In this episode of Peripheries, I read two letters I received from two individuals who don't feel that their outer appearance matches their cultural affinities. One writer is called a "coconut," and I discuss the various food slurs that have been used to describe people whose behavior doesn't match the stereotypical expectations of their visible category within the race worldview. I also discuss the meaning of the term "transracial" as well as alternative terms we can use to describe a shift in cultural affiliation. 

Rachel shares a letter from Ireland, where a teacher asks her the definition and meaning of the Pan African Diaspora, as well as the difference between Black and African American. This letter also brings up Rachel's name change to Nkechi in 2016, and she elaborates on the meaning and distinction between her personal & public names. 

In this episode of Peripheries, Rachel shares a letter from Puerto Rico, where a writer brings up the term "mulatto" and shares his answer to the question: "So are you Black or Spanish?" Rachel responds with some more in-depth exploration of the lived experiences of culture, race & ethnicity and makes the case for why we need to cultivate more empathy as a human family.

In this episode, Rachel shares a letter from an Aboriginal Transwoman from Australia and offers her own responses to the questions and commentary raised in the letter. Topics explored in this episode are the similarities & differences of transgender and 'transracial' identities, the term "passing," the experience of chronic isolation due to peripheral identity, and the triggering topic of suicidal feelings. Please listen if this content is appropriate for you. 

In this episode of Peripheries, Rachel shares a letter from an African American writer that raises the topic of cultural appropriation. Rachel draws on her own experiences and her academic background to respond with some important delineations between cultural appropriation, cultural appreciation, cultural participation, and cultural belonging. Become a member of Peripheries on Patreon to participate in the dialogue and growing online community for this discourse. 

This episode shares a letter from a first generation American with Syrian/Jordanian/Palestinian parents. Her questions about race, prejudice, ethnicity, identity and belonging open the door for a more nuanced discussion and an opportunity to broaden our understanding and reduce anti-Arab sentiment.