Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Inclusion Racism and Microaggressions

In the latest episode of the Wv Uncommonplace, host Jr and their guest talk about the controversial topic of racism. Jr talks about their personal experience of racism growing up in Lynchburg, Virginia. Jr shares how racism wasn't just from white people but was also present within their own race. Jr's first incident with racism was when another African American kid referred to him as a "moon cricket". Jr goes on to share how in middle school, racism wasn't about being discriminated based on skin color, but rather class systems such as the middle, lower and upper-class. Jr was privileged to attend and be part of events and parties that other African American kids weren't because they belonged to the middle class. After listening to the podcast, here are three takeaways on understanding racism from Jr's experience. Firstly, racism is not just present in white people but also African Americans. Secondly, racism takes different forms and not just limited to slurs or discrimination based on skin color. Lastly, racism can be seen in class systems, with people from lower classes being segregated from those in the middle and upper classes. The Wv Uncommonplace has succeeded in bringing new perspectives on the controversial issue of racism. As Jr puts it, "depending on who asks me about racism, you don't get the same answer out of me." The episode on racism isn't just about Jr's experience but provides an opportunity to reflect on one's own experiences with racism. Remember to tune in to the Wv Uncommonplace to listen to the full episode. Quote:  "The racism that presented itself to us wasn't necessarily always from white people or other ethnicities. It was actually inside our race."