The Moth
The Moth Podcast: Growing Up
Feb 21, 2025
Whitney McGuire, a sustainability strategist and consultant, reflects on her Buddhist upbringing and the journey to self-acceptance in a predominantly Christian society. Aubrianna Peton, an English and history student, shares her summer experience cleaning up garbage while rethinking her relationship with food waste and its broader social implications. Jacoby Cochran, a renowned storyteller, reminisces about his childhood in a supportive skating community, highlighting the importance of family bonds and cultural legacy.
36:38
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Quick takeaways
- Whitney's story highlights the struggle of balancing cultural and religious identity while seeking acceptance within a community.
- Jacoby's narrative emphasizes the emotional significance of family-run businesses in preserving community ties and cultural heritage.
Deep dives
Exploring Identity Through Religion
The experience of growing up in a Buddhist household as a Black girl in America illustrates the complex interplay of cultural and religious identity. When faced with hostility after openly sharing her faith, the storyteller, Whitney, felt compelled to hide her religion to avoid judgement. Despite her mother's pride in their Buddhist beliefs, Whitney found comfort in conforming to the expectations of her peers, even attending church with family members to fit in. Eventually, she learns to embrace her identity, reclaiming her rituals and expressing pride in her unique upbringing, culminating in a sense of belonging within her community.
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