The Slate Archives Podcast: “The Recline and Fall of Western Civilization”
Listen to a former flight attendant talk to Slate editor Dan Kois about his polarizing airplane-seat proposal.
In celebration of Slate Plus’ first anniversary, we’re republishing a selection of pieces from the past year, including this article, which was originally published on Mar. 18, 2014.
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A podcasting project that’s for your ears only. This is the first episode of the Slate Archives Podcast, a new interview series we’re launching exclusively for Slate Plus members.
The plan is simple: Revisit classic Slate pieces. The boldest arguments. The ideas that were the furthest ahead of their time. The #SlatePitchiest #SlatePitches. We’re going to ask Slate writers to recount how readers reacted to some of Slate’s greatest hits.
Up first, I talked to senior editor Dan Kois about his piece “The Recline and Fall of Western Civilization.” Before I arrived at Slate I worked as a flight attendant. I had to ask Dan about this piece.
What other Slate pieces should we revisit? Leave your suggestions in the comments or email Jeff and Jennifer at plus@slate.com!
My conversation with Dan begins after he reads his piece. Here are some of the links mentioned in the podcast:
- “What’s your position on reclining place seats?” See what USA TODAY learned in a 2011 poll.
- “I infer from this that Dan Kois is not afflicted with lower back trouble,” rebuts Megan McArdle, in the the Daily Beast.
- “And there are devices that people sell!” says Dan. Check out Knee Defender, for example.
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