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| | | Quote of the Day | | | "Zoom boom" – A plastic surgeon, describing a rise in the number of people getting Botox after looking at themselves on Zoom. This is raising eyebrows. | | | | | |
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The Story This week's deadly shootings in Atlanta are raising major concerns. Tell me. On Tuesday, a gunman killed eight people at three spas in or near Atlanta, Georgia. Six of the victims were women of Asian descent. Authorities arrested the suspect – a 21-year-old white man – and charged him with eight counts of murder. The news rattled the entire country, especially after major cities saw a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes last year. But the suspect's alleged motive, and the sheriff's spokesman's remarks, also sparked outrage. What was it? Yesterday, authorities said the suspect claimed to have a "sexual addiction" and that the spas were a "temptation" for him that he had wanted to "eliminate." County sheriff's Capt. Jay Baker told the press it seemed the suspect was "at the end of his rope" and that Tuesday was "a really bad day for him and this is what he did." The statement stunned Americans, who saw the language as showing more sympathy for the suspect than for his victims. It's not the only thing Baker's getting backlash for – he's also reportedly been accused of sharing racist Facebook posts. Let's dive into some of the concerns:
Language matters…Authorities and some lawmakers argue there's not enough evidence (yet) to call the shootings a 'hate crime.' But communities are calling bullsh*t. And saying an attack that left six Asian women dead and targeted Asian-owned businesses screams 'hate crime.' Especially in Georgia, which passed a new hate crime law over the summer – after Ahmaud Arbery's death – penalizing crimes motivated by a victim's race, sex, national origin, and more.
Discrepancies in policing...The gunman was arrested unharmed and questioned. Just as we've seen with many white male suspects, including mass shooters and Capitol rioters. But police encounters with Black men and women – including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daniel Prude, and countless other Black Americans – suspected of doing far less than murder (or even nothing at all) disproportionately end in death.
Perpetuating stereotypes…The gunman's comments have raised speculation about the women's employment – which some Asian Americans say is perpetuating the sexual stereotypes and fetishization of Asian women. Experts say this can lead to the objectification of Asian women, increasing the risk of violence and sex trafficking. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) said she wouldn't get into "victim blaming, victim shaming." What can we do? Report anti-Asian hate incidents to orgs like Stop AAPI Hate. Educate yourself. Support local AAPI businesses. And groups like the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum. Follow people who address the issues the Asian community is facing. Amplify their voices. You can also donate to orgs like Asian Pacific Fund, which serves vulnerable community members. theSkimm There is no excuse for the deadly violence against Asian women in this country – and the broader Asian American community. None. | | | | | |
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What's got people pulling out their high school science books… Lab-made pre-embryos. Yesterday, two separate research papers revealed scientists created living structures that resemble human embryos for the first time ever. Known as "blastoids," the clumps of cells are similar to blastocysts, which form after an egg's been fertilized. Here's how they were made: Scientists used stem cells or reprogrammed skin cells and grew them in lab containers. Sprinkle in some biochemicals, and there you have it: pre-embryos that look just like the real thing. Except scientists say they likely aren't viable. -
It's research, baby: Scientists reportedly said this experiment is purely for research purposes, and have no intention of making humans from this. But they hope that this intel could better explain what leads to miscarriages and birth defects. -
Ethical q's: Research involving human embryos apparently doesn't qualify for federal funding, and several states ban these experiments completely. Some scientists say these experiments raise questions about regulations and whether they should be considered human embryos. ...Oh and speaking of firsts in science, a (Moderna) vaccinated pregnant woman gave birth to a healthy baby girl with antibodies against the coronavirus.
PS: When it comes to the complicated topic of fertility, we have guides that can help. Here's what you need to know about egg and embryo freezing and treatments like IVF and IUI. | | | | | |
What's moving one step forward… Japan. Yesterday, a court there ruled that not allowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Japan's constitution defines marriage as "mutual consent of both sexes." It's been interpreted to mean that marriage is only between a man and a woman. In 2019, several couples filed lawsuits demanding damages for the pain they suffered for not being able to marry. The court said 'no' to that. But ruled that not recognizing gay marriage violates anti-discrimination laws since sexual orientation is not a choice. ...Oh and, speaking of positive news for the LGBTQ+ community: Marvel Comics is introducing its first gay Captain America. | | | | | |
Who's pulling up a chair above the glass ceiling… Katherine Tai. Yesterday, the Senate unanimously approved Tai to be the US Trade Representative – making her the first-ever Asian American and first woman of color to be in that role. She helped negotiations between the House and the Trump admin over the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. In her new role, Tai will be tasked with maintaining the US's strong stance on China and reviewing Trump-era trade policies. | | | | | |
What's procrastinating like the rest of us… The IRS. Yesterday, it moved the Tax Day deadline to May 17, citing the pandemic.
Psst...that means more time to report any side money you earned in 2020. We Skimm'd how to do taxes when you're your own boss. | | | | | |
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|  | | | 15
That's how many states have enacted legislation or passed a resolution to make Daylight Saving Time a year-round thing in the last four years, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Which makes sense, considering a recent poll found that seven in 10 Americans support kicking time changes to the curb.
But our friends at Walmart want to get you excited for spring – even if you just lost an hour of sleep in its honor. So they're offering hundreds of rollbacks (get it?) on stuff you just might need for a new season. Think: $4 off Living Proof dry shampoo, $150 off a Shark robot vacuum, $30 off a cold brew coffee maker, and much, much more. See what you can save. | | |
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| | We've come a long way. Less than 50 years ago, women weren't able to get a credit card without their husband's signature. Yes, really. This Women's History Month, we're celebrating the money milestones we've passed. And some MVPs in the money world who are paving the way for more to come.
PS: For more $$$ news and tips, sign up to get our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday. | | |
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| | Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life...
1. Clever things that'll organize your home quickly. If your Tupperware lids are in disarray. And your wrapping paper's in linen-closet purgatory. Then you probably could use a little help from these. Ahh, much better.
2. 2020 Skimm Fave sneakers that slip right on. These super lightweight, comfy af kicks are made from bamboo and recycled plastics. And they're back in stock after having a 20k waitlist. The best part? Skimm'rs get 15% off for a limited time. Step to it.*
3. Our convo with the Head of Vaccine Research at Pfizer. Hear how Dr. Kathrin Jansen deals with skepticism and listens to both her intuition and data in the latest episode of "Skimm'd from the Couch," sponsored by Hulu. Volume, up.*
4. Reusable silicone storage bags that'll tidy up your fridge. These handy stand-up bags are great for leftovers, or for keeping ingredients organized. You can pop 'em in the microwave, freezer, or dishwasher. And you can even steam or sous vide in them. Oh, the possibilities.
PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more. | | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Helping frontliners...Lena W (NY). She co-founded Feed Your Hospital, which delivers meals to frontline COVID-19 health care workers by supporting local Asian restaurants in America's most impacted communities. Learn more.
Lifting each other up…Asako K (IL). She started a Facebook group to foster solidarity between the Asian American community and the Black Lives Matter movement. Members share educational resources and other opportunities to support civil rights. Join up.
(Some) Birthdays...In Memory of Skimm Mom Gabrielle Weisberg (IL), Ilia Macdonald (IN), Jeanne Marcus (IL), Marirose Lula (NY), Michael Rasmussen (FL), Eileen Culp (PA), Grace Carita (FR), Thea Thais (CA), Laynne Holloway (GA), Jackie Fielding (IL), Elizabeth Power (CA), Lew Kaplan (IL), Beth Morgenstern (MN), Alison Cooke (NY), Fiona Owens (PA)
PS…we've also got a video wall to shout out a woman in your life who's making an impact on you. Check it out. | | |
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| | We texted with Jennifer Garner about everything from her favorite "13 Going On 30" memory to who she was most surprised to find out follows her on Instagram (hi, Oprah).
And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time… -
Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week. -
Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume. -
Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet. -
Sign up for our "Press Pause" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs. -
Follow us on the gram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. - Download our app to get it all in one place.
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| | Friends don't let friends get bogged down in headlines. So click that share button to send theSkimm to your network. Because, as they say, sharing is caring. | |  |  | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=1dd176ea | | |
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| Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain | |
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