners - how has the industry evolved?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Lucy Proctor, Nik Sindle, Natasha FernandesEditor: Penny MurphyStudio Manager: Hal Haines
In 2023, a big piece of research was published examining the way different ethnic groups experienced racism in the UK. Racism and Ethnic Inequality in a Time of Crisis analysed the responses to one the largest surveys of ethnic minorities ever conducted in Britain.Dr Dharmi Kapadia is a senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Manchester and worked on the project. She told Adam about what the study found.
The debate around a hierarchy of racism was reignited this week when Labour MP Diane Abbott appeared on a BBC Radio 4 podcast and discussed previous comments she'd made about racism.
She maintained there is a difference between racism based on skin colour and other kinds of racism. This sparked conversation around the different types of racism and prejudice faced by Black people, Jewish people, and Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller people. We look at the statistics and discuss the history of the anti-racism movement.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Nik Sindle, Simon Maybin, Natasha FernandesEditor: Penny MurphyStudio Manager: Hal Haines
It’s always been difficult to get a book published. But is it especially difficult now if you’re man who writes fiction? That’s the claim being made by some who say female authors are squeezing their male counterparts off the bookshelves. So who decides which books get published?Amelia Fairney spent 30 years in the publishing business. She talks Adam through the process.
Just a few years ago the gender gap in book publishing was seen as an issue to address, with many publishing houses focussed on boosting women authors. Has it all gone too far? Are men, especially straight, white men, now being locked out of telling their stories? And what might that mean for society?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Nik Sindle, Lucy Proctor, Tim GilletEditor: Richard Vadon
A new law to bolster workers' rights by making it an employer's job to prevent staff being harassed by customers and clients, as well as fellow colleagues, has been criticised by some as an attack on free speech. Opponents worry that harmless banter - in pubs, for example - might need to be monitored as a result of this new legislation. That's denied by the government. The word ‘banter’ has seen a resurgence in the last few decades. Tony Thorne, a lexicologist and language consultant at King’s College London, tells Adam when the banter began.
An extension of workers' rights, designed to further protect them from harassment on the job, has been criticised as an attack on free speech.
The Employment Rights Bill, first tabled in October 2024, would make it an employer's responsibility to prevent harassment of their staff by customers, clients and members of the public, as well as fellow colleagues.
Some argue the bill, which is not yet law, would effectively outlaw banter - particularly in settings like pubs - and pressure companies to more closely monitor conversations. Others welcome the plans, arguing that workplace harassment is rife and that banter is often used as an excuse for discriminatory and upsetting behaviour.
We go through the proposed changes, look at examples where banter has been used as a defence in court, and explore the origins and evolution of the word itself.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Tom Gillett, Nik SindleProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
Government ministers have been trying to promote grit among young people in England as part of proposals to improve young people's mental health and increase school attendance. 'Grit' is the latest in a lengthy line of interventions from education secretaries who've been keen to emphasise the values they think children should be learning in school.
Dr Lydia Marshall, head of research at the education consultancy Oxford Measured, tells Adam about the long and winding history
The government has launched a new initiative to help teachers address a crisis in mental health among young people and a sharp drop in school attendance since the pandemic. The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says she wants schools to teach children greater "grit and resilience" to handle "life's ups and downs".It's the latest in a long line of interventions from education secretaries seeking to encourage the values they think children should be learning in school.
Is this the promotion of an important life skill or the latest gimmick burdening teachers?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Josephine Casserly, Viv Jones, Jason Murugesu and Nik SindleEditor: Penny MurphyProduction Coordinator: Janet StaplesStudio Engineer: Hal Haines
In the last few weeks Adam has been noticing things popping up on his social media timeline tagged with the word “Yookay”, which is supposed to be a reference to how UK is pronounced in a multicultural London accent. The content is a combination of pictures of streets or public transport and sometimes videos. So what's going on? I spoke to Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan, analyst at the thinktank the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, who researches anti-migrant sentiment online.
As the Prime Minister announced reforms to the UK's immigration system, he warned that without these changes we risk becoming an "island of strangers". This has drawn criticism comparing his remarks to historical examples of inflammatory language on immigration. Others say this comparison is unfair and his comments were part of a sensible conversation about immigration.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Bethan Ashmead Latham, Josephine Casserly, Viv Jones and Nik SindleEditor: Richard VadonProduction Coordinator: Janet StaplesStudio Engineer: Hal Haines
A group of Labour MP's say they're opposed to government plans to cut the benefits paid to disabled people, with a lot of the online debate focusing on PIP - Personal Independence Payments. BBC journalist Emma Tracey presents the BBC's disability and mental health podcast, Access All, she explains what these payments are, how they can be used and who is eligible to claim.
There's a row in the Labour Party about cutting the benefits paid to disabled people. Ministers say they're trying to manage a budget that's ballooning. That's partly because of more claims from the young and from people with mental health conditions. But others say that these payments are lifelines for people with both mental and physical disabilities.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Josephine Casserly, Viv Jones, Bethan Ashmead-Latham and Tom GillettProduction Coordinator: Janet StaplesStudio Engineer: Hal Haines
A campaign to get verbal abuse on the agenda has sparked debate with headlines that say shouting at children is as bad as physical abuse.
What does the evidence actually say about the words we use when speaking to children? Where did the phenomenon of gentle parenting come from, and how do you do it? And who decides how we treat our kids?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Josephine Casserly, Bethan Ashmead Latham, Tom GilletProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
What does the Supreme Court ruling mean for trans people and single sex services? Michael Foran, lecturer in public law at the University of Glasgow, explains.
What does the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex mean for the health service?
The UK’s top court says that under equality law a woman is a biological woman and a man is a biological man. It’s sparked discussion about how the NHS accommodates trans people when it comes to single sex spaces, like women-only wards. What do the judgment and equality legislation say about providing services to only one sex? What does NHS policy say and how might it change? And why has the language used by health services become so controversial when it comes to women’s health?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Josephine Casserly, Bethan Ashmead Latham, Tom GillettProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
How much leeway do judges have when sentencing? Professor Julian Roberts of the Sentencing Academy explains what guidelines judges use and how public perceptions sometimes differ from what's actually happening in the courts.
Lucy Connolly is a 42 year old woman from Northampton who is currently serving a custodial sentence for stirring up racial hatred after she posted on X on the day of the Southport attacks last year, calling for "mass deportations now" and referring to setting fire to asylum hotels.
Her case has caused controversy online, with some describing her as a "political prisoner" and claiming that the justice system is treating some people more harshly than others.
But to others, Lucy Connolly is being appropriately punished for an incendiary post at a time of high tensions.
Are heftier sentences meted out to some people more than others? Are some groups treated differently in the courts because of their ethnicity or political views?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Josephine Casserly, Simon Maybin and Beth Ashmead-LathamStudio manager: Andy MillsProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Bridget Harney
This month Bianca Censori, rapper Kanye West’s wife, broke the internet after appearing on a red carpet in a transparent dress. Meanwhile, artists were upset about their life drawing class being moved in North London. This prompted a conversation about public nudity and by extension, nudism. Professor Annebella Pollen is from the University of Brighton and author of Nudism in a Cold Climate, she explains the history and significance of the nudism movement in the UK.
How comfortable are we with nudity and why does the naked body still have the power to shock?
This month we’ve seen Bianca Censori break the internet after her red carpet appearance in a transparent dress and artists in north London upset about their life drawing class being moved. What actually happened and why were people so censorious about Bianca? Also, what is the history of nudism in the UK? To discuss the power of the naked body Adam is joined by Dr Victoria Bateman – an economist and author of Naked Feminism: Breaking the cult of female modesty and Stephanie Murray , a freelance journalist and contributing writer for The Atlantic.
Presented by Adam FlemingProduced by Emma Close, Beth Ashmead and Clare WilliamsonStudio manager: Annie Gardiner Production coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
How many people living in the UK do not speak English?This week a Member of Parliament for Reform UK posts a picture of Whitechapel train station in East London. On the entrance of the station, it has the name in English and then also Bengali. Rupert Lowe MP said: “The station name should be in English and English only” Dr Ben Brindle is a researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford. He's been studying the data on foreign-born residents from the 2021 census. He explains how many people we're talking about when it comes to those who may not speak English well, or at all.
This week a Member of Parliament for Reform UK posted a picture of Whitechapel train station in East London. At the entrance of the station, it has the name in English and then also in Bengali. Rupert Lowe MP said: 'The station name should be in English and English only.'
We'll find out how the station got its bilingual sign and examine the data on immigrants' language skills. How are non-English speakers accommodated in other walks of life?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Charlotte McDonald, Arlene Gregorius and Beth AshmeadStudio manager: Hal Haines. Production coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Richard Vadon.
When Lily Collins - the star of the American TV show Emily in Paris - announced she’d had a baby by surrogacy, a debate played out in her comments about the pros and cons of starting a family this way. Some of the criticism alleged that surrogacy is the preserve of the rich. In many countries commercial surrogacy – where the intended parents have a contract and pay a fee to the surrogate – is legal, including the US, Mexico and Colombia. In the UK, however, only altruistic surrogacy is legal. Katarina Trimmings from the University of Aberdeen explains what this means and how the UK law on surrogacy works.
An online debate about whether surrogacy should be allowed was energised this week after actress Lily Collins and her partner announced they had a baby by surrogate on Instagram. In this episode, we explore what surrogacy is like when you're not a celebrity including hearing from a woman who was a surrogate for her best friend. In the UK surrogacy is legal but it can't be done for money. We assess calls to change the law and find out where the movement in opposition to surrogacy comes from.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Josephine Casserly, Beth Ashmead Latham and Emma CloseProduction coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy
As politicians weigh up what trade-offs with the natural world they’re willing to make in pursuit of growth, we look at how our understanding of our role within (or alongside) nature has shifted over time. Dr Andy Flack from the University of Bristol talks Adam Fleming through the various influences, changes and discoveries that have altered how we view our natural environment.
Do we have to choose between conserving nature and growing the economy?
The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been complaining about the £100m being spent on a tunnel to stop bats being squished by trains on the HS2 railway line. A debate about whether looking after the environment is getting in the way of developing Britain's infrastructure has ensued.
Is nature conservation getting in the way of economic growth - and can there only be one winner?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Josephine Casserly, Simon Tulett, Beth Ashmead-LathamEditor: Penny MurphyProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesStudio engineer: Andy Mills
It’s a term that comes up a lot in debates about race, racism, and diversity, but it’s sometimes misunderstood and misused. Adam Fleming speaks to Ali Meghji, associate professor in social inequalities at Cambridge University, to find out what ‘critical race theory’ really means, and why some are critical of it.
Reports that psychology students at a UK university were separated by race to learn about ethnicity and "whiteness" have prompted a row over racism and mental health. Some of the sessions, The Telegraph claims, were designed for white students to take responsibility for colonialism. King's College London says the sessions have been mischaracterised and that they were open to all students. We dig into what's really been going on, and ask whether separate spaces for different ethnicities are helpful or divisive. Plus, to what extent do mental health services in the UK have a problem with race - we hear the key statistics. And we explore a phrase that keeps coming up in this debate - "critical race theory".
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Emma Close, Josephine Casserly, Simon TulettProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
Several big tech bosses, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, have recently taken up mixed martial arts (MMA) and jiu-jitsu. Miles Klee, a writer at Rolling Stone magazine, has spoken to fight trainers in Silicon Valley and tells Adam Fleming what might be behind the trend.
When Mark Zuckerberg appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast last week he said that the corporate world has moved away from masculine energy and is “pretty culturally neutered.” A culture that "celebrates aggression" can be positive, he claimed.
Does the workplace need more masculine energy? Do businesses need aggression and competitiveness to succeed?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Josephine Casserly, Simon Tulett, Emma Close Production coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
One of the central themes in the conversation around multiculturalism in Britain is religion. Within that is another debate, one about how to define Islamophobia. Adam Fleming speaks to Lizzie Dearden, journalist and specialist in extremism to learn more about why the term is disputed.
In the row about child sexual exploitation by gangs - particularly those made up of Pakistani heritage men - some people have begun to question the value of multiculturalism. Shadow Justice Secretary, Robert Jenrick, suggested the law had been applied selectively against grooming gangs "to sustain the myth that diversity is our strength." So what do we mean when we talk about multiculturalism in modern Britain, where did the concept first come from, and what is the evidence that it is a source of strength or weakness? Plus, to explore the complexities in this area, we look at the anguish around one particular idea - Islamophobia.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Emma Close, Jo CasserlyProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
In debates about the declining birth rate and immigration numbers, some people bring up ‘The Great Replacement’ theory. It’s especially popular with white supremacists and the far right. What do they mean, and where did the conspiracy theory come from? Adam Fleming speaks to Professor Matthew Feldman - a specialist in right wing extremism.
Deaths have outnumbered births in the UK for the first time in nearly 50 years, new figures show. Should we encourage people to have more babies?
With an ageing population and not enough babies born to fully replace the older generations, some people are warning of population collapse. It was a hot subject at this year’s Conservative Party Conference - one fringe meeting discussed how to encourage people to have more children - and the phrase ‘Breed for Britain’ was soon trending on X.
Some people say that conversations like this are bad for women, and our total population is still growing - thanks to net migration. Others argue that immigration isn’t the solution, and we need to increase our fertility rate.
What do the figures show about demographic trends? How have other countries tried to boost their birth rates, and have they succeeded? And how has a conspiracy theory about the so-called ‘Great Replacement’ shifted into the mainstream?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Ellie House, Simon Maybin, Caroline BayleyProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
The business of music has been radically transformed in recent decades. Anthony Hamer-Hodges, principal of the London College of Contemporary Music, explains how.
Music artists are cancelling gigs to protect their mental health but what do they owe their fans?
American singer Chappell Roan pulled out of two appearances at short notice - not for the first time - saying she needed a few days to prioritise her health. Earlier in the summer, she called out fans’ “creepy behaviour” and said abuse and harassment of famous people shouldn’t be normalised. Her critics say she’s ungrateful and her cancellations cost fans money. But supporters argue she represents a new generation of artists who are no longer willing to put up with the industry’s damaging demands.
How has Chappell Roan’s relationship with fans evolved as her career has taken off? How have radical changes to the music industry’s business model affected demands on artists? And what has social media done to the connection between pop stars and their followers?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Ellie House, Caroline BayleyProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Richard Vadon
Archive: British Pathe; Netflix.
Sharon Roberts, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo in Canada, who co-founded the International Anthropomorphic Research Project - aka FurScience - explains furry fandom, “fursonas”, and the people who identify with animal characters.
Are the claims true? What are “furries”? And is it all really about gender identity?
Reports that a school child in Scotland identifies as a wolf have gone viral on social media. Some say stories like it are whipped up to attack trans gender identity; others that they are a sign of gender ideology running rampant in the education system. What do we know about the latest example? The child is said to identify as a “furry” - what does that mean? And what really happened when a child in south-east England was reported to identify as a cat?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Arlene Gregorius, Beth Ashmead Latham, Caroline BayleyProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Richard Vadon
Jonathan Rosa, an associate professor at Stanford University who researches language and race, talks through the evolution of words and phrases used to claim people are being ethnically inauthentic.
Is it racist for a person of colour to call someone a coconut? Should it be a crime?
A teacher was put on trial after she was pictured at a pro-Palestinian march holding a placard that showed then prime minister Rishi Sunak and then home secretary Suella Braverman as coconuts. The term “coconut” can be used to suggest that someone who is brown on the outside is white on the inside - that they are somehow acting in a way inconsistent with their ethnicity. The prosecution called “coconut” a “racial slur”; the judge said the placard was “political satire” and found the teacher not guilty. How did the case play out in court? What’s the history behind this use of the word coconut and others like it? And what does the law say about when speech becomes criminal?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Ellie House, Elliot RyderProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Richard Vadon
Disney’s upcoming Snow White remake has sparked a debate about representations of people with dwarfism. But what does that term actually mean? Dr Melita Irving gives a medical perspective.
Are the seven dwarfs perpetuating dangerous stereotypes or harmless fantasy figures?
Disney is remaking its 1937 classic Snow White as a live action film - but this time there’s no mention of dwarfs in the title. Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism, has questioned whether the story should be retold at all, calling it “backward”. But others argue that it’s just a fairytale - and one that can provide valuable work to actors with dwarfism. So how will the remake handle the dwarfs? What is dwarfism and what are the best terms to use? And we take a tour through Hollywood history, from Oompa Loompas to Middle Earth.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Phoebe Keane, Ellie HouseProduction coordinator: Janet StaplesEditor: Penny Murphy
What happened when the Nazis banned smoking and what were the effects? On this week's AntiSocial, we looked at proposals to ban smoking in some outdoor spaces. It led to some people on social media bringing up the Nazis, who launched the first and most broadly reaching anti-smoking campaign in history. In this mini-guide, Adam Fleming speaks to Professor George Davey Smith, a clinical epidemiologist at Bristol Medical School, about what happened and why.
Is banning smoking outdoors good for our health or state overreach?
The Prime Minister has confirmed he's thinking about extending the indoor smoking ban to include outdoor areas restaurant terraces and pub gardens. This, in addition, to plans to progressively increase the age at which you can buy cigarettes so a whole generation never even starts smoking.
It's sparked a social media discussion on personal freedom, the nanny state and the removal of civil liberties. But others argued that it would improve health, help the NHS and de-normalise smoking.
Adam Fleming asks what does this reaction tell us about attitudes to public health, the collective wellness of a nation and the role of the individual within it?
GUESTSChris Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic AffairsDeborah Arnott Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)Dr Tessa Langley, health economist specialising in the field of tobacco control, University of NottinghamVirginia Berridge , Professor of History and Health Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineProf George Davey Smith, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, Bristol Medical School
There is one accent that is often rated as the most prestigious - Received Pronunciation. But what is RP and how did it come about? Lynda Mugglestone is a Professor of the History of English at the University of Oxford and author of '‘Talking Proper: The Rise of Accent as Social Symbol'.She says the idea of one national accent for all first started to emerge in the late 1700s with the creation of orthoepy and the invention of pronouncing dictionaries.
Is it classist to stop Geordies using the term of endearment 'pet'? After the University of Newcastle sent out guidance to researchers advising they avoid using the word 'pet' as it might feel patronising or sexist to women, people took to social media to claim this was a classist move. It sparked a wider discussion about accents and class. Others claimed accents shouldn't be used as a marker of identity and that speaking with Received Pronunciation could be an equalising tool that could prevent prejudice. So what are the origins of RP and what does the data show about our perceptions of accents?
GUESTS: Jasmine Andersson, writer and journalistJonathan Meades, writer and criticLynda Mugglestone, Professor of the history of English at the University of Oxford Dr Christian Ilbury, lecturer in Socio-linguistics at the University of Edinburgh
What kind of online content could be considered 'extreme misogyny' and who's promoting it? Dr Joe Whittaker, lecturer in Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy at Swansea University has been researching the ‘manopshere’, where content that might be considered ‘extreme misogyny’ is published and shared. Much of this activity takes place in forums that promote the ‘incel’ ideology, made up of men who say they are involuntarily celibate and are unhappy about it.
Should some forms of misogyny be classed as extremism?
After the Government announced it would look at ‘extreme misogyny’ in a review of its counter-extremism strategy, a fierce row kicked off on social media.
Would creating a category of ‘extreme misogyny’ be a long-overdue move, or dangerous overreach that risks labelling young men and boys as radical?
We look at the kind of misogynist content the government might be worried about, what the law does and doesn’t say about extremism, and how the government’s de-radicalisation programme Prevent is already dealing with forms of misogyny.
Guests:Ally Fogg, co-founder of the Men & Boys CoalitionDr Charlotte Proudman, barrister and founder of campaign group Right to Equality
Dr Joe Whittaker, lecturer in Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy at Swansea University.Jonathan Hall KC, UK’s independent reviewer of terrorist legislationEvelina Gibson, former Prevent officer
The so-called ‘Battle of Cable Street’ in 1936 is often held up by counter-protesters as a model of how to defeat fascism - but it failed to stop antisemitic violence and actually led to a recruitment boost for the British Union of Fascists.
Professor Nigel Copsey separates the history and the myth for us.
The greenhouse gas emissions caused by meat, dairy, and plant-based alternatives.
Sarah Bridle, professor of food, climate, and society at the University of York, digests the data.
Should meat and dairy be taken off menus to help save the planet from climate change?
A university is accused of “going woke” after reports it is transitioning to 100% plant-based catering by 2027. Climate activists are calling on universities and other public bodies like councils to ditch animal food products to help tackle the climate crisis. But what did the university in question actually decide and how widespread is the shift to plant-based menus? What’s the evidence about the climate impact of meat and dairy versus vegan alternatives? And what is the best way to change people’s behaviour when it comes to what they eat?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Jordan Dunbar, Ellie House, Natasha FernandesEditor: Bridget Harney
The term “Anglo-Saxon” has become controversial, but where does it come from?
As people argue online about whether the term is tainted by racism, history professor Joanna Story tells its origin story.
Should the term “Anglo-Saxon” be dropped because it’s been adopted by racists?
People online are angry because a history journal has dropped “Anglo-Saxon” from its title. Critics say it is pandering to American academics who are unduly worried about the term being used by white supremacists. The journal says that’s got nothing to do with it. It’s part of an ongoing debate about whether “Anglo Saxon” is useful and appropriate. How did the argument start? Where did the term actually come from? And how has it been used in modern times to talk about race?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Simon Maybin, Natasha FernandesEditors: Bridget Harney, Sam Bonham
Pro-Palestinian student protesters have called for their universities to divest from firms with links to Israel, and specifically the conflict in Gaza, but how would that actually work? Adam Fleming discusses the practicalities and protest history of divestment with Chris Marsicano, assistant professor of higher education and public policy at Davidson College, in North Carolina.
The debate about protestors calling for their universities to cut ties with Israel.
Encampments of students protesting about Israel’s military action in Gaza have been popping up on campuses across the UK. They’re calling for their institutions to divest from - sell their stakes in - companies linked to the conflict or Israel, but others say they’re demonising the country and stoking antisemitism. How did the movement start and how have universities been responding? What’s the history of political activism around university investments? And what does the law say about pitching tents on university land?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Simon Tulett, Ellie House, Jameel Shariff
Where did the trend for tough discipline in schools come from? It’s led to a big argument online about how strict is too strict. Education journalist Laura McInerney explains the origins of the trend.
A photo of a school corridor, showing three posters describing a particular teaching ethos, has started a debate about the right level of discipline in classrooms.
Some suggest the instructions, which include ‘sit up’, ‘eye contact’ and ‘smile’, are indicative of a super-strict approach some schools have taken, which might be distressing for children, especially those with special needs. We find out where this approach came from, and hear about the American educator who popularised the all-important acronym ‘SLANT.’
Supporters of the approach say strict discipline is essential for learning, and that it generates better outcomes. What evidence is there to back this up?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Simon Maybin, Ellie House, Jay GardnerEditor: Richard Vadon
A hypothetical question, asking women whether they would rather be stuck in the woods with a man or a bear, has gone viral on TikTok. It’s got people talking about gender-based violence, sexual assaults, and men’s mental health. But where did this thought experiment come from? The BBC’s Ellie House talks Adam Fleming through the thought experiment’s origins and evolution.
Women online are being asked: would you rather be stuck in a forest with a man or a bear?
Most are saying they’d choose the bear, saying that men are potentially more dangerous to them than the wild animal. Cue arguments on social media about just how dangerous to women men are. Where did the meme come from? What can crime stats tell us about gender and violence, including sexual violence? And how has the way our society views violence between men and women developed over time?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Simon Tulett, Ellie House, Jay GardnerEditor: Richard Vadon
Marriage, kids, and the history of our ideas about adulthood.
Laura Tisdall, lecturer in modern British history at Newcastle University, explains the shifting milestones of adult life.
Harry Potter actor Miriam Margolyes has told adult fans of the franchise to grow up, prompting a discussion about whether younger generations are delaying the responsibilities of adulthood.
It’s a debate that spans culture and economics, so we look at what the data and the history tell us. Is there evidence that the ‘kidult’ is a real phenomenon, where do our ideas of adulthood actually come from, and what on earth is a ‘Disney Adult’?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Simon Maybin, Nathan GowerEditor: Penny Murphy
Cyclists and motorists can clash on our roads, often about who has priority, but what does The Highway Code say? Louise Gardner, from the law firm Hugh James, talks Adam Fleming through the key points and latest updates in the UK’s road safety guide.
Cyclists shaming drivers online, fights over bike lanes, and the politics of pedal power. TV and radio presenter Jeremy Vine posts a video of a car failing to give way to him while he’s riding a penny farthing. Cue angry comments hurling insults and telling him he’d be safer in a car - and sympathetic responses from fellow cyclists. What does the Highway Code actually say about priorities on the roads? What are the stats on cyclists and safety? And how and why has cycling become such a toxic topic? Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Simon Tulett, Nathan GowerEditor: Richard Vadon
Social psychology professor David Frost from University College London explains the theory that people in stigmatised minority groups experience unique forms of social stress.
The clash between the rights of LGBT people and freedom to express Christian views.
An employment tribunal is set to rule on whether a mental health charity in Leeds was right to withdraw a job offer from a Christian social worker who thinks homosexuality is a sin. How can employers - and our legal system - balance the sometimes competing rights of different minority groups? How Christian is Britain these days anyway? And what is “minority stress theory”?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Simon Maybin, Ellie House, Jameel ShariffEditor: Penny Murphy
Rural parts of the UK have recently been described as 'colonial', predominantly white spaces, where members of ethnic minorities feel unwelcome, sparking a debate about whether the countryside is racist.
Data shows that the rural population is 97% white, much more so than in towns and cities, so might that be an explanation for some people feeling out of place? Why has a prominent museum rehung some of its paintings, adding context about the nationalist sentiment some of them might evoke? And how did this debate start in the first place? We track its evolution and the contested evidence at the heart of it.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Ellie House, Arlene Gregorius and Ajai SinghEditor: Richard Vadon
Amidst conflict in the Middle East, some people have been calling for Israel to be banned from the Eurovision Song Contest. Now that Israel’s participation in the 2024 competition has been confirmed, critics are vowing to boycott the event in protest. Eurovision’s organisers say that the song contest is “a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters”, not between governments. But over the years, Eurovision has found itself caught up in controversy and geopolitics. Adam Fleming charts this history with Dean Vuletic, historian and author of ‘Postwar Europe and the Eurovision Song Contest’.
One of the UK’s biggest Eurovision parties has been cancelled in protest at Israel’s inclusion, so how worthwhile is a boycott of the event as a response to the war in Gaza?
The song contest’s organisers say the event is non-political, but this isn’t the first time global events have had an impact on participation and even lyrics - we chart the key moments. And it’s not the first time Israel’s participation has sparked debate - a Eurovision expert talks us through the ups and downs of its long association with the event.
We’ll also hear about the controversy around Israel’s song this year and how it’s changed, plus the view from the Middle East on what Israelis and Palestinians are saying.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Tulett, Simon Maybin, Ellie House and Paige Neal-HolderEditor: Penny Murphy
In anticipation of new hate crime legislation in Scotland, people have been arguing about whether misgendering - for example referring to a trans woman as a man - should be against the law.
Adam Fleming speaks to Sharon Cowan, professor of feminist and queer legal studies at the University of Edinburgh, to find out how this question has been handled elsewhere in the UK.
Exploring the debate around gender, pronouns, and Scotland’s new hate crime law.
People online are threatening to report misgendering - for example referring to a trans woman as a man - to the police. They say new Scottish legislation due to come into force in April will make misgendering a criminal offence. What does the new law actually say? What existing laws apply across the UK around misgendering? And does Scotland’s new law prioritise trans people over women?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Simon Maybin, Simon Tulett, Ellie House, Paige Neal-HolderEditor: Richard Vadon
Statues, monuments, and memorials have become battlegrounds in recent decades. Whether it’s tearing down statues of controversial historical figures, or erecting monuments for minority communities, they are often at the centre of debates about identity, history, and representation. How did statues become so central to the culture wars, and why do they make people so angry?
Plans announced in the Budget to spend £1 million on a war memorial for Muslim soldiers who died in the two World Wars have been applauded by campaigners, but others worry it is singling out one religious group for special treatment. Some have also questioned the timing of the announcement, when the Conservative Party is facing allegations of Islamophobia.
What role did Muslims play in the two World Wars? Do other religious groups have their own memorials? And how have monuments like this become flashpoints of the culture wars?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProduction team: Simon Tulett, Nick Holland, and Ellie HouseEditor: Penny Murphy
The term ‘white gaze’ was popularised by author Toni Morrison in the 1990s, to describe the sense that the white experience was considered the norm. She said: “I've spent my entire writing life trying to make sure that the white gaze was not the dominant one in any of my books.” Adam Fleming speaks to Steve Garner, an associate professor of Sociology at Swansea University, to find out what people mean when they talk about the ‘white gaze’, and where the concept came from.
A theatre production dealing with race issues has been criticised after announcing plans to stage some of its performances for primarily black audiences.The so-called ‘Black Out’ nights are scheduled for two dates of Slave Play’s West End run. Some have labelled the move divisive and unnecessary, and even Downing Street has got involved. The show’s playwright and producers say they’re aiming to bring new audiences to the theatre and allow black people to watch it without the “white gaze”. But what does this term mean, what are the origins of Black Out performances, and is this a concept that’s applicable to other minority groups?
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Ellie House, Sandra Kanthal, Simon TulettEditor: Richard Vadon
An AntiSocial special, charting the culture wars across Europe.
In Italy, there's a battle over surrogacy - bringing into question the rights of same-sex couples, the exploitation of women, and the influence of the Church. In Spain, more than half the country thinks that men are being discriminated against with the push for women's equality. And across borders, both progressive and conservative activists are creating international networks to spread their message.
Presenter: Adam FlemingProducer: Ellie HouseReporter: Sofia BettizaResearcher: Thomas FarmerEditor: Richard VadonStudio Managers: Graham Puddifoot and Matt Cadman Production Coordinators: Janet Staples and Katie Morrison
How patriotic is the UK, and what do we know about the small but outspoken group of people who influence the debate about things like the monarchy and the Union Jack? Luke Tryl, UK director of focus group and opinion polling company More in Common, tells Adam Fleming about a section of society he’s termed ‘progressive activists’.
Bristol University has dropped the national anthem from some of its graduation ceremonies, sparking a discussion about the song’s relevance to students and the merits of the national anthem more broadly. The university made the change in 2020 and will now sing ‘God Save the King’ at just two ceremonies a year, when a representative of the royal family attends. So why has it sparked a heated discussion this week? Some say the national anthem is too focused on the monarch, which represents an outdated way of running the state and reminds us of a problematic past. Others say it's an important tradition, we have much to be proud of and there is too much snobbishness about displaying national pride. Our panel discuss their views and we consider what a new anthem might sound like. We hear that the anthem originates from a turbulent time for the monarchy. Pollsters at More in Common explain that a small group of the population that are most likely to dislike the monarchy are also the most likely to write political social media posts, giving them a disproportionate say in the debate.
What do we know about the impact of social transitioning on young people, which is when they want to be treated as the opposite gender. Hannah Barnes, journalist and author of ‘Time to Think’ a book examining the UK's gender identity service for children, explains.
What should teachers do if a pupil wants to use a name, uniform, toilet or changing room of the opposite sex because they feel it better represents who they are? It's known as 'social transitioning'. It's in the news because the former Prime Minister Liz Truss has proposed a new law that would ban it in schools - re-charging a debate that's been going on from a while.
Social transitioning isn't the same as having surgery or taking drugs. So what is it? Schools have been crying out for some guidance from the government. We'll hear what teachers have been doing in the meantime. There are laws that protect pupils and laws that protect teachers. We'll find out where they sometimes clash.
Moya Bailey coined the term ‘misogynoir’ in 2008 to describe a particular kind of sexism faced by black women. The associate professor at Northwestern University, in the USA, tells Adam Fleming this anti-black misogyny has been prevalent in popular culture for more than 100 years and uses the term to analyse the way black women are portrayed in the media. She sets out the origin of the ‘angry black woman’ stereotype and argues this is an example of misogynoir.
Nella Rose, a black woman on the reality TV show 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' has divided opinion online - some accuse her of being rude and aggressive in the Australian jungle, while others say she's the victim of racism and misogyny. We explore some of the comments made about her and examine the history, meaning and potential real-world symptoms of 'misogynoir' - a theory about a combination of racism and sexism faced by black women. Plus, are the casting directors and editors of reality TV shows guilty of stereotyping black women as rude and aggressive, and what evidence is there of racism amongst the viewing and voting public?
When did people start using the phrase ‘lefty lawyers’ and why? Legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg explains the recent events that gave rise to the use of the phrase and gives examples showing that politicians criticising lawyers is nothing new.
The debate around so-called 'lefty lawyers'. After the government's Rwanda asylum policy was found to be unlawful by the Supreme Court, lots of people on social media started to say this was down to so-called 'lefty lawyers'. Some say using legal challenges to override government policy is undemocratic. Others say it's important to hold the government to account and ensure politicians stick to the laws they write. Lawyers also push back on being called either left or right wing, as they are just acting on behalf of their client, no matter their personal views.
There’s been a debate on social media about whether Central Bank Digital Currencies pose a threat to our privacy and some even fear it could give governments power over our spending. Former Bank of England economist Dan Davies explains what a CBDC actually is.
A clip from the European Central Bank, talking about progress towards an electronic version of the euro, has sparked concern on social media. Some suggest new central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) like this - including a digital pound under consideration in the UK - are designed to track our spending, or even restrict it. And there are fears it could lead to the elimination of cash altogether. But others say CBDCs are a recognition of cash’s decline, providing an alternative, and that central banks need to keep up with changing financial technologies. So what exactly is a digital pound, how would people use it, and how different is it to the way we pay for things now?
Where does the phrase come from, and do younger generations have different expectations of the workplace? Dr Kirsteen Grant, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management at Edinburgh Napier University explains.
A photo that appeared to show an NHS healthcare worker wearing a Palestine badge caused a heated debate on social media. Some say during the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestine flag becomes a political symbol and therefore breaches the principal that NHS staff should appear to be impartial. Others point to a double standard and question why the poppy can be worn by state sector workers even though some believe it is a political symbol. What counts as 'political' and how free should we feel in the workplace to express our beliefs?
Professor Cath Mercer from University College London on asking people about how many opposite-sex sexual partners they’ve had and what the average numbers are for British people.
Does your sexual history matter, and is it relevant whether you’re a man or a woman?A viral tweet criticised a woman for having a high 'body count' - a term used to describe how many sexual partners a person has had. It’s a popular topic on platforms like TikTok, where some people boast about their big numbers, but others are critical of people with high body counts. Claims that women are less attractive if they’ve slept with lots of people have led to arguments about double standards and sexism. We look at how this debate emerged, the origins of 'slut-shaming,' and what we know about how many sexual partners the average Briton has had.
Professor Bryan Cheyette, Reading University, on the origins of ‘JewFace’ and the history of the portrayal of Jewish characters.
The debate about whether Jewish characters should always be played Jewish actors. The actor Bradley Cooper is playing Leonard Bernstein, the conductor and composer of many works, including West Side Story. Bradley Cooper, who isn’t Jewish, wears a prosthetic nose as part of his portrayal. The Bernstein family were consulted on the film and say they’re ‘perfectly fine’ with it. But it’s prompted a debate about whether non-Jewish actors should play Jewish roles. Is it always problematic for an actor to wear a fake nose due to the history of negative caricatures? Should casting be based simply on someone's acting ability?Guests:Rebecca Wilson, actorJosh Kaplan, Head of digital at the Jewish ChronicleBryan Cheyette, Professor of English Literature at Reading UniversityDanny Stone, CEO, AntiSemitism Policy Trust
Monica Moreno-Figueroa, Professor in Sociology at the University of Cambridge on the history of the word and its meaning.
The argument about prejudice, power, and the disputed idea of “reverse racism”.
A design guide from the Mayor of London’s office included a photo of a white family along with the caption “Doesn’t represent real Londoners”. A spokesman for Mayor Sadiq Khan said the text was “added by a staff member in error”, but some on social media said it showed City Hall was racist against white people. What was actually in the guide? Where does the concept of racism come from? And what does the law say about whether white people can be victims of racism?
Guests: Rakib Ehsan, researcher, writer, and commentator specialising in immigration and integration Jaya Gordon-Moore, teacher of A-level Criminology and rapper (JayaHadADream) Mónica Moreno Figueroa, Professor of Sociology at the University of Cambridge Mike Walters, Professor of Criminal Law and Criminology at the University of Sussex
BBC Climate Disinformation Reporter Marco Silva explains the link between plans for 15-minute cities and conspiracy theories about the World Economic Forum.
Josh Adair, Professor of English at Murray State University, explains what is meant by the term ‘queering’ and gives the background to how museums and historians can ‘queer history’. He explains they reinterpret their collections to include LGBT stories or histories of people who don’t fit the typical gender roles of the time.
The debate sparked by reviewing historic collections through a queer or LGBT lens.
A “queering the collection” blogpost from the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth was criticised for making what some saw as tenuous links between historic objects from the ship and the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. Supporters of “queering” museums and galleries say it’s needed to redress a traditional approach to history that has often ignored non-heterosexual people or stories. But it’s led to controversy and criticism that some institutions have gone too far by focusing on the LGBT angle at the expense of others or imposing a modern interpretation that wouldn’t have made sense at the time.
Guests: Dominique Bouchard, Head of Learning and Interpretation at English Heritage Mary Harrington, Contributing Editor at UnHerd Jackie Stacey, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Manchester. Josh Adair, Professor of English at Murray State University
Ann John, professor of public health at Swansea University, digs into the stats on mental illness. What do they show? And how reliable are they?
Is better awareness of mental illness a good thing - or encouraging people out of work?
A newspaper columnist questioned whether a rise in people out of work because of bad mental health might include some who could have “soldiered on”? It reignited a discussion online about the benefits of work and the importance of emotional wellbeing. On one side are those who think a better understanding of mental health is a necessary correction following decades of neglect. On the other, people who say all the talk of conditions like depression and anxiety has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. What’s the evidence?
A recent history of companies getting involved in social and political issues. Adam Fleming talks to Daniel Korschun, Associate Professor of marketing at Drexel University, USA.
Should companies weigh-in on sensitive social issues?
After a Costa Coffee van featured artwork of a trans man with mastectomy scars, there have been calls to boycott the chain on social media. And there’s been controversy over banks rejecting customers because of their political views. Are businesses trying to make the world better or just more money? And is it the place of companies to fight what they see as social injustice?
Where does the term “patriarchy” come from and how has it been used through history? Adam speaks to Lucy Delap, professor in modern British and gender history at the University of Cambridge.
What is 'the patriarchy' and does it still exist in the UK today?
The Barbie movie’s portrayal of the patriarchy and a world in which men have all the positions of power has triggered debate on social media around whether the UK is a patriarchal society.
According to Barbie's friend Ken, patriarchy is when “men on horses run everything”. According to history, Marxist scholars first described the patriarchy as a system that favoured men over women and characterised it as integral part of the capitalist system.
Years later, in the 1970s, it became a focal point for feminist activists who campaigned for equal rights and representation for women. In Britain today, though, when many of the laws that gave more power to men have been overturned, is there still a system in place that gives men more power than women? Is the word useful?
We explain the history of the phrase and fact-check the ways in which people across the debate measure gender equality.
Abba fans were asked not to wear Afro wigs over claims they are 'culturally insensitive'. It led to a debate online about cultural appropriation. What counts as cultural appropriation and why? How can people appreciate things from other cultures without being accused of appropriating?
A speech by Andrew Bridgen MP about Covid vaccines was taken down from YouTube after accusations it contained misinformation. It’s led to a debate about where freedom of speech ends and misinformation begins. What counts as misinformation? And who decides?Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Phoebe Keane and Ellie House.Editor: Emma Rippon
After sex education was made compulsory in England in 2019, many schools started bringing in external companies to teach the subject. But with no formal regulation, a vast range of lessons are being offered and some providers refuse to let parents know what's being taught. It's led to some misinformation spreading online and a debate about whether some things are too explicit to learn at school. Archive from British Pathe, David Rosler via the British Film Institute and the Netflix series Sex Education.
The cover of a Quran was torn in a school in Wakefield, Yorkshire and four students were suspended. The next day, police were called after the boy involved in the incident received death threats. It lead to debate online about whether our laws should protect religious people from offence, or should uphold free speech. We'll get to the bottom of what went on and explore how you balance respect for religion with free speech?
The word 'fat' has been removed from a new range of Roald Dahl books. It's a sign our conversation about obesity and body image has become increasingly sensitive.Many body positivity activists have reclaimed the word 'fat' while promoting more diversity in the body shapes and sizes we see in our media. But some accuse the movement of denying the health risks associated with being overweight. Is it true we can be healthy at any size? Where did the body positivity movement come from? And should we be worried about the return of size 0 fashion?Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Phoebe Keane and Ellie House.Editor: Emma Rippon
Thousands of asylum seekers are currently housed in hotels around the UK as they wait for their claims to be processed. The government has a huge backlog and are spending millions of pounds a day on the accommodation.Local residents have started to mount protests near the hotels, prompting claims from commentators and counter-protestors that they are 'far right'. What does that term mean? Are these protestors really 'far right'. And to what extent is the extreme right on the rise across the country?Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Phoebe Keane, Ellie House and Octavia Woodward.Editor: Emma Rippon
How talk of low traffic neighbourhoods and traffic filters became a heated debate about freedom. When Oxfordshire county council announced plans to implement six traffic filters across the city, it caused such controversy that even people in America were posting on social media about the restrictions they might impose. The council said they received death threats due to the misinformation swirling online, often from people outside of Oxford. So why have the discussions online become so heated?
A row over whether it's appropriate for the Tom Jones classic song Delilah to be sung at Welsh Rugby matches because it depicts violence against women. Some claim that domestic violence spikes around rugby matches, making the song even more inappropriate. Others point to the long British and American tradition of songs about murder and question whether a song can provoke domestic abuse. Should we impose modern values on culture from the past? Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Phoebe Keane, Ellie House and Octavia Woodward.Editor: Emma Rippon
The Scottish Prison Service is under fire for sending a trans woman who raped two women to a female prison.That has brought the ongoing battle about whether trans women should be in women's prisons to the top of the social media agenda. Some argue that men's prisons are not safe for trans women. But others say that biological males should never be in women's prisons.Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Phoebe Keane and Ellie HouseEditor: Emma Rippon
What is neurodiversity and how has it changed the way we talk about autism? Is it always helpful for people who are autistic and their families? As video app Tik Tok became more and more popular, so too did the use of #Neurodivergent. Videos using this hashtag have racked up 6.6 billion views. Many people who are autistic use this hashtag when posting positive experiences, to help improve understanding amongst their followers. But some say that social media is fuelling an epidemic of people self-diagnosing and that this is damaging for autistic people. Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Phoebe Keane and Ellie HouseEditor: Emma Rippon
The Brit Awards were gender neutral for the second time this year - which meant there was no best male or best female artist award.Over the last week the reaction to the all-male nomination list for Best Artist has been fierce, with many women outraged at the lack of female representation.Is the music industry ready for gender neutrality? Does inclusivity come at the expense of women?Presenter: Victoria DerbyshireProducers: Lucy Proctor, Phoebe Keane and Ellie HouseEditor: Emma Rippon
The revelations in Prince Harry's book Spare have dominated the news and the nation's conversations, with many people taking sides. For some, Harry and Meghan represent a couple who speak their truth and challenge racism, sexism and attitudes towards mental health. For others, they have betrayed their family and are emblematic of a privileged, navel-gazing world view. Why have the Duke and Duchess of Sussex become such symbols?Presenter: Adam FlemingProducers: Lucy Proctor, Phoebe Keane and Ellie HouseEditor: Emma Rippon
Direct action against dairies, animal cruelty, and the climate crisis.
Animal Rebellion protestors have blockaded dairies, making the case for a “plant-based future”. They say the dairy industry is a key contributor to the climate crisis and is based on cruelty and exploitation. Online, opponents say they want to choose what they eat and that the direct action is counter-productive. Are the claims made by protesters true? And why is milk such a touchy subject in this country?
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin & Lucy Proctor Researchers: Ellie House & Octavia Woodward Production co-ordinator: Jacqui Johnson Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
Accusations that the police are spending time dancing the Macarena at Pride parades instead of controlling crime stepped up this week following a report by a think tank. Critics say the police are being political by taking the knee at Black Lives Matter marches and prioritising policing Twitter over policing the streets. Others say community engagement is key and that it’s all about resources.
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin & Lucy Proctor Researchers: Ellie House & Octavia Woodward Production co-ordinator: Jacqui Johnson Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
'Upsetting content' warnings at universities: a harmless courtesy or oversensitivity?
Some higher education institutions are accused of 'wokery' and pandering to 'snowflake' students because texts now sometimes come with notes saying some students may find the content distressing. People in favour of such warnings see them as an unintrusive way of respecting students’ mental well-being. But what does 'triggering' actually mean? What do students think about trigger warnings? How did they end up on university campuses? And do they actually work?
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin & Josephine Casserly Researcher: Octavia Woodward Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
The argument about whether shopping "sustainably" is a privilege not everyone can afford.
People online are debating whether contestants from ITV’s Love Island should be signing mega-bucks deals with clothes companies that sell people stuff cheaply and often - so-called fast fashion. Others claim it's a bit rich for the well-off to lecture everyone else about what's in their wardrobe? We’ll look at how fast fashion got turbo-charged, see if the stats on climate change and fashion add up, explore how fashion and social class have interacted over the years, and ask if “sustainable fashion” is an oxymoron.
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin & Josephine Casserly Researcher: Ellie House Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
Rape allegations about a footballer have led to debate online and protests in real life.
A woman who says she was raped by a Premier League footballer put her allegations and evidence for them online. On social media some people have tried to pick holes in her account and demanded anonymity for people accused of rape. Others are outraged that the player hasn’t been suspended by his club. In real life, an aeroplane banner protest said “Kick rapists off the pitch”. What’s the law on identifying rape suspects? How common are false allegations of rape? And do people actually understand the law on rape?
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin & Lucy Proctor Researcher: Ellie House Production co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele & Helena Warwick-Cross Music: Oskar Jones Editors: Hugh Levinson & Penny Murphy
The row over drag queens reading stories to children.
A spate of protests outside libraries has focused attention on the idea of drag queen story hours - drag queens reading stories to young children in libraries and other public spaces. For some, it’s the perfect way to build acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities, plus it’s fun and fabulous for the children. For others, it risks exposing young minds to adult entertainment and complex themes of sex and gender.
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin & Lucy Proctor Researcher: Ellie House Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Hugh Levinson
The England women’s football team has been on our screens a lot, but the team has attracted criticism for only fielding white players in the quarter finals. That sparked a discussion around what the right levels of representation should be on screen and in public life. Is it true that you can’t be what you can’t see?
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin & Lucy Proctor Researchers: Ellie House and Octavia Woodward Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Studio Manager: Chris Murphy Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
Love Island has sparked debate about gaslighting and narcissism.
The reality TV show Love Island has once again ignited discussion about the way men treat women in relationships. Two domestic violence charities called out what they called gaslighting and coercive control. Meanwhile on social media a wider conflict about these new terms has rumbled on.
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Josephine Casserly & Lucy Proctor Researcher: Ellie House Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Studio Manager: Hal Haines Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
Hopefuls for the Conservative Party leadership have been talking about the Online Safety Bill. One candidate said the planned attempt to make tech companies do something about content that is legal but harmful amounts to ‘legislating for hurt feelings’. And social media had a lot to say. A comedian and an academic discuss.
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Chloe Hadjimatheou & Lucy Proctor Researchers: Ellie House & Octavia Woodward Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Studio Manager: Chris Murphy Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
The battle between gas-guzzlers and environmentalists.
Motorists have been staging go-slow protests on motorways over how expensive it is to get everywhere. Meanwhile, environmental protestors have been letting down the tyres of the biggest gas-guzzlers to stop them going anywhere. They want people to give up their cars, but drivers don’t like being told what to do. It’s getting people angry on social media.
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin & Lucy Proctor Researchers: Ellie House & Octavia Woodward Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Studio Manager: Hal Haines Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
This week, parents are voicing concerns about the way the concept of white privilege is being taught in schools.
How did the conversation about white privilege go mainstream in the UK? Where did it come from?
The BBC's Home Editor Mark Easton shares some data on the experiences of different ethnic groups in Britain. And a teacher grapples with whether you can tell poor pupils that they're actually privileged.
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Lucy Proctor & Simon Maybin Researcher: Ellie House & Octavia Woodward Production coordinator: Brenda Brown Studio Manager: Hal Haines Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
Why is the conversation about trans rights and women's rights so toxic?
This week, two sports governing bodies decided that trans women should not compete in women's categories. Other sports announced they would review their policies. There's a row about that, but beneath that is a deeper argument about how the tensions around gender identity are discussed and debated.
Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Lucy Proctor & Simon Maybin Researcher: Ellie House Music: Oskar Jones Editor: Emma Rippon
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