Challenging The Whiteness Of Public Radio

*Yes! As much as I like public radio, I’ve seldom felt it reflects my culture. We need more Latino anchors, reporters and programs like Latino USA and Fronteras Desk. VL

By Chenjerai Kumanyika, NPR/Code Switch

My piece was about a fisherman who manages the tuna club of Avalon. But while editing my script aloud, I realized I was also imagining another voice, one that sounded more white, saying my piece.

Without being directly told, people like me learn that our way of speaking isn’t professional. And you start to imitate the standard or even hide the distinctive features of your own voice. This is one of the reasons that some of my black and brown friends refuse to listen to some of my favorite radio shows despite my most passionate efforts.

Click HERE to read the full story.

[Photo courtesy of Linda Tindal]

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