Who Told You Who You Are? Decolonizing Identity, with Melinda Grisby

What if the system isn’t broken—what if it’s working exactly as designed?I sat down with Melinda Grisby to talk about decolonization as more than a buzzword. We unpack whiteness as ideology, privilege as proximity to power, and how nationalism and capitalism rely on keeping us divided. If we’re constantly reacting, exhausted, and fighting culture wars—who’s actually benefiting?We challenge the myth of American democracy and the comfort of believing we’re “free.” Melinda argues most oppression is psychological. That racial hierarchies, forced assimilation, and cultural homogenization didn’t happen by accident. And that healing starts with active listening, patience, and rebuilding community—not just calling out injustice online.We also talk representation—why moments of Latino pride matter, even inside systems we critique. Why genealogy can be resistance. Why children are the first battleground in conditioning. And why empathy isn’t optional.If we’ve been conditioned to see division as normal, are we willing to unlearn it?Here’s a summary of the safety tips Melinda shared in the episode:Safety first: Before helping, make sure the scene is safe. Move the injured person out of immediate danger (crowds, active threats, unstable areas). Keep roadways clear so emergency crews can access the patient.Control severe bleeding immediately: In trauma, stopping bleeding is the priority. Use clean cloth, clothing, or towels to pack the wound and apply firm, continuous pressure. Do not stop pressing.Tourniquet use: Place it high above the wound (never on a joint). Tighten until bleeding stops. Do not remove it once applied. If possible, note the time it was placed.Do not remove embedded objects: If something is stuck in the body, leave it in place and stabilize it with cloth to prevent movement. Removing it can cause severe bleeding.Eye injuries: Cover both eyes, even if only one is injured. The eyes move together, so covering both helps prevent further damage.Tear gas or pepper spray exposure: Protect yourself with goggles and a mask if possible. Flush eyes with distilled water or milk to help soothe irritation. Avoid contaminated water.Hands-only CPR: If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, perform continuous chest compressions about 2 inches deep in the center of the chest until paramedics arrive. Mouth-to-mouth is not required.Find more info on Brown Girl Pride here: Brown Girl Pride Facebook Brown Girl Pride TikTokBrownGirlPride Instagram photos and videosContact Tabitha:[email protected]