This American Life - Episode 851: Try a Little Tenderness
Release Date: January 12, 2025
Host: Ira Glass
Description: Each week, This American Life explores a theme through true stories that unfold like little movies for radio. This episode, titled "Try a Little Tenderness," delves into moments of kindness, compassion, and the power of empathy in a often aggressive world.
Introduction
Ira Glass sets the stage for the episode by highlighting the pervasive aggression and fiery tempers in today’s society. He introduces the theme of tenderness as an alternative path, emphasizing stories where individuals choose kindness over confrontation.
Act 1: Sibling Struggles and Compassion
Story Overview:
Mae, a six-year-old, recounts a tumultuous morning where her older sister, Johanna, confronts her about what to wear. The tension escalates into a potential physical altercation, but the situation resolves unexpectedly through Johanna’s creative response.
Notable Quotes:
- Johanna (00:40): "Uh, what's your favorite color?"
- Mae (03:12): "What had happened? How'd these two little kids work this out so quickly?"
- Ira Glass (06:50): "We have stories of people turning the other cheek, pausing, trying against all odds to see the good in each other."
Key Points:
- Conflict: Johanna insists Mae wear long sleeves on a hot day, leading to Mae’s tantrum (02:35).
- Resolution: Instead of escalating, Johanna suggests Mae punch her butt, allowing Mae to vent her anger without harm (04:00).
- Insight: The story illustrates the power of non-violent conflict resolution and understanding within familial relationships.
Act 2: Hard-Boiled Detective on Broadway
Story Overview:
A theatrical performance titled All In, starring John Mulaney, Chloe Fenneman, Richard Kyne, and Fred Armisen, presents a detective story exploring themes of trust and betrayal. The narrative follows a toddler detective investigating the mysterious disappearance of her toy, Mumu.
Notable Quotes:
- John Mulaney (10:00): "I woke up just after dawn. It was a typical morning."
- Chloe Fenneman (11:44): "It's Mumu. She's missing."
- John Mulaney (27:00): "Don't worry, kiddo. We'll figure it all out together."
Key Points:
- Plot: Baby Zoe seeks help from a toddler detective to find her missing toy, leading to unexpected revelations about the adults involved.
- Themes: Trust, innocence, and the complexities of adult behavior from a child’s perspective.
- Conclusion: The story underscores the thin line between authority and oppression, even in seemingly benign environments.
Act 3: Alan's Story of Crow Encounters
Story Overview:
Alan Martin, a nature enthusiast from Vancouver, experiences persistent harassment from crows after having to cut down a tree in his yard. His attempts to make amends highlight the intelligence and territorial nature of crows.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan (30:07): "This crow sitting in the front lawn at a close distance to the steps. And it's just staring right at me."
- Richard Kyne (32:16): "If a crow sees something it deems dangerous, it'll sound an alarm to summon other crows."
Key Points:
- Conflict: Alan’s removal of a tree disrupts the crows’ habitat, leading to days of relentless mobbing.
- Scientific Insight: Crows have long memories and can pass grievances to subsequent generations, perpetuating animosity.
- Resolution: Alan attempts to reconcile by offering food, which eventually diminishes the crows’ aggression, illustrating the importance of empathy towards nature.
Act 4: Josh Johnson on the Complexities of Spanking
Story Overview:
Comedian Josh Johnson explores the contentious debate surrounding spanking children. He reflects on his own experiences and the societal split on whether spanking is abusive or a necessary disciplinary tool.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Johnson (38:05): "It's weird that people are weird about. Okay, so my friends are having kids..."
- Moo Moo (45:29): "And, like."
Key Points:
- Personal Anecdotes: Josh discusses the cultural and personal implications of spanking, highlighting the fine line between discipline and abuse.
- Societal Views: The narrative presents both sides of the argument, acknowledging the trauma associated with physical punishment versus its perceived necessity in upbringing.
- Conclusion: Josh emphasizes the importance of understanding individual circumstances and the potential long-term effects of disciplinary methods.
Act 5: The Bus Driver Who Wanted to Be God
Story Overview:
Edgar Kerrit narrates a story about a principled bus driver who refuses to let latecomers board the bus, prioritizing societal fairness over individual kindness. The story follows Eddie, an assistant cook striving to connect with someone special, and his interactions with the rigid driver.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan (30:36): "And then I did this a couple of times. It was just clearly waiting for me to turn away so that it could hit me in the back of the head."
- Eddie (49:13): "He asked Eddie to climb aboard, and for the first time in his life, he really wanted to get somewhere on time."
Key Points:
- Ideology vs. Compassion: The bus driver’s strict adherence to rules contrasts with Eddie’s desperate need for connection, illustrating the conflict between societal rules and personal empathy.
- Character Development: Eddie's determination to overcome his condition and the bus driver’s internal struggle reveal deeper themes of humanity and kindness.
- Resolution: Despite ideological rigidity, the bus driver shows mercy, allowing Eddie to board, demonstrating that compassion can prevail even in the face of strict principles.
Conclusion
Ira Glass wraps up the episode by reiterating the power of tenderness and compassion in resolving conflicts and fostering understanding. He encourages listeners to consider alternative, kinder approaches in their daily interactions.
Notable Quotes:
- Ira Glass (06:50): "We have stories of people turning the other cheek, pausing, trying against all odds to see the good in each other..."
- Mae (58:55): "Try a little tenderness."
Additional Information
- Current Performances: The episode references the Broadway show All In at the Hudson Theater, featuring talents like John Mulaney and Fred Armisen.
- Upcoming Stories: The teaser for next week's episode promises a story about Sajuna, a 29-year-old navigating personal relationships.
Production Credits
Produced by Ike Srikhandaraja and Henry Larson, with contributions from a dedicated team including managing editors Sara Abdurrahman and senior editors David Kestenbaum. Special thanks are extended to the cast of All In and the Hudson Theater team.
This episode of This American Life masterfully intertwines personal narratives and performed stories to explore the nuanced facets of tenderness in human interactions. Through diverse tales of sibling dynamics, nature’s responses, comedic insights, and principled standpoints, the episode underscores the transformative power of empathy and kindness in a complex world.