Aisha Roscoe and the Perception of her Voice

This podcast episode explores the controversy surrounding Aisha Roscoe's voice, a black woman who hosts Weekend Edition on National Public Radio (NPR). Despite her prominence, some listeners find her voice loud, high-pitched, or grating. The episode delves into the reasons behind this criticism and examines the association of her voice with blackness and authenticity. Contrary to the belief that dislike for her voice is solely due to racism, the host argues that cultural shifts and the embrace of informality, including the acceptance of black voices in music and theater, suggest a more complex dynamic. The episode highlights the socio-historical element of class and the association of Roscoe's voice with working-class speech patterns. It also questions the double standard between the reception of black men's voices versus black women's voices. Ultimately, the host calls for a reconsideration of standards and an appreciation for the diversity of voices in media.