Episode 125: Zoom Aesthetics

This week, Jessica and Michael talk about social, economic, and aesthetic implications of gathering only in videoconferences. Whether it’s a work meeting, a chat with family, or a therapy appointment, Michael says,

All of that is happening in exactly the same context. You know, your butt is plonked in the same chair you use for this. You’re looking at the same sort of proportions screen… it’s this great crushing, leveling of all the differences of being in a little room, a big room, a musty room…

And Jessica adds,

But if you’re watching a jazz performance, they’re not watching you.

Also mentioned this week:

• Robin Givhan, Washington Post, Obama gives Biden his endorsement. He should really give him his lighting, that set and his camera
• Maureen Dowd and Tracy Ma, New York Times, How to Look Good on Camera, According to Tom Ford
• Nicholas Casey, New York Times, College Made Them Feel Equal. The Virus Exposed How Unequal Their Lives Are.
• Brian X. Chen, New York Times, The Dos and Don’ts of Online Video Meetings
• Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, Enough with the WFH sweatpants. Dress like the adult you’re getting paid to be
• Marie Kondo, YouTube, How to Greet Your Home
• You’ve Got Mail (1998) trailer 
• Jessica Salfia, The First Lines of Emails I’ve Received While Quarantining
• Sian Cain, The Guardian, Poem constructed from emails received during quarantine goes viral 
• Megan O’Grady, T, The Shadows

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