The Shame of the Label: Ibram X. Kendi and Brené Brown on Racism
Explore how Ibram X. Kendi and Brené Brown view the label of racist. Learn why shifting from shame to accountability is vital for addressing socialization.
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If we can move from 'I am a racist'—which triggers shame and shut-down—to 'I just expressed a racist idea'—which triggers guilt and correction—we can actually move forward.
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Brene brown suggests every one is racist due to socialization and the aim should be to try to reduce the impact of their biases. Is this a helpful position to take with so many people being reluctant to admit racist tendencies.
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Ibram X. Kendi argues that we should strip the word 'racist' of its status as a slur and instead use it as a descriptor. Rather than viewing it as a permanent tattoo on someone’s soul or a terminal diagnosis of character, it should be seen as a snapshot of a specific idea or action in a specific moment. This radical shift allows for a more honest conversation about individual actions without the immediate urge to defend one's entire identity.
Brené Brown points out that many people struggle to separate being held accountable for a racist comment from being shamed as a person. While accountability focuses on the specific behavior or statement, shame feels like a visceral attack on one's fundamental self. Understanding this distinction is crucial because the fear of being shamed often leads to defensiveness or a desire to disappear, which creates a significant hurdle to fixing systemic problems.
The term is often seen as one of the most loaded words in language, triggering a visceral physical reaction and a sudden urge to defend or explain oneself. Because most people view the label as a permanent mark on their character, the fear of being called racist often shuts down productive dialogue. The podcast explores whether acknowledging these tendencies as a result of socialization is the only way forward or if it simply causes people to disengage.
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Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
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Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
