Black and White Advice: Tara Cannistraci – The Bronx Barbie

Released on December 17, 2024

In this engaging episode of Black and White Advice, hosts Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett welcome comedian Tara Cannistraci, known for her vibrant presence on the Bronx Barbie Tour. Together, they navigate through a tapestry of cultural, racial, and societal topics with humor and candor, providing listeners with both laughs and thoughtful insights.

1. Introduction to Tara Cannistraci and the Bronx Barbie Tour

[00:48 – 01:05]

The episode kicks off with Turner and Phil introducing their guest, Tara, highlighting her work with the Bronx Barbie Tour across the United States and Canada. The hosts express their admiration for Tara's ability to educate them about Italian and Bronx cultures through her social media presence, setting the stage for a deep dive into cultural identity and racial dynamics.

2. Do Italians Consider Themselves White?

[02:53 – 07:20]

A central discussion point revolves around Italian-American identity and its classification within racial categories. Tara passionately argues against the notion that Italians see themselves as purely white, stating:

“I meet a lot of people in comedy, and every time I meet an Italian, they always like, I'm not white. I'm Italian. [...] shut the fuck. Don't ever say that shit.”
— Tara Cannistraci, [03:32]

Phil adds complexity by sharing his personal experience:

“I'm Italian. I have to check the Caucasian box. [...] I'm not white.”
— Phil Duckett, [05:00]

The conversation highlights the evolving nature of racial identity and the challenges Italians face in societal classifications.

3. Thanksgiving Traditions: Casseroles vs. Italian Cuisine

[08:57 – 14:00]

Tara contrasts traditional "white" Thanksgiving customs, which often feature numerous casseroles, with authentic Italian culinary practices that emphasize fresh, multi-course meals. She critiques the casserole-centric approach:

“I feel like white people don't know how to fucking cook. [...] it's the easiest thing.”
— Tara Cannistraci, [12:38]

Phil champions the richness of Italian cooking:

“Everything's fresh. You can't take our food from us.”
— Phil Duckett, [14:00]

This segment underscores the cultural pride in Italian-American cooking and the differences in holiday traditions.

4. The Significance of Jewelry in Italian-American Culture

[16:10 – 22:00]

The hosts delve into the cultural importance of accessories like gold chains and pinky rings within the Italian-American community. Phil explains:

“That's part of the culture, too. It's about pride and appearance.”
— Phil Duckett, [16:21]

Tara appreciates this expression of identity:

“We bling. We bling.”
— Tara Cannistraci, [16:52]

They discuss how these adornments are not just fashion statements but also symbols of cultural heritage and personal pride.

5. Dressing for Comedy: Balancing Cultural Expectations

[18:00 – 19:21]

The conversation shifts to how comedians present themselves on stage. Phil emphasizes the importance of looking polished to resonate with a predominantly Italian and black audience:

“I'm in black pants and a nice shirt.”
— Phil Duckett, [18:33]

Tara contrasts this by showcasing her more casual approach, highlighting the blend of cultural norms in their comedic styles.

6. Listener Questions: Christmas Decorations and Cultural Expressions

[24:08 – 27:30]

Tara addresses a listener's query about why white people often elaborate their front lawns with oversized Christmas decorations like giant Santas and reindeer:

“You can afford it. You need to put some shit in your yard. It's Jesus's birthday, motherfucker.”
— Tara Cannistraci, [24:41]

Phil adds insight into Italian-American traditions:

“We’re big with the Virgin Mary. We put Virgin Mary in our backyards and our lawns.”
— Phil Duckett, [26:30]

The hosts humorously explore the intersection of cultural and religious expressions in holiday decorations.

7. Cornhole: The "White Sport" and Cultural Appropriation

[25:01 – 35:00]

A heated debate ensues over cornhole being perceived as a predominantly white sport. Phil describes cornhole as a blue-collar pastime:

“Cornhole is a blue-collar sport and it doesn't require athleticism.”
— Phil Duckett, [30:15]

Tara challenges this perspective, suggesting that minorities should excel in the game:

“Don't even get out of that. Dominate the.”
— Tara Cannistraci, [30:15]

Their playful banter highlights deeper issues of cultural ownership and the blending of leisure activities across racial lines.

8. Political Differences in Marriage

[35:16 – 38:22]

Listener George from Long Island shares his dilemma of political differences with his wife, who supported Kamala Harris while he voted for Trump. Tara advises maintaining one's political stance for personal integrity:

“I don't think you ever change your political views for some pussy.”
— Tara Cannistraci, [35:33]

Turner suggests pragmatic compromise, humorously noting:

“Your vote doesn't count anyway, so keep your marriage together.”
— Turner Sparks, [35:44]

The discussion underscores the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with relationship harmony.

9. Child's Cultural Adaptations in Diverse Environments

[38:57 – 40:27]

A listener from Detroit inquires about his white daughter adopting black vernacular phrases like “what up, doe Real n” at church. Tara reassures:

“Hell, no. Let her be her. [...] she's repeating what she hears.”
— Tara Cannistraci, [38:57]

Phil adds:

“She's a product of her environment.”
— Phil Duckett, [39:15]

The hosts emphasize allowing children to naturally navigate and express cultural identities without undue interference.

10. Fact-Checking Segment: Racial Identity Misconceptions

[40:24 – 41:30]

In the closing segment, the hosts engage in a playful fact-checking session, addressing misconceptions about racial identities and ancestry. Tara humorously points out:

“Mary's Italian. Got it.”
— Tara Cannistraci, [27:57]

Phil adds:

“And that makes sense, because on my 23andMe, I'm 11.5% Glasgow.”
— Phil Duckett, [41:01]

Their lighthearted approach debunks stereotypes while reinforcing the episode's themes of cultural diversity and self-identification.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tara Cannistraci on Italian Americans Not Considering Themselves White

  “I'm Italian... shut the fuck. Don't ever say that shit.”
  — Tara Cannistraci, [03:32]

• Phil Duckett on Racial Identity Boxes

  “But I'm not white.”
  — Phil Duckett, [05:00]

• Tara on White Thanksgiving Traditions

  “I feel like white people don't know how to fucking cook.”
  — Tara Cannistraci, [12:38]

• Phil on Jewelry in Culture

  “That's part of the culture, too.”
  — Phil Duckett, [16:21]

• Tara on Allowing Children's Cultural Expressions

  “Hell, no. Let her be her.”
  — Tara Cannistraci, [38:57]

• Tara on Political Integrity

  “I don't think you ever change your political views for some pussy.”
  — Tara Cannistraci, [35:33]

Conclusion

This episode of Black and White Advice masterfully blends humor with poignant discussions on racial identity, cultural traditions, and societal expectations. Through Tara Cannistraci's insightful perspectives and the dynamic interplay between Turner and Phil, listeners are offered a nuanced exploration of what it means to navigate multiple cultural identities in contemporary America. Whether dissecting the nuances of Thanksgiving dinners or debating the cultural sovereignty of cornhole, the trio delivers a thought-provoking and entertaining conversation that resonates with diverse audiences.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Black and White Advice, where Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett continue to tackle the most pressing questions on race and culture with wit and wisdom.