The Briefcase: Hurricane Harvey, Accidental Courtesy, Fragility, and Resilience

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images News / Getty Images

In today's episode of the Briefcase, we talk about the devastating impacts of Hurricane Harvey, the humans lessons we can take from this moment in time, and how and when to discuss the political impact of natural disasters. We also discuss the new documentary, Accidental Courtesy, about a black man who befriends members of the Ku Klux Klan. 

Pantsuit Politics wants to put our thoughts into action. Please consider donating to the American Red Cross or another organization. Send us a confirmation of your donation, and we will match donations from the Pantsuit Politics community up to $1000. 

Thanks so much to our sponsors for this episode: 

ModCloth is your go-to spot for fashion as unique as you. Whip up your wardrobe with quirky prints and classic silhouettes. Make every day extraordinary by going to modcloth.com and entering the code PANTSUIT to receive $30 off your purchase of $100 or more. 

Virtue Labs is a new haircare brand with a vision to give everyone the best hair scientifically possible. Six years ago, a group of bio scientists working in restorative medicine discovered an incredible new protein called Alpha Keratin 60ku, which has the power to completely transform your hair. That means more bounce, more shine, more strength, and more life for your hair. Visit Virtue Labs and use the code PANTSUIT for 10% off and free shipping.

Before discussing Hurricane Harvey, we wanted to acknowledge the flooding in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal that has killed more than 1,000 people. We send our thoughts to this part of the world. 

As we come to understand the causes and infrastructure issues surrounding Hurricane Harvey, we are most struck by the images of kindness and compassion for others coming out of the area. We discuss our desire to harness Americans' propensity for love and generosity in the wake of tragedy to help heal some of our political division. 

We also discuss the reactions to Hurricane Harvey--including social media discussion surrounding the First Lady, Joel Osteen, and the President. 

Finally, we discuss the new documentary Accidental Courtesy which details Darryl Davis's mission to befriend members of the Ku Klux Klan as he pursues answers to the question, "how can you hate me when you don't know me?" Davis's confrontation with Black Lives Matter activists in Baltimore captures our attention and causes us to think more about the types of conversations that move race relations forward.