6.3: Racism is Built on a Big Fat Lie Pt. 2: Uncle Tom and Other Myths

May 31, 2022

If you’ve been here for a while, you’ve probably heard me say about a million times that race is a completely made up social construct — with no basis in biology — that is used to justify racism.

There are SO MANY examples in our society that prove just how made up race is, and this week in Part 2 of our two-part series, we’re tackling a few of those myths and exposing them for what they are: big fat lies.

In this episode, we are breaking down two phrases that were born out of racism — Uncle Tom and Indian giver — as well as discussing common myths about Islam.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The origin of each of these phrases and how their “definitions” are exactly the opposite of reality.
• Why “Indian” is not a word you should be using if you are not Indigenous.
• Common myths about Islam and how the word “Islam” itself shows how false the myths are.

And don’t forget, if you missed Part 1 about the one drop rule and blood quantum, be sure to listen to it on our website or through your favorite podcasting app.

 

Juneteenth Jubilee

Juneteenth is coming up next month, and we have an exciting program to help you celebrate! Juneteenth Jubilee is our brand-new program that gives you everything you need to have a meaningful Juneteenth celebration dinner.

It includes a cookbook, a cooking show with my dad, a meal planner, reflection questions and more! Trust me, this is something your family is going to want — both for the yummy food and for the impactful conversations. 

The program is available now! So click here to invest in this resource to create a meaningful celebration for your family!

Don’t forget to use the code LOVING15 for $15 off your purchase until 6/13/22!

 

Send in your Loving Day submissions!

Loving Day is coming up on June 12th, and I want to celebrate with you!

Loving Day is the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that made interracial marriage for heterosexual couples legal in all 50 states, and I want to make an episode about the significance of Loving Day to those of us in interracial relationships. This means everyone — LGBTQ, straight, dating, married — anyone who loves someone who is a different race than their own.

What I need you to do is record a voice memo that includes three things:

1. Your name
2. Where you are from
3. And the answer to one question: What does Loving Day mean to you?

Send the voice memo to [e-mail] with “Loving Day” in the subject line. If you’d like to include a picture, I would love to share your pictures on Instagram on Loving Day.

The deadline for submissions is June 4, 2022.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Articles, Studies & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

First Name Basis Podcast: Season 6, Episode 1: “Racism is Built on a Big Fat Lie Pt. 1: The One Drop Rule and Blood Quantum”

“Why African-Americans Lothe Uncle Tom” by Dr. Patricia Turner, NPR

“The Tom Caricature” by Farris University and the Jim Crow Museum

“Uncle Tom From Martyr to Traitor” by Dr. Adena Spingarn

“The Story of ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ Spread From Novel to Theater and Screen” by Jane Ford, UVA Today

“The History Behind The Phrase 'Don't Be An Indian Giver'” by Lakshmi Gandhi

“Kris Jenner Uses the Term ‘Indian Giver’” by Dr. Adrienne Keene, Native Appropriations Blog 

First Name Basis Podcast: Season 5, Episode 17 “Teaching Children About Ramadan & Islamophobia”

 

Song credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN