Essays in Sepia

In this insightful conversation, sociologist Miri Song discusses the complexities of multiracial and mixed heritage identities, exploring how societal perceptions, historical context, and personal experiences shape self-identification and social categorisation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Professor Miri Song's Work02:54 Exploring Ethnic Identity and Agency05:05 The Concept of Code Switching07:41 Navigating Racial Assignments and Self-Identification10:44 The One Drop Rule and Its Implications13:24 Historical Context of Racial Categories16:29 Mixed Heritage and Family Dynamics18:28 The Role of Data in Understanding Mixedness21:18 Cultural Contexts and Racial Dynamics23:56 The Importance of Context in Racial Identity26:24 Challenges of Racial Data Collection28:46 Diversity Within Mixed Heritage Groups30:36 Interracial Unions and Gender Dynamics33:21 Concluding Thoughts on Mixed IdentityResources:Miri Song's Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics - https://www.lse.ac.uk/social-policy/people/miri-songDr Miri Song became motivated to do her studies of mixed people as spouses and parents, because she got tired of only seeing studies of mixed people's identities.So she focused on generational change - what happens when mixed heritage children have children. Her Written work:Mixed Heritage in the Family: Racial Identity, Spousal Choice, and Child-RearingMultiracial Parents: Mixed Race Families, Generational Change, and the Future of RaceMixed Race IdentitiesChoosing Ethnic IdentityHelping Out: Children's Labor in Ethnic Businesses

In this insightful conversation, Katie Mantwa George shares her unique journey of navigating her mixed heritage across different countries, the impact of apartheid on her identity, and the importance of embracing diversity and self-awareness. Discover how her experiences shape her perspectives on race, culture, and belonging.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Identity and Heritage01:36 - Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa04:38 - Cultural Transition to the UK07:52 - Understanding Racial Identity in Different Contexts10:46 - The Impact of Apartheid on Identity13:30 - Navigating Mixed Heritage and Cultural Differences16:12 - The Role of Family in Shaping Identity19:26 - Creating Representation in Literature22:27 - The Importance of Empathy and Understanding25:27 - Concluding Thoughts on Mixed Heritage32:06 - The Complexity of Identity and Categorization38:14 - Navigating Locality and Belonging46:04 - Perceptions of Race and Mixed Heritage58:52 - Family Dynamics and Racial AwarenessResourcesMeadow and Marley's Magical MixKatie Mantwa George's WebsiteLinkedIn

Wani Mkandawire shares his rich heritage, navigating life between Malawi and the UK, and how his multicultural experiences shape his identity, resilience, and entrepreneurial journey in coffee farming.Chapters00:00 - Embracing Heritage and Identity29:36 - Navigating Cultural Connections40:15 - Pride in Roots and Family TraditionsResourcesMalawi CoffeeWani's LinkedInAsk me where I am local TED Talk

Saskia shares her motivation for recording podcast conversations about being mixed race and her hopes for the project. She also expresses her humility and openness to learning and understanding more about the subject.