Daily Skimm: It was a masked Christmas, we stayed in the house

December 8, 2021

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Skimm’d while upgrading our skin care routine

Quote of the Day

“Each of these candidates certainly has the right stuff” – NASA on its new class of astronauts. Step aside, billionaires.

Rohingya

The Story

Rohingya refugees are taking Meta to court.

That’s a major notification.

It is. In 2017, Myanmar launched a military crackdown on the Rohingya – a Muslim minority group that has lived in the mostly-Buddhist country for generations. A Rohingya militant group attacked national security forces. Myanmar's violent campaign burned down villages, subjected people to rape and torture, and killed an estimated 10,000 Rohingya. More than 740,000 others escaped to neighboring Bangladesh. Since then, the UN (and the world) has condemned Myanmar for its “ethnic cleansing” and crimes against humanity. Accusations Myanmar had repeatedly denied. Now, Rohingya survivors want justice for the atrocities.

Wait, but what does Facebook have to do with it?

Quite a lot. Rohingya refugees have accused Facebook's algorithms of amplifying hate speech against them. And say the company failed to remove fake accounts that spread misinformation. Which, combined, allegedly "enabled" Myanmar's military to commit the horrors they're accused of. Refugees have filed a class action lawsuit, seeking at least $150 billion in damages. A similar lawsuit's in the works in the UK. And more could come following alleged findings in the Facebook Papers. Read: The suit argues that FB didn't invest in proper moderators or fact-checkers, allowing fake news to run rampant...and failing to warn users of the platform's potential dangers.

What are people saying?

Meta said it was “appalled” by the crimes against the Rohingya. And that it’s created a team and tech to crack down on misinformation in Myanmar. In 2018, the social media giant acknowledged that it wasn’t “doing enough” to stop inciting violence in Myanmar. The admission came after UN investigators pointed fingers at FB for fueling the Rohingya crisis. Meanwhile, experts warn that the lawsuit could face legal hurdles in America. That’s because tech companies like Facebook are protected from liability for content on their platforms (see: Section 230). (It’s something US lawmakers want to repeal or reform.) But lawyers for Rohingya refugees are asking the court to apply Burmese law, which doesn’t grant the same protections.

theSkimm

The US has yet to declare the Rohingya crisis a “genocide.” And there’s been little accountability for the thousands of lives lost. Now, survivors are seeking justice and taking action against a social tech company that’s been repeatedly accused of inciting violence around the world.

And Also...This

What the House is up to this week…

Paying the military. Yesterday, it passed a $768 billion defense bill. If signed, it would establish a commission on what exactly went down in Afghanistan, dial up aid to Ukraine, and signal support to Taiwan. The bill also includes reforms, including on how sexual assault and harassment are handled. The update: military commanders will no longer be the ones prosecuting those crimes. Instead, a "special trial counsel" within the military will handle these cases. It's an issue female lawmakers and survivors have been pushing for for years. But some Dems – like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) – say the changes don't go far enough in cutting commanders out of the process. Meanwhile, sexual harassment in the military would be criminalized for the first time (you read that's right: it's not yet). But despite some debate, the bill doesn't require women to sign up for the draft. Next up: the bill heads to the Senate. Meanwhile, the House is also trying to...

Keep us from default: Yesterday, it passed a plan to raise the nation’s debt ceiling – aka the max amount of cash the country can borrow to pay its bills. If that doesn't happen by Dec 15, the nation could default for the first time in history. No pressure.
The current play: Now, top Republicans and Dems have a deal to allow Dems to raise the debt ceiling in the Senate with a simple majority (read: 51 votes, not the 60 that’s typically needed). On to you, Senate.

Where there was a win for the LGBTQ+ community…

Chile. Yesterday, its Congress passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage. Chile joins a small (but growing) number of Latin American countries that are recognizing the right. The push came after President Sebastián Piñera – who had opposed gay marriage – came out in support. Gay rights activists applauded the move, reportedly calling it “a bit of hope.” Conservative lawmakers have reportedly called it a “betrayal for the Christian world.”

Who’s really feeling the effects of the pandemic…

Gen Z. A new poll found that out of all age groups, Gen Z has especially struggled to cope. It's no secret that school, dating, and even entire careers have been thrown off by the pandemic. And it's been especially challenging to maintain friendships. But almost half of Gen Zers (46%) say they've experienced stress during COVID-19 – compared to around a third of millennials and Gen X. For those in the back: mental health is health.

PS: Speaking of stress...here's what to do if you're feeling anxious over the holidays.

What’s definitely making cents…

Wage increases. A new report says companies are planning to bump up paychecks next year by the highest amount since 2009. We'll believe it when we direct deposit it.

PS: Is your paycheck getting bigger? Might be time to adjust your budget.

What to listen to while shopping for gifts under $15...

This Christmas bop.

Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby

In news that will shock exactly no one, a recent study revealed that over 95% of hetero women find oral sex at least “somewhat pleasurable.” The nice surprise? It also found that 52% of men find giving oral sex “very pleasurable.” How pleasing.

If you’re one of the 95%, give a warm welcome to Dame’s Aer suction toy. It mimics the flutter of a tongue and the suction of a mouth. Translation: It’s a powerful arousal tool for anyone who loves oral stimulation. Which is...apparently most of us. Oh, and Skimm’rs get it for 15% off. Get yours.

Hey Big Saver

Thanks to incredible deals (think: round trip tix to Aspen for $198 and Cabo for $191), Dollar Flight Club can help you save up to $2K in 2022. And for the next 12 hours, it’ll only cost ya $1 to join. So if you’ve got big travel dreams for the future, don’t wait.

Once you tell DFC your departure airport, they’ll send you alerts for flights that are up to 90% off. In fact, their 1 million+ members save an avg of $500 per booking. They’ve even got a premium membership that comes with major discounts from brands like Babbel and Getaway. So go on. Sign up now for one (read: 1) dollar. Remember, the offer ends in 12 hours...

Virtual Village

The clock is ticking...how’s your holiday shopping going? If you’ve been procrastinating just a bit, we’ve got you covered. Visit theSkimm’s Virtual Holiday Village, a 3D, interactive shopping experience full of the best gifts for everybody on your list.

Including the person who loves to stay indoors and feels a lil’ thrill when plans are canceled. If that sounds like someone you know, our Cozy Cabin is where you should head first. It’s got heated slippers, a weighted blanket, soft Parade loungewear, and much more. You = sleighing the shopping game.

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Sweater weather staples that’ll make alllll your wardrobe wishes come true. Madewell’s boots, coats, tees, and...well, sweaters...are comfy and cute. Aka perfect – whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for gifts. Btw, Skimm’rs get 20% off right now. Cha-ching.*

2. A kitchenware sale you won’t wanna miss. This brand’s nonstick, non-toxic ceramic pans make cook-offs as easy as the cleanup that comes after ’em. Aaaand they just so happen to come in a colorful, gift-worthy set that’s up to 20% off right now.*

3. How to add to your wallet while you add to your cart. Everybody wins with The Ascent’s fave cash back card. It’s got zero annual fee, 0% interest ‘til 2023, aaaaaand offers up to 5% cash back at places you actually shop at. Learn more.*

4. How to help children manage holiday excitement. Because it can be overwhelming. Luckily, Slumberkins has expert tips on the subject. Aaand gift sets complete with cuddly creatures, skill-building books, and powerful affirmations. Psst...Skimm’rs can get 15% off that last part with code Skimm15.*

5. A membership that lets you shop for last-minute gifts sans last-minute stress. That sigh of relief is brought to you by Walmart+. Members get free shipping on tons of wallet-friendly clothes, tech, toys, and more.† Hold the order minimums and markups. Sign on up.*

6. How to load up on clean, high-performing skin care. Beautycounter is a true clean beauty pioneer. They meticulously screen alllll the ingredients in their formulas to meet their high safety standards. And today only, Skimm’rs can get 30% off select products during their Daily Deals promo week.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

†Excludes most Marketplace items, and location and freight surcharges.

Skimm'rs

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.

Shoutout to...Shelley G (DC). She's a foreign affairs officer at the State Department and has fostered about 20 dogs during the pandemic. And can now cross off "get engaged" from her pandemic to-do list.

Health first...Sarah N (KS). She switched to part-time work so she could lean into therapy and self-care for her mental health.

(Some) Birthdays...Kyle Marshall, Amy Petreikis (TX), Kat Grosshans (VA), Christina Spiewak (WI), Lianna Levine (MA), Blythe Spalla (TX), Anna Lewis (CO), Talia Marcus (VA), Carlee Vargo (PA), Robyn Tyner (IN), Zachary Kaczor (PA), Gabriella Pisano (NJ), Katy Gutman (NV), Bailey Renae Hildebrand (IN), Fidelia Romanowski (MD)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More

On our new ep of “Pop Cultured with theSkimm,” sponsored by Hulu, we dig in on Meghan Markle’s privacy battles with the British tabloids. And what her latest victory could mean for celebrity coverage in the future. Pretty bloody brilliant if you ask us. Listen now.

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 "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to build your resume and “Pop Cultured with theSkimm” for the latest in entertainment and culture.
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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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Daily Skimm: It was a masked Christmas, we stayed in the house

Rohingya

The Story

That’s a major notification.

Wait, but what does Facebook have to do with it?

What are people saying?

theSkimm

What the House is up to this week…

Where there was a win for the LGBTQ+ community…

Who’s really feeling the effects of the pandemic…

What’s definitely making cents…

What to listen to while shopping for gifts under $15...

Older messages

Daily Skimm: In my heart I know what this is

Daily Skimm: The persimmons are in season

Daily Skimm: Everybody's working for the weekend

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