On the same day President Trump reportedly said “s---hole” countries in Africa were inferior sources for future American immigrants, my 12th-grade daughter was starting to read Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness in English class. The juxtaposition was too much.Conrad’s British novel indicts the racism of European imperialism in Africa in the late 1800s, specifically during the ivory trade. Ironically, however, many readers consider the novel a racist text because of the way it backgrounds Africa, stereotypes the “primitive” natives, and treats the whole continent as a blank slate for the white … [Read more...]
Other Quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. Everyone Should Know
The ideas of peace, love, hard work and understanding are core elements of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And on this day, when we recognize not only the man but also the impact he had on us as a country, I think it is important to reflect on some of his words. Here are five quotes that have stuck out to me for various reasons. “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead and the unborn could do it no better.” There’s something to be said for having pride in your work, but also to recognize your talents. But that phrase … [Read more...]
Raising Race Aware, Respectful Kids By Noticing ‘What’s the Difference’
We continue the national discussion on race and raising children by having Los Angeles Dads Group member Doyin Richards, author of the new children's book What’s the Difference?: Being Different is Amazing., joins us on the Modern Dads Podcast What's the Difference? is aimed at children ages 2 to 10, and covers diversity and acceptance. It introduces children to race relations by teaching them not to be colorblind, but rather "race aware." It encourages them to recognize and embrace the differences of the people they encounter in life. Richards, a father of two who became … [Read more...]
‘Real American’ Author on Life Obstacles for Biracial, Black Children
Race and racism are rarely easy topics for parents to address with their children, Julie Lythcott-Haims hopes she can help by sharing her experience as a biracial black girl, woman, daughter and mother raising two biracial children in modern America. Lythcott-Haims, who first came to the attention of the parenting world with her 2015 New York Times bestselling anti-helicopter parenting book How to Raise an Adult, appears on the latest edition of The Modern Dad Podcast to discuss her latest book, the well-received memoir, Real American. She talks the steps all of us can take to support … [Read more...]
Beleaf: A Versatile Musician, Artist, Modern Father Figure
We follow up a rave review of Beleaf Melanin's new album, In Fatherhood, with an interview of the artist and popular YouTube dad. Q: You are big on collaborating with friends and family. In the closing song “Baby Daddy,” you speak to the adage "it takes a village" in parenting, but what does that mean to you in terms of creating art? Beleaf: It’s important to come in with a team. I definitely don’t think we were meant to do things alone. I think we can but it’s best to do them as a tribe. A part of a bigger village that’s basically open to changing the world. I started out as a DJ … [Read more...]