Vox

You’re not awkward — the world is | The Gray Area - November 18, 2025 - Vox
We all know what awkwardness feels like. It's that jolt of discomfort when the social script breaks down, and no one knows what to do next. But what if awkwardness isn’t a flaw to fix but a window into how we live together?
Sean’s guest today is Alexandra Plakias, associate professor of philosophy at Hamilton College and author of Awkwardness: A Theory. They talk about why awkwardness isn’t a personal problem but a social one, how power and privilege shape who gets to be awkward, and why our fear of discomfort often keeps us from saying what really matters.
This episode originally aired in November of 2024.
Host: Sean Illing (@SeanIlling)
Guest: Alexandra Plakias, associate professor of philosophy and author of Awkwardness: A Theory
0:00 Intro
11:59 It's okay to be uncertain
14:07 What is the difference between awkward and cringey?
19:46 What are the most common awkward experiences?
22:40 Awkwardness and self-deprication
28:04 What is the role of small talk?
31:02 Social life really is a performance
35:32 Death and money
39:50 We're social creatures and we want to belong
41:26 Who's responsible for alleviating awkwardness?
47:17 How to decrease awkwardness
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Friendsgiving, explained - November 17, 2025 - Vox
Thanksgiving is arguably one of the yummiest celebrations in the US and one where you’re expected to be home for the holidays. But, what are your options when going home isn’t one? In recent decades, Friendsgiving has emerged as the go-to choice as an additional event or complete alternative to Thanksgiving.
It can be tough during the holidays with the pressures of trying to get everything just right to present yourself as a well-adjusted adult hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, or to be present with family that may think they know what’s best for you. Friendsgiving has opened the door to do things a little bit differently. The intention is to have a laid-back, low-pressure (or over-the-top, totally up to the host) potluck-style dinner with friends and other people in your chosen community — because as cheesy as it sounds, friends are the new family.
Friendsgiving was seemingly plucked from obscurity in the 2010s. While its exact origins are debated, it was likely widely practiced prior to its fame on The Real Housewives of New Jersey in 2011. Even then it took a few more years for it to pick up steam in the media.
Watch this video to learn how Friendsgiving went from a friendly potluck dinner to a cultural mainstay.
This video is presented by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. T-Mobile doesn’t have a say in our editorial decisions, but their support does make our reporting possible.
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The case that could set us back 60 years (Preview of new exclusive series) - November 17, 2025 - Vox
We’re excited to share with you a preview of the first episode of The Docket, a Patreon-exclusive Vox video series covering Supreme Court cases that could alter the fabric of American life. Head over to patreon.com/vox to subscribe and watch the first episode of The Docket, available now.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 transformed America, marking the end of the Jim Crow era and effectively banning racial discrimination in elections. We’ll explain how, 60 years later, a redistricting case out of Louisiana called Louisiana v. Callais has the potential to upend the Voting Rights Act and political representation for a generation.
You’ll continue to find our work here on YouTube, but by supporting us on patreon.com/vox, you get more of the in-depth video storytelling we’re passionate about making.
We’re using Patreon’s tools to introduce great new benefits to Vox Members and give you even more insights into our journalism and the people who make it.
What to expect on Patreon
- Two original video series: In addition to The Docket, our new series What’s Working will highlight the policies that are actually improving people’s lives. The first episode will be published exclusively on Patreon in December.
- Livestreamed conversations and community chats: Each month, Vox journalists will host a live conversation for members, a 30- to 60-minute discussion that dives into major stories in the news or shines a light on overlooked topics that deserve more attention.
- Reporter Extras: Vox journalists will step in front of the camera to share something they uncovered in their reporting that they can’t stop thinking about. These behind-the-scenes videos will pull back the curtain of how our stories come together.
Vox Members make our work possible. It’s because of their support that we’re able to focus on the issues that actually matter in the world. If you believe in our mission, join our community on Patreon. Already a Vox Member? Good news: Patreon access is included with your membership. Head to vox.com/patreon-redeem to set up your account.
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