This Saturday in #nerdland: her story and her choice.
Brittany Maynard, the beautiful 29 year-old with terminal brain cancer, has changed the face of the “right to die” debate. Maynard’s choice to end her life on November 1st has evoked many emotions and debates about the ethics of assisted suicide and end of life care. Although policy questions about notions of life usually refer to the beginning of such, our guests will discuss when life should end on what terms.
Then, fashion choices and politics. Famed fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta passed away this week at the age of 82. Our panel will take a look at the impact of the designer’s work, his special connection to several First Ladies, and the intersection of fashion, politics, and culture. Panelists include:
- Teri Agins, author of Hijacking the Runway
- Robert Verdi, celebrity stylist
- Julian Zellizer, professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University
And, Monica Lewinsky rewrites her story 16 years later. Lewinsky now fashions herself as social activist against online abuse. We’ll examine Monica’s speech and the connection between virtual harassment & physical attacks.
Finally, the pregnancy penalty. A new report shows that pregnancy and woman’s choice to have a child can jeopardize her livelihood. Armanda Legros, a New York mother of two who was laid off after providing her manager with doctor’s note after pulling a muscle in her stomach while 6 and half months pregnant, will share her story. She’ll join us along with Emily Martin, vice president and general counsel at National Women’s Law Center; Dina Bakst, co-founder & co-president at A Better Balance: The Work & Family Legal Center; and Liz Plank, senior editor at Mic, for this important conversation.
Join the conversation—tell us YOUR story on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #nerdland. Your tweets and comments might even appear on the show!
Be sure to read what we’ve linked above, and watch Melissa Harris-Perry Saturday at 10am ET on msnbc.