Today Amy speaks to Tara Betts. Tara is an editor, poet, author and teacher. They delve deep into racism and its impact on the individual as well as society. They also discuss mental health at length and the importance of mindset.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Healthcare in the US has a history of being political, from the long and devastating history of racism in the medical industry to the lack of fact checking medical ‘advice’.
Tara has had a very turbulent time with bereavement, divorce and starting her PHD. She knew she then needed to move back home because she wasn’t right in herself mentally, she needed space to heal.
When accessing therapy, it is important to find the ‘right fit’. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, find another one.
White people must ask the questions around our privilege. It might feel uncomfortable but it is white people that need to do the work to make society more fair and equal for all.
A big learning curve for Tara was about not taking things personally. It took her a long time to recognise and understand that although peoples’ actions and words might affect you, they are not about you. Everyone has their own battles and problems they are dealing with, most of the time how they behave is nothing to do with you at all.
The prison and criminal justice system in America is broken. It doesn’t rehabilitate people, if anything it turns unlucky people into dangerous and desperate people. It disproportionally affects those from poorer backgrounds and is overwhelmingly prejudice against minorities.
BEST MOMENTS
“Healthcare has always been kinda political”
“I was coming from a place of ignorance”
“Prisons are violent and they don’t work, they do not rehabilitate people”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
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Tara’s Twitter: @tarabetts
Tara’s IG: @chitownbetts
Tara’s FB: @tarabetts
ABOUT THE GUEST
Tara Betts is the author of two full-length poetry collections Break the Habit, which was published in October 2016 with Trio House Press, and her debut collection Arc & Hue on the Willow Books imprint of Aquarius Press. In 2010, Essence Magazine named her as one of their "40 Favorite Poets".
Betts was born in Kankakee, IL and is the oldest of three siblings. Her first job was at the Kankakee Public Library. Betts received her B.A. in Communication at Loyola University, Chicago. She received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from New England College in 2007.
Betts worked with several non-profit organizations in Chicago, IL including Gallery 37 and Young Chicago Authors. She received her Ph.D. in English/Creative Writing at Binghamton University in 2014.
Tara’s Twitter: @tarabetts
Tara’s IG: @chitownbetts
Tara’s FB: @tarabetts
ABOUT THE HOST
Amy Ouzoonian is the host of WeConnect podcast. She is also CEO and Founder of MoodConnect, mood media app to be released Summer of 2021, and Maitri Wellness, a health and wellness discount directory. She is a yoga teacher, performance artist and author of several books of poetry, fiction and plays. Amy is originally from New York City, but has spent the past 10 years living and creating with her daughter in Phoenix, Arizona.
CONTACT METHOD
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