Black and White Advice - Episode: Why Don't White People Use Lotion? Release Date: October 14, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Black and White Advice, hosts Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett delve into a variety of cultural topics with their characteristic humor and candidness. The central theme revolves around the question, "Why Don't White People Use Lotion?", exploring underlying racial and cultural nuances with engaging discussions, personal anecdotes, and interactive segments.

Chitlins and Cultural Significance

The episode kicks off with Turner Sparks trying chitlins (chitterlings) for the first time, setting a humorous yet insightful tone for discussions on cultural food practices.

• Phil Duckett explains the origins of chitlins:

  "Chitlins are pig intestines. And it smells like somebody just cleaned out a porta potty..." (02:23)

• Turner Sparks shares his discomfort and the cultural importance:

  "The flavor is not as bad as the smell, but the problem is you have to chew it for a while because it's intestine." (07:05)

The hosts reflect on how chitlins have become less common in the black community with modernization and changing tastes, highlighting generational shifts in food preferences.

Tasting Baijiu: An Exploration of Asian Liquor

Transitioning from food, the hosts introduce baijiu, a traditional Chinese liquor, and share their first impressions.

• Turner Sparks describes baijiu's potency:

  "It's 45%, so 90 proof alcohol." (04:16)

• Phil Duckett compares its taste to black licorice:

  "It smells like licorice. It's a little black licorice flavor..." (03:47)

They discuss cultural drinking practices in China, emphasizing the communal aspect and the etiquette surrounding baijiu consumption.

Segment: Never Have I Ever

In a playful take on the classic game, Turner and Phil use "Never Have I Ever" to highlight and challenge racial stereotypes and personal experiences.

1. Using a Washcloth

   • Phil:

     "Never have I ever used someone else's toothbrush." (09:24)

   • Turner recounts childhood experiences with communal toothbrushes and resultant illnesses.

2. Calling the Cops

   • Turner shares instances where he had to call the police, reflecting on the trust issues between the black community and law enforcement.

     "You don't know what cop you're gonna get. They also get the cop who's literally an asshole." (12:43)

   • Phil expresses his reluctance to involve police due to potential negative encounters:

     "I stay out of business." (12:43)

3. Interacting with Pets and Reviews

   • The game continues with lighter topics, including letting dogs lick faces and posting negative Yelp reviews, revealing generational and cultural differences in behaviors.

Audience Questions: Why Don't White People Use Lotion?

A significant portion of the episode addresses the titular question from a listener named Ty in Oakland.

• Phil Duckett shares his observations:

  "Most white people run from the moisture. And I've heard white people say, 'We don't get ashy.'" (20:33)

• Turner Sparks provides multiple reasons:

  1. Gender Norms:

     "White women might use lotion. White men, no. Absolutely not." (21:23)

  2. Perception of Effeminate Behavior:

     "Using a straw is seen as something a woman would do. It's part of a skincare routine we stay away from." (22:02)

  3. Lack of Early Education:

     "We didn't have health education. We didn't know what to eat or what carbs were... we just knew fast food was bad." (24:08)

• Phil Duckett adds:

  "There's a correlation between lotion and aging. Melanin bombing because we keep the moisture." (23:25)

The hosts discuss the impact of lotion usage on skin health and aging, juxtaposing it with cultural practices and upbringing differences between white and black communities.

Terminology and Racial Identity

The conversation shifts to the complexities of racial terminology, answering another listener question from James in Melbourne, Australia.

• James's Question:

  "When I'm referring to someone like Phil, am I supposed to say black, African American, or person of color?" (25:40)

• Phil Duckett critiques the term "person of color":

  "Person of color could probably get your teeth knocked out. I hate person of color." (26:12)

• Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett discuss the evolution and reception of racial terms, emphasizing that "black" remains a straightforward and accepted term within the community.

Cultural Appropriation and Breakdancing in the Olympics

Addressing cultural appropriation, the hosts analyze the inclusion of a white breakdancer, Ray Gunn, in the Olympics.

• Phil Duckett expresses frustration:

  "So that's what it was. The judges were wearing kangals with durags. Every single one of them. There was, like, two black judges in the whole damn thing. What the fuck? Who y'all are playing dress up." (36:30)

• Turner Sparks highlights the logistical barriers Ray Gunn faced:

  "She came up with all the rules so no one could join... she tried to say that it was like an anti women thing." (37:11)

The discussion underscores issues of authenticity, effort, and the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation.

Final Segments: White Lies and Dark Truths

The episode concludes with the "White Lies and Dark Truths" segment, where their producer, Joe Russell, fact-checks the hosts' spontaneous statements.

• Joe Russell clarifies misconceptions:

  "Little people have like a...they live a perfectly normal life just like us...except they might have a few health issues, such as...bowed legs and stuff." (42:25)

• Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett engage in humorous banter about their earlier statements, maintaining the show's lighthearted yet insightful tone.

Conclusion

This episode of Black and White Advice effectively navigates through sensitive cultural topics with humor and honesty. Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett offer listeners a blend of personal insights, societal observations, and interactive dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of racial and cultural dynamics. Through segments like "Never Have I Ever" and audience Q&A, the hosts bridge gaps, challenge stereotypes, and encourage open conversations about race and identity.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil Duckett on Callinguing Cops:

  "You don't know what cop you're gonna get... so you don't ever know if they're gonna escalate a small situation." (12:43)

• Turner Sparks on Lotion Usage:

  "It's seen especially young men. White women might use lotion... but white men, no. Absolutely not." (21:23)

• Phil Duckett on Racial Terms:

  "Person of color could probably get your teeth knocked out. I hate person of color." (26:12)

• Phil Duckett on Cultural Appropriation:

  "What the fuck? Who y'all are playing dress up." (36:30)

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural Practices: The hosts explore how traditional foods like chitlins and beverages like baijiu carry deep cultural significance and how their consumption patterns evolve over generations.

• Racial Stereotypes: Through games and discussions, Turner and Phil address and debunk common racial stereotypes, highlighting the importance of understanding and education.

• Terminology Sensitivity: The episode underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding racial terminology, advocating for terms that are respectful and widely accepted within communities.

• Cultural Appropriation: The analysis of Ray Gunn's participation in the Olympics serves as a case study on the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation.

• Humor and Honesty: Maintaining a balance between humor and candidness, the hosts create an engaging platform for discussing serious and nuanced topics related to race and culture.

For those interested in further exploring these discussions or engaging with the hosts, consider reaching out via their official email: BlackandWhiteAdvicePod@Gmail.com.