There are things we carry for years without realizing where we learned them. The ways we try to fit in. The parts of ourselves we change to feel accepted. The line "be the bigger person, don't say anything" The assumptions we make about ourselves and other people and so on. Sometimes, it takes hearing someone else's story to recognize parts of our own. In this episode I sit down with Judith Lam Tang, author of Muted Colours: Uncovering Internalized Racism on the Journey to Reclaiming Racial Identity, for a conversation that is very personal to me. We explore how racism can shape not only how the world sees us, but how we see ourselves and other racialized people. Through Judith's own experiences and the stories of 13 racialized women, we talk about internalized racism, assimilation, belonging, colourism, and then some. We also get into friendships, accountability, the guilt that can come with unlearning beliefs we've carried, and what it means to raise children who understand both racism and the messages they may absorb along the way. If you're a racialized person who has been working through some of mentioned, I hope parts of this conversation remind you that you're not alone in figuring it out. And if you've never thought about how racism might have shaped the way you see yourself or others, maybe something in this conversation will help you recognize an experience you've never quite had the words for. I know for me, that recognition is where we begin to understand ourselves differently. Connect with Judith Lam Tang: Pre order: Muted Colours: Uncovering Internalized Racism on the Journey to Reclaiming Racial Identity Instagram: @judithlamtang Facebook: Judith Lam Tang As always, we'd love to hear from you. What have you had to unlearn about yourself, your community, or the world around you? Let's keep talking. Support the show If you like what you hear please click on "subscribe" or "follow" - It's free and you will get notified when the newest episodes are posted! Check us out on Instagram, X, and YouTube @mfupodcast. Give feedback, middle finger recommendations as well as random thoughts to info@mfupodcast.com. Thank you for listening! In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
