Side Effects of Being a Token (with Sal Masakela)

Podcast Summary

• Understanding the difference between being a token and a cultural ambassador: Recognize that labels or roles don't define us completely. Choose to represent culture with intention and purpose, not as a token.

  Life is more than just labels or diagnoses. It's about cherishing relationships, enjoying experiences, and finding joy in every moment, whether old or new. Regarding the discussion on being a token, it's essential to recognize the difference between being a token and a cultural ambassador. While a token is often assigned the role of speaking for a group without choosing it, a cultural ambassador actively chooses to represent their culture to teach others. The distinction between the two can be blurry, and not everyone who represents a group is a cultural ambassador. It's crucial to understand that just because someone comes from a particular background doesn't automatically make them a relevant speaker for that group.

• Being a cultural representative isn't an obligation: Individuals shouldn't be expected to always represent their culture, do their own research and education instead.

  Being a cultural representative or ambassador is not an obligation for those who find themselves in that position due to being a token in a particular space. This can be a necessary role in certain situations, but it's important to recognize that it's not an obligation and that individuals should do their own research and education instead of relying solely on others. The expectation for Black people to always be the cultural ambassador can be damaging and limiting, and it's essential to challenge these expectations and empower individuals to take ownership of their own learning and education. Additionally, it's important to recognize the power dynamics at play and to challenge those who expect Black people to do the heavy lifting in addressing systemic issues like racism. Instead, everyone should take responsibility for their own education and contribution to creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

• Cultural sensitivity in dance: Recognize and respect diverse cultural backgrounds in dance. Understand origins and meanings to avoid misinterpretation and appropriation. Foster inclusion and support others' growth.

  It's important to recognize and respect the cultural backgrounds and experiences of others, especially when it comes to dance or other forms of expression. In the conversation, the speaker emphasized the significance of understanding the origins and meaning behind certain dances, and the potential harm caused by misinterpreting or appropriating them. The speaker also discussed the challenges of being a token in professional spaces and the importance of welcoming and supporting others instead of obstructing their growth. Ultimately, the conversation highlighted the importance of cultural awareness, respect, and inclusion.

• Using your position to open doors for others: As a representative in a non-represented group, use your presence to advocate for yourself and your community while maintaining professionalism and objectivity. Remember, your position is not guaranteed, so use it to open doors for others and push for more representation.

  Being a representative or "cultural ambassador" in a predominantly non-represented group comes with unique challenges. You may feel torn between advocating for your community and maintaining objectivity. However, it's essential to remember that your presence in the room is not just about being a token or a quota filler. Instead, you have the power to use your position to open doors for others and educate those around you. The speaker shared personal experiences of pitching a documentary show about the Afropunk movement to various executives. They noticed that the black executives in the room would nod and pay attention but couldn't actively support their pitch. The speaker emphasized the importance of not letting tokenism last for too long and using your position to hold the door open for others. It's crucial to remember that your presence in a room or industry is not guaranteed, and you can be replaced. Therefore, it's essential to use your voice and advocate for yourself and your community while maintaining professionalism and objectivity. Additionally, diversity should not have a quota, and it's essential to keep pushing for more representation and opportunities for all.

• The Importance of Authentic Relationships: Being authentic and recognizing the complexity of oneself and others is crucial for building deep and lasting relationships, especially during times of change or transition.

  Building genuine relationships is essential for personal and professional growth, especially when one finds themselves in expendable positions. These relationships can serve as valuable allies and support systems during times of change or transition. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being authentic and not limiting oneself to a predefined narrative or role. By staying true to oneself and showcasing one's depth and layers, one can attract and maintain meaningful connections. The speaker also highlights the power of self-reflection and the courage to pivot when something no longer serves one's growth. Ultimately, the ability to recognize and appreciate the complexity of oneself and others is key to fostering deep and lasting relationships.

• Personal branding: A double-edged sword: Stay true to oneself while being open to change and growth. Balance authenticity, creativity, and professionalism in personal branding.

  Personal branding can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can define and differentiate you in a crowded space. On the other hand, it can limit you and restrict your growth or evolution. The speaker shared her experience of being identified solely by her dreadlocks, which she eventually cut off. Despite initial backlash, she was able to continue her career and even embrace the change. However, she also faced resistance from those who saw her as a sellout or who believed she couldn't switch up her image. This highlights the importance of staying true to oneself while also being open to change and growth. Additionally, the speaker shared an anecdote about being silenced when trying to ask Andre 3000 about his music during an interview, emphasizing the need to respect artists' boundaries while also acknowledging the value of their artistic contributions. Overall, the discussion underscores the complexities of personal branding and the importance of balancing authenticity, creativity, and professionalism.

• Respecting Cultural Boundaries and Language: Be mindful of experiences and traumas unique to different communities. Don't use racial slurs or cultural symbols that hold significance for others without their permission. Approach conversations around race and identity with maturity and respect.

  Individuals should be mindful of the experiences and traumas unique to different communities and respect the boundaries around language and cultural symbols that hold significance for those communities. The speaker shares an experience of witnessing a gay white man using the N-word during a performance, and her friend's acceptance of this behavior despite her black background highlights the need for education and understanding around the complexities of oppression and its impact on language and cultural symbols. The speaker emphasizes that the N-word is a racial slur specific to the black community and should not be used by those who have not experienced the trauma and oppression associated with it. Ultimately, it's important to take one's job and responsibilities seriously, but not to take oneself too seriously, and to approach conversations around race and identity with maturity and respect for the experiences and histories of others.

• Understanding Cultural Appropriation and Language: Recognize unique experiences, respect cultural contexts, and avoid intersecting into others' experiences when discussing language and cultural appropriation.

  It's important to recognize and respect the unique experiences of different marginalized communities, particularly when it comes to discussions about language and cultural appropriation. The speaker shares an anecdote about a DJ in a club who was criticized for wearing a Native American headdress, and the speaker argues that this reaction is a result of "oppression envy" – a desire for marginalized groups to claim their own unique forms of oppression and language. The speaker also discusses the historical context of certain words, such as "cunt," which have different meanings and connotations in different cultures. Ultimately, the speaker encourages people to focus on their own experiences and not try to intersect into the experiences of others, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like cultural appropriation. It's important to remember that everyone's experiences are valid, but we should also strive to listen and learn from each other to promote understanding and respect.

• Setting Boundaries in the Workplace for Marginalized Individuals: Communicate role and expectations clearly, avoid tokenization, and focus on productive relationships to prevent emotional and mental exhaustion in the workplace

  It's important for individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities, to set boundaries in the workplace and communicate their role and expectations clearly. The speaker in this conversation emphasized the need to distinguish between professional interactions and personal educational opportunities. She made it clear that she is not an ambassador or representative of her culture, but rather a team member with specific responsibilities. It's crucial to avoid being tokenized or used as a "Google of blackness" and instead focus on creating meaningful and productive relationships with colleagues. These boundaries can help prevent emotional and mental exhaustion and ensure that everyone is contributing to the team's goals in a meaningful way. Additionally, it's essential to recognize that every relationship is unique, and there may be safe spaces where questions and discussions can occur. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of open communication, respect, and authenticity in the workplace.

• Considering the consequences of actions: Evaluate personal principles and ethics before manipulating others, consider potential outcomes, and reflect on impact on own integrity.

  Individuals need to evaluate their personal principles and ethics before deciding how to respond in situations where they may have the power or opportunity to manipulate others. Using the analogy of playing the possibilities, the speaker suggests considering the potential outcomes and consequences of one's actions. However, it's essential to remember that each person's circumstances and limitations are unique. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and considering the impact on one's own integrity. The discussion touched on various topics, including sexual harassment, power dynamics, and personal experiences with celebrities. Ultimately, the speaker encourages listeners to be mindful of their actions and make decisions that align with their values.

• Navigating complexities of diverse experiences: Growing up with diverse cultural backgrounds can lead to feeling lonely in dominant cultures, adopting new traditions, and facing microaggressions or tokenization. Embrace your unique perspective and use it to become a voice and face for the culture.

  Growing up as a person of color with diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, Navigating spaces dominated by one culture can be a lonely experience. Being accepted into these spaces, however, comes with its own challenges. For instance, one might find themselves adopting the culture and its traditions, which were not part of their upbringing. At the same time, they might face microaggressions or be tokenized, making them feel like an outsider in their own identity. Navigating these complexities requires a unique perspective and the ability to speak to everyone about the culture in a way that others might not be able to, given their lack of diverse experiences. This was the case for the speaker, who grew up in various places, including New York during the birth of hip hop, with immigrant parents from Haiti and South Africa, and as an embedded member of white culture. Despite the challenges, they embraced their unique position and used it to become a voice and face for the culture, recognizing the power of their diverse experiences.

• Navigating the role of a token: Being a token in a predominantly white industry can offer opportunities but also risks. Authenticity, impact, and recognizing individual voices are crucial.

  Navigating the role of a token in a predominantly white or dominant industry can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can provide opportunities to stand out and carve out a unique niche. On the other hand, it can lead to being pigeonholed or overlooked. It's crucial to be aware of the surroundings and decide whether the fight is worth it. The speaker, Saleem Masekela, shares his experience of being a token at ESPN and the struggle of reconciling the cultural significance of his name with the industry's branding. He encourages being authentic and not settling for being just a token but striving to make a significant impact. It's essential to recognize the power of individual voices and perspectives in challenging the mainstream narrative and promoting diversity and inclusivity.

• The daily struggle of being a person of color in America: Despite success and contributions, people of color continue to face daily struggles and disrespect, highlighting the importance of dialogue and understanding to address racial issues

  The experiences of people of color in America can still feel reminiscent of slavery, with the power dynamics of the past continuing to impact the present. Sal Masekela, a black man in the entertainment industry, shared his experiences of being talked down to and unfollowed by his white audience when he speaks out about racial issues. He emphasized the daily struggle and armor needed to survive in America as a person of color, and the feeling of being disrespected and treated unequally despite contributions and successes. Masekela's message serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for dialogue and understanding in addressing racial issues and the importance of respecting each other's experiences and perspectives. Additionally, Masekela encouraged listeners to check out his tour dates and upcoming performances, including his Vibonics 101 tour and a special limited engagement of Mobetto Wu at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. He also mentioned O'Reilly Variscan, a free service that helps diagnose check engine lights with solutions based on over 60 million verified vehicle scans.