The World and Everything In It

8.28.26 Remembering Dolly Parton, Coyote vs. Acme, and Listener Feedback

The World and Everything In It

Summary

The recent surge in family estrangement is becoming a notable trend, with social media influencers advocating for "going no contact" with toxic relatives. This phenomenon raises questions about the implications of severing familial ties, particularly as some therapists reportedly bring personal biases into their treatment of clients with strained family relationships. John Stone Street emphasizes that the commandment to honor one's parents does not have an expiration date and argues that true respect and love often require navigating difficult relationships rather than opting for easy exits.

In a separate discussion, the film "Coyote vs. Acme" features Wile E. Coyote taking on corporate America, blending humor with social commentary. The film critiques the exploitation of marginalized groups through its portrayal of cartoon characters as victims of corporate greed. Critics note that while the film successfully captures the essence of classic Looney Tunes, it also presents darker themes that may not be suitable for very young audiences. The film's exploration of corporate malfeasance and its impact on individuals invites viewers to reflect on broader societal issues, making it a thought-provoking addition to family-friendly cinema.

Show Notes

On Culture Friday, John Stonestreet considers what allowed Dolly Parton to rise above the political fray, why “no contact” is a poor substitute for honoring difficult parents, and the WNBA’s sudden need to define woman. Then Wile E. Coyote finally gets his day in court in Coyote vs. Acme, and listeners tell us which WORLD stories and moments stayed with them. Plus, the Friday morning news Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate. Additional support comes from Covenant College in Georgia. Looking for a Christ-centered education with a deep commitment to academic excellence? Located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Covenant College students thrive in a Christ-centered community and are equipped to pursue their callings through a vibrant liberal arts education. Applications for Fall 2027 are open, and students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $2,000. More at Covenant.edu/world. From Ascend by Unbound. A higher education program focused on practical skill development and career preparation. beunbound.us/world And from Dordt University’s Master of Education program. Equipping educators with advanced classroom and leadership abilities. dordt.edu

More from The World and Everything In It

Oct 27, 2026

Tue » Washington schoolgirls sit out races rather than compete with a boy. Too young to vote on next week’s ballot measure, they appeal to adults who can. Also: In Brazil, leftist Lula wins a disputed election, while Venezuela welcomes home an opposition leader. An elite runner finds new speed after becoming a mother, and Daniel Suhr warns about political revenge to come. Plus: two men take their loveseat for a joyride on electric scooters—until the police show up.

Oct 26, 2026

Mon » Legal Docket · An election-law expert’s love of liberty began with parents who escaped tyranny. Also: On Moneybeat, David Bahnsen asks what consumer-confidence surveys really tell us. Plus: tariff relief in Maine, France’s debt corner, and California’s wealth tax. WORLD History Book: The Statue of Liberty at 140—and how an abolitionist monument became an icon of immigration.

Oct 23, 2026

Fri » Culture Friday · John Stonestreet calls disputed reporting on Elisabeth Elliot “flat-out slander.” Also on Culture Friday: the return of woke ideology and Cornell’s attempt to regulate a campus culture that has rejected sexual restraint. Film: Steve Limkeman compares two alien-encounter movies with very different views of providence. Plus: George Grant asks pastor John Currie what Calvin, Lloyd-Jones, and Ronald Reagan taught him about leadership.

Oct 22, 2026

Thu » A Cuban who lived through the revolution tells American schoolchildren: “Within days food began to disappear. People began to disappear.”

Oct 21, 2026

Wed » El-Sayed turns Muslim Brotherhood questions to his advantage. On Washington Wednesday: Democratic Socialists’ demands, Sen. Slotkin’s dark warning, Trump vs. Vance on Netanyahu, disappearing Senate debates, and the Medicare for All fine print.

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