$80,000 is not "upper middle class" in Manhattan, not even close.

Totally. I do it, my husband does it, and honestly most of our (out loud)fantasies are about other people. It keeps things spicy. I know he loves me hard. And we have good sex.

How about we scrap the whole "loans to middle class families for private PRE-SCHOOL" and give that money to Head Start. If this is seen as an investment thing, surely money given to Head Start gets the State a higher return on their investment then loans to pay for a ridiculous private pre-k.

She still looks like she would throw her pie for you though.

So, I feel like a little bit of an asshole for this, but...Orange is the New Black completely changed how I felt about state-covered transitioning expenses for transgendered individuals. I strongly believed that it was NOT OKAY for the state to cover these medical expenses, especially as they are not technically…

Can I just say that I hate Piper's character in the show, and I'm not entirely sure that I like real life Piper any more ...

Acknowledging that white/upper class privilege exists is a good thing. The fact that the guards give Piper special treatment — even as we see that the other inmates are just as human and intelligent and capable as she is — does not mean the show endorses that view. If anything, it means opposite.

I. LOVE. LAVERNE.

It was stated by one character. That makes it that character's opinion, not the thesis of the show. If anything, the show highlights how unfair it is that she receives that preferential treatment.

That's the point though - most of the prison staff is shown as being racist, classist, etc. If you continue to watch the show you can see the extent of corruption, and it becomes less so in Piper's favour.

I think it is pretty obvious where they are going. It is like watching white privilege play out on TV. Where is the confusion. Do you think that they should take it further and articulate the privilege?

That's not what I got from it. In fact I think show does great job at showing how prison workers disassociate themselves from the prison population, because of race, class etc. Showing the contrast in treatment between Piper and other populations illustrated the racial bias that the correctional officers exhibit, like…

I really don't see it that way. Many characters have been shown to be intelligent, or at least savvy/street-smart. Suzanne (Crazy Eyes) recites Shakespeare from memory. Miss Claudette has rigged a homemade hot pot in her bunk and is usually reading a book. Taystee is clearly well read and runs the library, and next…

Csan I preface this with saying I am terrible with characters names so here goes....

As it progresses you get to know each character better and better. It mimics Piper's experience that way. You realize she's not really supposed to be likable right? And her whiteness and privilege are center-pieces of the story?

I dunno, I don't see it flaunting privilege at all. I feel like it's a pretty effective skewering of her white privilege and the sheltered naivete that class privilege brings. She's the protagonist, but not the heroine - IMO.

Not only that: if they haven't had the surgery yet, then in with the men they go. Our prison system is really adept at messing up people, and it is especially so for trans folk.

I'm sure the life-pairing will proceed with the usual smooth running efficiency government agencies are famous for.

How does one amass such power and influence and still becomes MORE likable with each passing year. He's empire building all wrong.

disappointed, Jay Z didn't perform 22 :(