The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself

I know the subject of racism makes many people uncomfortable; myself included. As a white woman, I am trying to better understand the history of racism in North America and how it has created our present reality. In this episode, I’m talking to David Mura, who is an accomplished writer and subject matter expert. He and I discuss what “whiteness” is and some of the roots of racism in America, that goes back as far as the 1800’s when social scientists declared “blackness” criminal. We talk about how access to land ownership was restricted to Caucasians by the federal government in the 1930’s, and post WWII, how medical myths are still prevalent in today’s doctor’s offices and hospitals. We also touch on Critical Race Theory, what it is and if it should be taught to our children.   David brings up the past in order for us to understand how it informs our present. He wants to enact change, not through shame and guilt, but through love and knowledge. Simply put, we want to teach our kids to have an open heart and mind when it comes to other cultures, and people of differing backgrounds and beliefs.  There can be no hate when we are curious and open. Can you challenge your beliefs, bias and thoughts? Curiosity and openness are what can pave the way for more understanding and less fear and hate. I hope you find this episode helpful as you navigate this complex issue with your children. For David’s  article, “How to Raise Anti-Racist Children” you can download it from the Parent Toolbox at www.parent-toolbox.com  About David Mura David Mura is an essayist, memoirist, novelist, poet, activist and teacher. His latest book is The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself: Racial Myths and Our American Narratives. A Sansei or third generation Japanese American, he has written two memoirs, Where the Body Meets Memory: An Odyssey of Race, Sexuality and Identity and Turning Japanese, an account of his year -long stay in Japan which was a NY Times Notable Book. He has written a book on race and creative writing, A Stranger’s Journey: Race, Identity and Narrative Craft in Writing. He co-produced, wrote and narrated the Emmy winning PBS documentary, Armed with Language, about the Military Intelligence Service Japanese American soldiers who served in the Pacific during WWII, many of whom were imprisoned with their families by the US government. Social Media: Website: www.davidmura.com b Blog: blog.davidmura.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mura-539a5b1a/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mura.71?ref=br_rs Instagram: @muradavid Twitter: @MuraDavid YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/davidmura   Thanks for listening! For more on Robbin, her work and free resources, keep reading! READY FOR YOUR FAMILY CHECK UP CALL? If you’re feeling burnt out by bad behavior, worn down from constant battles and bickering and you’ve struggled to get the cooperation, respect and obedience you want from your kids, I’ve been there too. It might be time to learn new tools (that you’ve never been taught) to help you get your kids to listen to you, build teamwork, and grow the harmony in your home. https://parentingforconnection.as.me/Checkupcall FREE GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF STRONG-WILLED KIDS: “How to Turn a NO into Cooperation” go to www.strongwilledkids.com About Robbin Robbin is a Certified Parent Coach, author, podcaster and speaker. Her work focuses on building and strengthening the parent child relationship so that children grow up with resilience, confidence and strong emotional intelligence. She works with parents to help them understand their own emotions and frustrations in parenting, so they can help build their children’s sense of self without losing themselves in the process! Robbin’s award-winning podcast, Parenting our Future, is ranked in the top one percent of all podcasts globally. And she is recognized as one of the “Top Moms in Podcasting” by Podcast Magazine in 2020 & 2022.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices