Getting Into Good Trouble | Innovation Diploma

Gn2GT Season 1 Episode 4 | Why is Brexit so complicated? | What you need to know in 7:45

December 13, 2019 iDiploma | Getting Into Good Trouble students Season 1 Episode 4
Getting Into Good Trouble | Innovation Diploma
Gn2GT Season 1 Episode 4 | Why is Brexit so complicated? | What you need to know in 7:45
Show Notes Chapter Markers

After episodes about the Hong Kong protests, Chinese authoritarianism, and the Israel/Palestine conflict, we turn our attention to Europe and the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union.

Other than the word, spork, Brexit might be the world's current favorite portmanteau*, or combination of two words to make a new word. When the British-Exit, or Brexit, from the EU became a possibility, the messy divisiveness of how to accomplish the exit became evident.

We discuss the parliamentary vote this week that gave Boris Johnson and the conservative party control in the UK. Their platform was, "GET BREXIT DONE" so that will be happening sooner rather than later. What does this mean for Ireland and Scotland? What does it mean for Europe? Can the UK stay together? England hasn't been this divided in hundreds of years. All will be discussed.

To prepare for this episode, we began by learning as much vocabulary around the issue as possible. We read several articles about the past and present and looked closely at the upcoming parliamentary elections which happened to be December 12, one day before our recording/editing date.

We prepared for several different outcomes depending on who won.  We watched documentaries, made spidea webs, studied maps, used the question formulation technique and countless sticky notes to organize our thinking and learning. We hope that you find this episode clear, concise, and informative. We worked to stay objective, fair, but also insightful about the implications and their causes. We hope you enjoy this episode.




*Other popular Portmanteaus:

  • podcast = iPod + broadcast
  • email = electronic + mail
  • smog = smoke and fog
  • sitcom = situational + comedy
  • clasp = clutch + grasp
  • splatter = splash + spatter
  • snark = snide + remark
  • taxicab = taximeter (tax) + cabriolet (carriage)
  • electrocute = electric + execute
  • biopic = biography + picture
  • avionics = aviation + electronics
  • Velcro = velvet + crochet (small hook in french)
  • breathalyzer = breath + analyzer
  • frankenfood = frankenstein + food
  • bromance = brother + romance
  • shopaholic = shop + alcoholic
  • romcom = romance + comedy
  • brunch = breakfast + lunch
  • spork = spoon + fork
  • emoticon = emotions + icons
  • alphanumeric = alphabetic + numberic
  • favicon = favorite + icon
  • phablet = phone + tablet
  • netizen = Internet + citizen
  • freeware = free + software
  • malware = malicious + software
  • webisode = web + episode
  • Wifi = wireless + fidelity
  • mobisode = mobile + episode
  • webinar = web + seminar
  • netiquette = Internet + etiquette
  • wikipedia = wiki + encyclopedia
  • Yelp = Yellow pages + help
  • frenemy = friend + enemy
  • ginormous = gigantic + enormous
  • chillax = chill + relax
  • bollywood = bombay + hollywood
  • mockumentary = mock + documentary
  • metrosexual = metropolitan + heterosexual
  • cyborg = cybernetic + organism
  • Spam = spiced + ham












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Emma discusses yesterday's parliament vote in the United Kingdom
Aubrey introduces the show
Aubrey compares the parliamentary general election to the midterm elections in the U.S.
Emma explains the outcome of yesterday's vote
Moritz talks about the Tory victory which gives PM, Boris Johnson, enough seats for conservatives to control parliament and make their slogan, #getbrexitdone, come true
Aubrey: "If we have learned anything about conflict, it is that it's NEVER that simple." The British people are divided on the issue of Brexit and tensions are high
Emma throws to the 'background boys', Jesse and Aidan
Jesse explains what the EU is and how the UK got so divided on the subject of leaving the UK
Aidan explains the history of the Irish conflict and why Ireland and Scotland have a lot to lose if Brexit isn't handled carefully.
Scotland wants to stay in the EU and could consider leaving the UK so they can self-govern
Aidan explains the 3 Brexit scenarios proposed: Hard Brexit, Soft Brexit, and No Deal Brexit
Emma asks if the UK is likely to break up. Everyone discusses the possibility of Scotland leaving the UK.
What implications will this have for Europe and the rest of the world?
Moritz discusses trade implications and Barrett makes an interesting observation about the trend toward nationalism rather than a global society.
Jesse weighs in on the ramifications of economic uncertainty.
Emma asks for opinions about Boris Johnson's "Divorce Plan".
Everyone makes comparisons with the current state of politics in the U.S.
Moritz and Boris Johnson are on a first name basis!
Jesse & Barrett discuss the micro-targeting of undecided voters used to win both US and UK elections.
Aidan wraps up and summarizes what we need to watch for going forward.
Jesse and Aidan thank speakers and say goodbye.
off air: the realization that we forgot to discuss the portmanteau, or joining of two words to make one such as British + Exit = Brexit

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