On this episode, we discuss a core concept of Canadian identity – comparing ourselves to the United States. Race relations in our neighbouring country are often dramatic and sometimes violent. But does that mean our actual level of racism is lower?

We talk to: Mohammed Hashim, labour activist and organizer of the online Muslim community Dawanet, Akio Maroon, human rights advocate and chair of Maggie’s Sex Work Action Project, and Denise’s brothers, Ian and Tony, Canadian expats in the U.S.

The Angel Complex

If there’s one thing Canadians avoid, it’s talking about race. This podcast is here to change that. Join hosts Denise Balkissoon and Hannah Sung for a conversation on race in Canada. We won’t have all the answers but we do ask bold questions.

Theme music by Bonjay.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

In this, our last episode, we are featuring questions, comments and critiques from our listeners. It's a look back at the series while considering how we can all move forward with the conversation — how to approach and cope with discussions of race and identity at home, at school and with friends and family.

Your Turn

Is anyone responsible for a hate crime beyond the person who committed it? Hannah and Denise visit Sutton, Ont., where a racially-motivated act 10 years ago resulted in a tragedy that changed lives forever. Warning: This episode contains racist language

Surface Tension

Colour Code takes a break to share an episode of Gravy, a podcast by our friends at the Southern Foodways Alliance. The Cajun Reconnection explores the culinary and cultural connections between the Cajuns of Louisiana and the Acadians of eastern Canada.

Get more Gravy here: https://www.southernfoodways.org/gravy/

Guest episode: The Cajun Reconnection

The price of home ownership has skyrocketed in Vancouver, and many think foreign buyers – especially those from China – are a big reason why. Hannah visits the west coast city to learn the history of race and space in B.C. and speaks with Vancouverites, including an urban planning academic and a real estate agent.

We talk to: University of British Columbia professor Henry Yu, realtor Melissa Wu, and urban planning academic Andy Yan.

Race and Real Estate

Coined by educator Robin DiAngelo, the term “white fragility” refers to the emotional, defensive reaction some white people have to discussions of race. To explore the concept, Hannah and Denise revisit a recent conversation between Denise and a radio host that got more than a little bit uncomfortable.

We talk to: Robin DiAngelo, CKNW program director Larry Gifford, and former CKNW host Ian Power and producer Zameer Karim

The Angel Complex

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