What’s the intent behind a simple question like, “What are you?”

What Are You? What I Hear When You Say

Premiered March 13, 2017
What Are You?

Journalist Soledad O’Brien, comedian Kate Rigg and professor Ann Morning have all been asked “What are you?” This episode examines their reactions and what the question really means to them. Examine the history and context of how we perceive and count who belongs to which race. The U.S. may be 2% mixed race, or well over 40%; it all depends on how we choose to count.

About the Program

What I Hear When You Say

What I Hear When You Say is a video series that explores how words can both unite and divide us depending on our own perspective, experience, and interpretation. Each episode covers a different phrase or term that challenges what we think we know about race, class, gender, and identity.

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