The Slatest for Nov. 1: The Problem With Mental Health Merch
The meaningless commodification of “mental health” isn’t new, but it’s getting to be … kind of a lot? Particularly emblematic of this phenomenon: A pink sweatshirt emblazoned with the word LEXAPRO retails for $80, and is completely sold out. Shannon Palus teases out just what’s so grating about this trend.
Plus, in case you missed it: Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz questions whether running is really better for depression than medication.
And Slate’s Big Mood, Little Mood podcast discusses navigating existential dread in a world that’s falling apart.
Social media has blurred the lines between when politicians are operating in an official capacity and when they’re just their personal, off-duty selves. Should, for example, Donald Trump be able to block his critics, or is that a suppression of their First Amendment rights?
Scott Nover discusses what’s at stake in a pair of Supreme Court cases this term that revolve around these questions.
As Israel’s siege of Gaza continues and fighting escalates, hospitals are struggling to provide even the basics. Vishal Khetpal spoke to a 19-year-old medical student in Gaza who gives us a harrowing account of what she’s seeing.
Plus: Emily Tamkin reflects on American Jewish fear, and how she hopes her community can rise to meet this difficult moment.
Republicans are trying to pull a fast one with this new budget bill, Adam Chodorow writes. He argues that a closer examination of how they’re “funding” this bill suggests they don’t really care about balancing the budget.
Hello, you’ve reached Slate! Prudie can’t come to the phone right now—instead, it’s … famed children’s horror author R.L. Stine?!
The Goosebumps creator weighs in on frightening appearances, “friendly” press releases, and being the fourth wheel.
The more versions of Priscilla Presley’s story you watch, the more Sofia Coppola’s stands out. Sam Adams explains why there’s never been an Elvis movie like Priscilla.
Plus: Slate’s Culture Gabfest discusses the ways that Priscilla is a quintessential Sofia Coppola movie.
… much like Twitter used to be. RIP, Bird App.
Thanks so much for reading! We’ll see you tomorrow.
