28-26 "Mexicans Confronting Racism: Aztec myths to modern stereotypes" episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 8, 2026 · 29 MIN

28-26 "Mexicans Confronting Racism: Aztec myths to modern stereotypes"

from Making Contact · host Frequencies of Change Media

There's an idea in Mexico that racism doesn't exist, that all Mexicans are "mestizo" – a homogenous blend of Spanish and indigenous. But cultural worker José Antonio Aguilar says racism is lived by Black and brown Mexicans in many ways. He founded Racismo MX, an organization which seeks to dismantle racism, after coming to terms with his own racial reality as a "prieto" – a brown man. We also hear from anthropologist Ismael Rivera and Aztec expert Camilla Townsend as they unravel lies the Spanish colonizers told about ancient Aztecs that still feed racist tropes today.  This episode first aired in 2023. Featuring José Antonio Aguilar – Racismo MX, Founder and Director Ismael Rivera – Anthropologist, Historian, Cultural Guide Dr. Camilla Townsend, P.h.D. – Rutgers University, Professor  Making Contact Host: Amy Gastelum Freelance Producer: Anthony Wallace Executive Director: Jina Chung Engineer: Jeff Emtman Digital Media Marketing: Lissa Deonarain Music Nahuales Negros – Chinampa, Cempasúchil, Barcos A Lo Lejos, Mixquic, Teponaztli, Danza A Pakal Learn More Racismo MX  FB: https://www.facebook.com/raciclasismomx IG: racismomx X: @Racismo_MX Ismael Rivera Tours  FB: https://www.facebook.com/riveratrips Rutgers University FB: https://www.facebook.com/RutgersU X: @RutgersU IG: rutgersu Anthony Wallace X: @anthonyjwallace Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.

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28-26 "Mexicans Confronting Racism: Aztec myths to modern stereotypes"

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This episode was published on July 8, 2026.

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There's an idea in Mexico that racism doesn't exist, that all Mexicans are "mestizo" – a homogenous blend of Spanish and indigenous. But cultural worker José Antonio Aguilar says racism is lived by Black and brown Mexicans in many ways. He founded...

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