Code Switch

For centuries, the idea of the "American Dream" has been a powerful narrative for many immigrant communities. But for just as long, many African Americans have known that the American Dream was never meant to include them. So what happens when those beliefs collide? Today ten percent of the Black population in the U.S. are immigrants, and many grapple with this question. In this episode, we'll hear from Claude Gatebuke, who moved from Kigali to Nashville as a teenager in the wake of the Rwandan genocide. He talks about how the move to the U.S. likely saved his life, while simultaneously challenging his belief that he could have a full, meaningful future as a Black man.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This podcast explores the NFL's old problems with race and diversity, including the lack of diversity among NFL head coaches and the ineffectiveness of the Rooney Rule. It delves into the racial dynamics of the NFL scouting combine and discusses the personal experiences of former player Dominique Foxworth. Despite conflicted feelings, the hosts find themselves drawn back into football as their teams perform well.

Bad Bunny, a genre- and gender norm-defying Puerto Rican rapper, becomes a symbol of political dissent in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. His impact on Puerto Rican culture and politics is discussed, along with the complexities of race and identity in the reggaeton genre. The emotional connection to one of his songs reflects the love for Puerto Rico. The podcast explores the praise, criticism, and challenges faced by Puerto Rico, highlighting the poignant themes in Bad Bunny's music.

Comedians discuss how and why race appears in their jokes, sharing personal experiences and challenges faced by comedians of color. They talk about mistaken assumptions, the impact of identity on stage, and the role of audience perception in shaping jokes. The podcast also explores the topic of superficial and insincere land acknowledgments.

A man fights for his share of an Osage headright inheritance, revealing a dark history of violent crimes against the Osage people. He reconnects with his birth family and decides to give his share back to the tribe.

Exploring the origin story of hip-hop and its impact on culture, the podcast delves into its diverse sub-genres, influence on language and fashion, and its contradictions as a tool for both resistance and capitalism. It also highlights the global impact of hip-hop, its use by powerful institutions such as the US State Department for diplomacy, and the complex relationship between hip-hop and American institutions.

Dungeons & Dragons is one of the most popular tabletop role-playing games of all time. But it has also helped cement some ideas about how we create and define race in fantasy — and in the tangible world. This week we revisit a deep dive into that game. What we find about racial stereotypes and colonialist supremacy is illuminating.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There are race books, and there are beach reads, and never the twain shall meet. You know that old truism, right? Well, this is Code Switch (the show about race and identity and romance and drama from NPR), and we weren't willing to accept that dichotomy. So on this episode, we're bringing you a bouquet of our favorite summer thrillers, love stories, memoirs and more — all of which have something to say about race.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Gene Demby and NPR's Huo Jingnan dive into a conspiracy theory about how "global elites" are forcing people to eat bugs. And no huge surprise — the theory's popularity is largely about its loudest proponents' racist fear-mongering.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Brian de los Santos always thought of Mexico as his "home" — despite not having been able to return to his country of birth for three decades. But when he finally got a chance to visit, his conception of what home was and where he belonged totally shifted.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy