In this conversation on race, “Julian on the Radio” talks to me about his experiences and thoughts on race, diversity and being the child of Chinese immigrants. We talk Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the need to continuously build a diverse community.
Julian grew up in the Washington DC area amongst people from different cultures, races and ethnicities. His parents were originally from Shanghai and came to the US when they were young. Julian says that most people want to spend time with people who are most like them, but he has thrived by being around diversity of people from different races and cultures.
Although he wasn’t focused on race growing up there were times when he felt different from the other kids in high school. He wanted to be accepted but there times when he was left out, and felt “less than.” There were times when he just wanted to “fit in,” and asks “doesn’t everyone?” As we go deeper, he talks about the seemingly subtle racism he dealt with, and maybe he was even mad at his family for being from China. He’s gotten more comfortable with himself, and no longer feels that way. Racism is all around us and Julian talks about how he lives his life.
We continue to talk and the conversation on race gets more introspective.
Julian barely graduated from high school and went on to have a successful career in radio.
Key takeaways:
- Travel outside the US to open perspectives
- Julian appreciates being raised in a multi-cultural environment and can’t imagine only being around one culture.
- No group is a monolith and we all have more than one culture
- Julian on the Radio offers some advice for young people who are having a hard time accepting who they are, who may be different and feel excluded, and who hear negative messages about their groups
- Befriend, pick people who will be your real friends
- Look for people who will support you
- Listen and absorb podcasts that talk about self-acceptance
- Have good people around you
We want to show that not everyone from the same culture is the same. We all have multiple identities, that make up our co-cultures. Diversity helps us understand the world around us.
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