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Bill Moyers Programming Note: Popular Culture and Political Culture

How does pop culture not only reflect, but influence political culture? On this weekend’s Moyers & Company (check local listings), historian and culture critic Neal Gabler joins Bill to discuss how representations of heroism in movies shape our expectations of a U.S. President, and how our real-world candidates are packaged into superficial, two-dimensional personas designed to appeal to both the electorate and the media. Also on the show, Bill talks with acclaimed poet and Poetry Magazine editor Chris Wiman about how finding true love and being diagnosed with a rare and incurable blood cancer reignited his religious passion as well as his creative expression. Finally, is it fair for parents to opt out of vaccinations for their children on the basis of religion or philosophy — and how many pay the price for that decision? In a new broadcast essay, Bill Moyers weighs the value of personal liberty versus the greater public health.

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How does pop culture not only reflect, but influence political culture? On this weekend’s Moyers & Company (check local listings), historian and culture critic Neal Gabler joins Bill to discuss how representations of heroism in movies shape our expectations of a U.S. President, and how our real-world candidates are packaged into superficial, two-dimensional personas designed to appeal to both the electorate and the media.

Also on the show, Bill talks with acclaimed poet and Poetry Magazine editor Chris Wiman about how finding true love and being diagnosed with a rare and incurable blood cancer reignited his religious passion as well as his creative expression.

Finally, is it fair for parents to opt out of vaccinations for their children on the basis of religion or philosophy — and how many pay the price for that decision? In a new broadcast essay, Bill Moyers weighs the value of personal liberty versus the greater public health.

Check for your local TV schedule here.

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