Black and White Advice Podcast: "Ye Ye: Happy Chinese New Year!" Summary

Episode Release Date: January 28, 2025
Hosts: Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett
Guests: Yay Sparks (Turner's wife)

1. Introduction to the Chinese New Year Episode

In this special episode titled "Ye Ye: Happy Chinese New Year!", hosts Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett delve into the rich traditions and cultural nuances of the Chinese New Year. Joined by Turner’s wife, Yay Sparks, a Chinese cooking instructor, the trio offers a blend of humor and insightful discussions to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

2. The Year of the Snake vs. Year of the Dragon

The episode opens with a light-hearted debate about the actual zodiac animal for the year. While Phil initially believes it's the Year of the Dragon, Yay clarifies the cultural distinctions:

• Phil Duckett [02:02]: "It's the year of the Dragon."
• Yay Sparks [02:13]: "Snake is also a form of snake is also called little dragon. So it's a little dragon year."

This clarification highlights the variation in cultural interpretations, explaining that in certain parts of China, dragons are perceived as more evolved forms of snakes, embodying traits like fire and magic.

3. Traditional Foods and Tasting

A significant portion of the episode focuses on traditional Chinese New Year foods. Yay introduces a dish consisting of yellow gelatinous rice balls filled with black sesame seeds:

• Yay Sparks [07:24]: "These are filled with a black sesame seed paste. So it's a sweet."
• Phil Duckett [10:00]: "It's a texture... like a Reese's peanut butter cup."

The hosts taste the dish, discussing its texture and flavor profile. Phil humorously mentions his peanut allergy, while Yay reassures him about the ingredients:

• Phil Duckett [10:03]: "I might call you the N word." (Humorous exchange about the presence of peanuts)

They also discuss the traditional practice of drinking baijiu, a Chinese distilled spirit, emphasizing its role in cultural rituals:

• Phil Duckett [11:06]: "There's a 1, 2, 3, 5... there's no fourth floor."
• Yay Sparks [16:17]: "Baiji is from the oldest distillery in China."

4. Listener Questions

The episode transitions into the Q&A segment, where Turner and Phil address questions from listeners, providing candid and educational responses.

a. Understanding Chinese Language Nuances among Black People in China

Question from Sam in Bangkok:
Sam shares an anecdote about a black individual in China who struggled to understand Chinese speakers when they only said words like "this" or "that."

• Phil Duckett [22:07]: "Keep your mouth shut unless it comes up. Why would you all of a sudden be like, you know, that's over there."

Phil advises discretion, suggesting that such topics should only be discussed if they naturally arise in conversation to avoid awkwardness or misunderstandings.

b. Microaggressions: Reality and Impact

Question from Kevin in Rhode Island:
Kevin inquires about the legitimacy and impact of microaggressions, providing examples like compliments that unintentionally offend.

• Phil Duckett [26:15]: "They are very real. Very real. Very, very real a thing."

Turner and Phil agree that microaggressions are genuine and can be hurtful, even if unintentional. They discuss scenarios where behaviors perceived as microaggressions arise, such as store owners following customers due to stereotypes about theft.

• Phil Duckett [26:29]: "At the beauty supply stores all the time. They support. They always follow you around like you need help."

c. Dancing and Cultural Stereotypes

Question from Mia in North Carolina:
Mia questions why certain groups, presumably white individuals, struggle to stay on beat while dancing.

• Phil Duckett [34:02]: "Y'all dance to have fun. Y'all don't dance to stay on beat."

The hosts humorously critique the stereotype that white people can't dance well, emphasizing cultural differences in dance styles and expressions of joy.

• Turner Sparks [34:10]: "They're having a good time. They do?"

d. Smiling in Pictures: Cultural Perspectives

Question from Jeff in Lexington, Kentucky:
Jeff wonders why black men often appear serious or don't smile in photographs.

• Phil Duckett [37:44]: "They are a statement piece. Especially with you with the homies. Last thing you want to do is be in a photo where everybody's mean mugging."

Turner and Phil explore historical and cultural reasons behind this phenomenon, touching on generational differences and the influence of past conflicts like World Wars that affected generations' demeanor in photographs.

• Turner Sparks [38:53]: "There’s not a single pic and he's usually looking like confused."

5. Additional Discussions and Insights

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in various entertaining discussions:

• Resilience of Rats:
  At [05:01], Turner and Phil discuss rats' ability to survive nuclear fallout, debunking myths with factual insights.

  • Phil Duckett [05:06]: "I'm on it, folks."

• Cultural Etiquette in Drinking:
  They delve into the proper way to pour baijiu, emphasizing respect and tradition in Chinese etiquette.

  • Phil Duckett [11:01]: "He knows what he was doing is the camera."

• Cultural Misunderstandings:
  Funny anecdotes about misinterpreting gestures and language barriers highlight the challenges and humor in cross-cultural interactions.

  • Phil Duckett [21:14]: "How about we just stay on language?"

6. Conclusion and Symbolism of the Snake

As the episode wraps up, Turner and Phil summarize the symbolic significance of the Year of the Snake:

• Turner Sparks [42:24]: "The snake's ability to shed its skin symbolizes letting go of the past and embracing the new. The snake is also a symbol of wisdom, cunning, and adaptability."

They extend their best wishes to listeners, celebrating the cultural richness of the Chinese New Year and encouraging a deeper understanding of its traditions and symbols.

• Phil Duckett [42:40]: "Happy snake season."

Notable Quotes:

• Phil Duckett [22:07]: "Keep your mouth shut unless it comes up."
• Phil Duckett [26:15]: "They are very real. Very real. Very, very real a thing."
• Phil Duckett [34:02]: "Y'all dance to have fun. Y'all don't dance to stay on beat."
• Phil Duckett [37:44]: "They are a statement piece. Especially with you with the homies."
• Turner Sparks [42:24]: "The snake's ability to shed its skin symbolizes letting go of the past and embracing the new."

Final Thoughts:

"Ye Ye: Happy Chinese New Year!" successfully blends humor with educational content, offering listeners a comprehensive look into Chinese New Year traditions, cultural stereotypes, and the intricacies of race relations. Turner Sparks, Phil Duckett, and Yay Sparks create an engaging and enlightening conversation that both entertains and informs, staying true to the podcast's mission of addressing race-related questions with candor and wit.