Podcast Introduction: Welcome back to The Sonya Buchanan Show. Today, we are having a conversation that is long overdue—one that requires honesty, clarity, and a willingness to examine the truth without flinching. We are asking the question: What Is It Called Really? In our culture today, words are often used interchangeably, sometimes carelessly, and sometimes with intentional distortion. Two terms that get tossed around frequently—and often confused—are culture and racism. But they are not the same thing. They do not carry the same meaning, the same weight, or the same experience. And it is time we balance the scale. Let us start with culture. Culture is the beautiful tapestry of beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that a group of people learn, share, and pass down from one generation to the next. It is heritage. It is tradition. It is the music, the food, the language, the celebrations, and the stories that shape identity and create belonging. Culture is something to be honored, celebrated, and preserved. It is not a weapon, and it is not a crime. Now, let us define racism. Racism is a form of discrimination and antagonism directed against a person or group based on their race or ethnic background. It is prejudice plus power. It is the belief that one race is superior to another, and it is the systemic and individual actions that flow from that belief. Racism is not about celebrating differences; it is about weaponizing them to diminish, exclude, or harm others. So, what are the similarities? Both culture and racism involve group identity and can shape how people see themselves and others. Both can influence social dynamics and personal experiences. But the differences are profound. Culture is about expression and pride. Racism is about oppression and exclusion. Culture builds up. Racism tears down. Today, we are going to unpack these definitions, explore real-life examples, and discuss why it is critical to call things what they really are. When we blur the lines between culture and racism, we do a disservice to both. We dishonor the beauty of cultural heritage, and we minimize the pain of racial injustice. It is time to get it right. It is time to speak the truth in love. This is The Sonya Buchanan Show: What Is It Called Really. http://www.sonyabuchanan.com http://www.comfortingpromises.com Magazine Article https://www.hiddengeminterviews.com/atl/preview/3864748 Keywords: Culture, Racism, Beliefs, Values, Customs, Behaviors, Artifacts, Discrimination, Antagonism, Race, Ethnic Background, Similarities, Differences, Meaning, Experience, Identity, Heritage, Prejudice, Systemic, Truth Hashtags: #WhatIsItCalledReally #CultureVsRacism #KnowTheDifference #TruthAndUnderstanding #TheSonyaBuchananShow