My Racist Friend
Long-time friends Don Griffin, Jr. and Amy Makice, LCSW explore societal issues through the authentic lens of relational-cultural practices. ’My Racist Friend’ is a podcast about the messy parts of relationships that help us grow together. Through the authentic lens of their strong mutual relationship, their goal is to model difficult conversations that can promote understanding and connection in a world that needs both.
Episodes
Saturday Jul 11, 2020
Episode 2.19: Racism Has Become Patriotism
Saturday Jul 11, 2020
Saturday Jul 11, 2020
After a holiday weekend filled with racist acts and protest drew the world's attention to Bloomington, Don and Amy talk through their reactions to these events and how they are processing the visible violence in their community. Don revisits a childhood incident in a new light, and they discuss the fear that results from acts of terrorism.
Additional resources:
"Arrest at Monroe Lake spurs IU football players to voice concern over racial profiling" (Indiana Daily Student, by Grace Ybarra, June 28, 2020)https://www.idsnews.com/article/2020/06/arrest-at-lake-monroe-spurs-iu-football-players-to-voice-concern-over-racial-profiling
Darwin Davis, Jr. (Twitter, @DeeDavisX, July 3, 2020)https://twitter.com/DeeDavisX/status/1279107572092620801
"I don't want to recount this ..." (Facebook, Vauhxx Booker, July 5, 2020)https://www.facebook.com/vauhxx/posts/10222147157086001
"Friends. This is all for one man. ..."(Facebook, Stephanie Fertucci, June 26, 2020)https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.s.janson/posts/10100731334387383
"Over 60 people have driven their cars into BLM protesters since May" (Mic, by Ray Levy-Uyeda, July 9, 2020)https://www.mic.com/p/over-60-people-have-driven-their-cars-into-blm-protesters-since-may-29075259
"Mooresville protest in support of 'Black Lives Matter' brings out two groups with opposing points of view" (WTHR, by Emily Longnecker, July 3, 2020)https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/mooresville-protest-in-support-of-black-lives-matter-brings-out-two-groups-with-opposing-points-of-view/531-340e0d4e-6d62-4e1b-9090-4f8ba8a63cd7
"Some raise concerns over Bloomington protesters with weapons" (WISH-TV, by Demie Johnson, July 9, 2020)https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/some-raise-concerns-over-bloomington-protesters-with-weapons/
"Did an Armed Black Militia March Through a Georgia National Park?" (Snopes, by Our Ibrahim, July 9, 2020)https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/armed-black-militia-georgia-park/
"An Open Letter to the Organizers of the Woolery Market" (The People’s Market Planning Committee)https://www.peoplesmarketbtown.org/an-open-letter-to-bwfm-in-summer
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Saturday Jun 27, 2020
Episode 2.18: Soul Survivor
Saturday Jun 27, 2020
Saturday Jun 27, 2020
Amy reflects on the childhood memory shared by Don in the previous episode and the difficulty in reconciling racism in someone she loves. Together, they revisit a painful moment for Don at an awards program in which they both participated, and Amy tries to reconcile the racism she carries.
Additional resources:
"The Violence of white (and non-Black PoC) Apologies" (Medium, by Ciarra Jones, June 9, 2020)https://medium.com/@ciarrajones/the-violence-of-white-and-non-black-poc-apologies-d1321c0ccb8e
"Fact Check: 'Irish Slaves' meme repeats discredited article" (Reuters, June 19, 2020)https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-factcheck-slaves/fact-check-irish-slaves-meme-repeats-discredited-article-idUSKBN23Q1LQ
"Loving John Hughes Movies While Black" (Medium, by mauludSADIQ, January 23, 2017)https://medium.com/the-brothers/loving-john-hughes-movies-while-black-1c4acba2e628
"America to Me" (Wikipedia)https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_to_Me
"About Positive Discipline" https://www.positivediscipline.com/about-positive-discipline
Black Lives Matter Bloomington - Donationshttps://blm.btown-in.org/
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Thursday Jun 18, 2020
Episode 2.17: Don't Let It Be a Pumpkin Spice Moment
Thursday Jun 18, 2020
Thursday Jun 18, 2020
In this week's conversation, Don wrestles with what to do with the anger aggregating with each news alert, racist Facebook post, and recalled memory. In processing how that anger has changed over time, Amy talks about our inclination to diminish or dismiss harm done by people we like.
Warning: The cursing was not edited out for this episode, and (spoiler) they don't really talk about the Farmer's Market.
Additional resources:
"The 'Arab Spring': Five Years On" (Amnesty International)https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2016/01/arab-spring-five-years-on/
"Philando Castile's Daughter Said To Girlfriend After He Died: I Don't Want You To Get Shooted | TIME" (YouTube, by TIME, June 22, 2017)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlTv3jEhpXM
"While celebrities partner with NAACP to 'take responsibility' for racism" (The Detroit News, by Christi Carras, June 12, 2020)https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/2020/06/12/white-celebrities-partner-naacp-take-responsibility-racism/3174582001/
"How accurate is 'Mrs. America's' portrayal of Shirley Chisholm? We looked into it." (Los Angeles Times, by Meredith Blake, April 24, 2020)https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-04-24/mrs-america-shirley-chisholm-abortion-convention
"A black activist who trained police officers on implicit bias was injured with rubber bullet during protest" (CNN, by Madeline Holcombe and Sarah Moon, June 9, 2020)https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/09/us/san-jose-police-training-activist-rubber-bullets-trnd/index.html
“Sir, Can We Talk About Your Knee on My Neck?” (By Maureen Walker, June 15, 2020)https://maureenwalker.com/sir-can-we-talk-about-your-knee-on-my-neck/
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Friday Jun 12, 2020
Episode 2.16: Two Genies
Friday Jun 12, 2020
Friday Jun 12, 2020
Don and Amy discuss the ongoing protests against police brutality, including both the large gathering in Bloomington on June 5 and (briefly) an inflammatory statement by the Broadening Inclusion Group of the local farmer's market that same day. They try to process some of the recent instances of violence against protestors and discuss the role RCT plays in seeking understanding.
Additional resources:
"Racism Is Surging in Germany. Tens of Thousands Are Taking to the Streets to Call for Justice" (Time, by Billy Perrigo and Melissa Godin, June 11, 2020)https://time.com/5851165/germany-anti-racism-protests/
"The NFL's backtracking apology forgot one thing: Colin Kaepernick" (Mashable, by Adam Rosenberg, June 7, 2020)https://mashable.com/article/colin-kaepernick-nfl-roger-goodell-black-lives-matter/
"Why Romney Marched" (The Atlantic, McKay Coppins, June 8, 2020)https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/06/mitt-romney-black-lives-matter/612808/
"Austin police fired at a crowd transporting a protester injured by an officer" (CNN, by Christina Maxouris and Raja Razek, June 7, 2020)https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/07/us/austin-texas-police-bean-bag-20-year-old-injured/index.html
"Black Against the Wall" (Bloomington Black Lives Matter, June 6, 2020)https://www.facebook.com/blacklivesmatterbtown/posts/3865770443464840
"Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market releases apology after controversial statement" (Indiana Daily Student, by Lauren McLaughlin, June 11, 2020)https://www.idsnews.com/article/2020/06/bloomington-community-farmers-market-releases-apology-after-controversial-statement
"Radio Raheem's death in Spike Lee's 'Do The Right Thing' still haunts America" (liveMint, by Uday Bhatia, June 3, 2020)https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/radio-raheem-s-death-in-spike-lee-s-do-the-right-thing-still-haunts-america-11591184771351.html
"15 Years Later, Tawana Brawley Has Paid 1 Percent Of Penalty" (NPR, by Mark Memmott, August 5, 2013)https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/08/05/209194252/15-years-later-tawana-brawley-has-paid-1-percent-of-penalty
"Trump 'How to Black People/How to Bible" (YouTube, uploaded by Jeff Hill, June 3, 2020)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6pmzTr3eUQ&feature=youtu.be
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Friday Jun 05, 2020
Episode 2.15: Don't Write Me a Check
Friday Jun 05, 2020
Friday Jun 05, 2020
The last week of May was draining. The murder of George Floyd under the knee of the Minneapolis police was set up by Amy Cooper's 911 call and stalled justice for Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many others. Don and Amy reflect on the barrage of events since their previous conversation, including the resulting protests of police brutality around the world and the outcome of policing tactics on display. They also revisit the continued presence of white supremacists in the local farmers market, a year after protests began, and explore a possible solution for institutionalize racism: reparations.
Additional resources:
"David Clarke says Michelle Obama said she was proud of U.S. only after Barack Obama became president" (Politifact, by Tom Kertscher, February 23, 2017)https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/feb/23/david-clarke-jr/david-clarke-says-michelle-obama-said-she-was-prou/
"Trump risks potential backlash from evangelicals with 'tone-deaf' Bible photo-op" (CNN, by Michael Warren, June 3, 2020)https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/03/politics/trump-evangelicals-church-protests/index.html
"Louisville police shoot reporter with pepper bullets during protest on live TV" (CBS News, by Li Cohen, May 30, 2020)https://www.cbsnews.com/news/louisville-police-shoot-reporter-with-pepper-bullets-during-protest-on-live-tv/
"This one image explains what’s happening at the anti-racism protests" (Fast Company, by David Lidsky, June 2, 2020)https://www.fastcompany.com/90512109/this-one-image-explains-whats-happening-at-the-anti-racism-protests
"Youth pastor claims he was kidnapped by black men to avoid admitting why he was in a hotel room" (LGBTQ Nation, by Bil Browning, May 25, 2020)https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2020/05/youth-pastor-claims-kidnapped-black-men-avoid-admitting-hotel-room/
"Florida mother who claimed her son was kidnapped by 2 Black men is seen on surveillance video trying to drown him before later killing him." (Black Enterprise, by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton, May 27, 2020)https://www.blackenterprise.com/florida-mother-who-claimed-her-son-was-kidnapped-by-2-black-men-is-seen-on-surveillance-video-trying-to-drown-him-before-later-killing-him/
"Amy Cooper’s 911 call is part of an all-too-familiar pattern" (Vox, by Anna North May 26, 2020)https://www.vox.com/2020/5/26/21270699/amy-cooper-franklin-templeton-christian-central-park
"All four former officers involved in George Floyd's killing now face charges" (CNN, by Josh Campbell, Sara Sidner and Eric Levenson, June 4, 2020)https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/03/us/george-floyd-officers-charges/index.html
"Minnesota governor personally apologizes to CNN reporter arrested while covering protests" (CNN, by Veronica Stracqualursi, June 3, 2020)https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/03/politics/tim-walz-apology-omar-jimenez-george-floyd/index.html
"6 Atlanta Officers Charged After Body Cam Footage Shows Them Using Tasers on Black College Students" (People, by Gabrielle Chung, June 2, 2020)https://people.com/crime/atlanta-officers-charged-after-body-cam-footage-shows-them-using-taser-on-black-students/
"Louisville fires its police chief over handling of fatal shooting during protest" (CNN, by Evan McMorris-Santoro, Kevin Brunelli and Theresa Waldrop, June 2, 2020)https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/us/louisville-protests-man-shot-dead/index.html
"A white bar owner in Omaha shot and killed a black protester. He won't face charges." (CBS News, by Sophie Lewis, June 3, 2020)https://www.cbsnews.com/news/james-scurlock-black-protester-shot-jacob-gardner-white-bar-owner-protest/
"George Floyd protests in Pa. being hijacked by white supremacists, state official says" (York Daily Record, by Candy Woodall, June 2, 2020)https://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/20200602/george-floyd-protests-in-pa-being-hijacked-by-white-supremacists-state-official-says/3
"France not racist state, Macron spokesperson says after Paris protest" (The Guardian, by Kim Willsher, June 3, 2020)https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/03/clashes-at-paris-protest-against-racism-and-police-violence
"Cause of death: COVID-19, police violence or racism?" (Los Angeles Times, by Melissa Healy, June 2, 2020)https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-06-02/cause-of-death-covid-19-police-violence-or-racism
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Friday May 29, 2020
Episode 2.14: No Time To Mourn
Friday May 29, 2020
Friday May 29, 2020
After over two weeks of fever, Amy reunites with Don online for a catch-up discussion that covers opening the state before we're ready, the value of local response to helping each other, and the role of connection when someone is being bullied. The two friends also talk about raising the bar on expectations for political leaders and our shared desire to make things appear less messy.
This conversation was recorded one day before the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and a week of visible horrors instigated by a range of authoritarians. Unpacking everything will certainly be the topic of the next recorded episode.
Additional resources:
"Joe Biden Apologizes for 'You Ain't Black' Comments | NowThis" (YouTube, by NowThisNews, May 26, 2020)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Z9TvMBDQk
"North Dakota Gov. Burgum Makes Emotional Plea On Wearing Face Masks | MSNBC" (YouTube, by MSNBC, May 23, 2020)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nVC0ldpVBQ&feature=youtu.be
"Coronavirus: Here’s how germs are spread and where you’re most likely to catch them" (World Economic Forum, by Erin S. Bromage, May 6, 2020)https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/05/coronavirus-covid19-exposure-risk-catching-virus-germs?fbclid=IwAR1vyQiPgWDB7iCmbqIDb33jhu4r6TJcuZEohbrVneiOdhLfxJzffY0EM9E
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Episode 2.13: Bias is in Your Body
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Wednesday May 13, 2020
With the inclusion of psychiatrist Dr. Amy Banks on the weekly Zoom call, Don talks with two Amys this week about racism at work when discussing police shootings and gun control. Dr. Banks explains the neuroscience that bakes our prejudices into our minds and body, and they talk about the value of recalling positive relational moments to help your body feel calm.
Additional resources:
"Indianapolis Police Officer Shoots Man in Livestreamed Killing. Here's What to Know" (Time, by Josiah Bates, May 7, 2020)https://time.com/5833625/indianapolis-police-shooting-sean-reed/
"Coronavirus: Armed protesters enter Michigan statehouse" (BBC, May 1, 2020)https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52496514
"Armed black citizens escort Michigan lawmaker to capitol after volatile rightwing protest" (The Guardian, by Lois Beckett, May 7, 2020)https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/07/michigan-lawmaker-armed-escort-rightwing-protest
Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist (by Eli Saslow)https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39706735-rising-ou
"Trump contradicts nurse he's honoring over PPE availability" (CNN, by Nikki Carvajal, May 6, 2020)https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/06/politics/donald-trump-nurse-ppe-coronavirus/index.html
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Monday May 04, 2020
Episode 2.12: Seeing Karen
Monday May 04, 2020
Monday May 04, 2020
On the cusp of Indiana announcing plans to re-open parts of the state's economy, Amy and Don invite Dr. LaShawn Williams to join their conversation from her Utah home. They discuss the response to 'Karen' and the power dynamics embedded in the that slang term. They also discuss the risks of opening up states too soon and who carries the brunt of that risk.
Additional resources:
"About Caucasity and the Difference Between a Becky, a Karen and a Susan" (Awesomely Luvvie, by Luvvie Ajayi, April 27, 2020)https://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/2020/04/caucasity-karen-becky-susan.html
International Center for Growth and Connection - Works in Progresshttps://www.growthinconnection.org/collections
"Each of Indiana's reopening stages, explained" (Indianapolis Star, by Ethan May, May 1, 2020)https://www.indystar.com/story/news/health/2020/05/01/when-indiana-reopen-here-phases-set-reopening/3067992001/
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Episode 2.11: Paused
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
As state governors take the forefront in determining how long and to what extent stay-at-home orders exist, Don and Amy check in with each other about new challenges that come with hitting Pause on familiar routines. They talk about the impact illness and sickness have had on their mood and about the changes that will need to happen for our country as it shifts away from life at home. Don also talks about his family's discussions around wearing a mask in public.
Additional resources:
Building a Thriving Compassionate Community (BTCC)http://www.btccbloomington.org/
"Handcuffed: Black Miami Doctor Who Works with Homeless Says He Was Racially Profiled by Police" (DemocracyNow, April 20, 2020)https://www.democracynow.org/2020/4/20/dr_armen_henderson_florida_fisher_island
"Two black men say they were kicked out of Walmart for wearing protective masks. Others worry it will happen to them." (Washington Post, by Tracy Jan, April 9, 2020)https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/04/09/masks-racial-profiling-walmart-coronavirus/
"Muslim man says he was tasered for wearing a mask to a grocery store" (WUSA9, by Bruce Leshan, April 16, 2020)https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/muslim-man-says-he-was-tasered-by-grocery-store-security-guard-while-wearing-face-mask/65-900c5bfe-6e14-467e-9daf-e34218aff3d1
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes
Saturday Apr 18, 2020
Episode 2.10: Working the Room
Saturday Apr 18, 2020
Saturday Apr 18, 2020
From their respective homes, Amy and Don connect through Zoom to update each other on the continued challenges of remaining at home. They explore the tensions between feeling gratitude for what privilege provides and feeling empathy toward those for whom a pandemic is risk to health and financial stability. The two friends speculate on what current behaviors they want to take with them after sheltering stops.
Additional resources:
Life Tribute page for Erin Marie McGarvey (Allen Funeral Home)https://www.allencares.com/obituaries/Erin-Mcgarvey/
"George Goes Out on a High Note" (YouTube, by Josh Thomas, September 11, 2012)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YaaZZN9VYs
Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes