Content Warning: This summary includes quotes containing racial slurs and sensitive topics discussed in the podcast episode "It Ain't Easy Being Green (with Alex English)" from the "My Momma Told Me" podcast. Reader discretion is advised.

Detailed Summary: "It Ain't Easy Being Green (with Alex English)" – My Momma Told Me Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: My Momma Told Me
• Hosts: Langston Kerman and David Bore
• Guest: Alex English
• Episode: It Ain't Easy Being Green (with Alex English) RE-RELEASE
• Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction to the Green Skin Conspiracy Theory

In this episode, hosts Langston Kerman and David Bore welcome comedian and writer Alex English to discuss a unique and unconventional conspiracy theory: the claim that Black people historically possessed green skin. The conversation blends humor with speculative analysis, exploring the origins, implications, and cultural aspects surrounding this theory.

Key Quote:

• Langston Kerman [02:14]:
  "We finally work to prove that the scars on Seal's face are not from a car accident. They are actually the remnants of a curse put on him by a voodoo when he sold his soul for everlasting fame."

Origins and Popularity on Social Media

Alex English introduces the topic by sharing how he stumbled upon the theory through TikTok, where a community is actively promoting the idea that Black people were once green. The hosts express both skepticism and curiosity, pondering the historical and biological plausibility of such a claim.

Key Quote:

• Alex English [16:13]:
  "Honestly, my knowledge is surface level. I came here to learn."

Historical Context and Mythology

Langston Kerman brings up historical narratives and mythologies that hint at a more mystical origin for Black identity. Referencing historian Bobby Hemmett, he discusses theories about ancient Black people possessing god-like powers and attributes, suggesting that the green skin theory could be a symbolic representation of lost or suppressed ancestral strength.

Key Quote:

• Langston Kerman [34:28]:
  "He talks a lot about a history that is sort of unwritten about the Black race. That we in fact used to be gods."

Biological and Scientific Scrutiny

The hosts delve into the biological aspects, comparing melanin (responsible for skin pigmentation) with chlorophyll and questioning whether the green skin theory holds any scientific merit. They discuss the role of melanin in skin color and explore the absurdity of the idea that natural evolution could result in green skin without any ecological pressure or advantages.

Key Quote:

• Langston Kerman [39:54]:
  "I do not genuinely believe that Black people used to be green, but I do fully believe that there are massive parts of our history that have been manipulated."

Cultural Practices and Sustainability

Alex English shifts the conversation to cultural practices often attributed to Black communities, such as the reuse of materials and sustainable living. They humorously connect these practices to the green skin theory, suggesting that environmental sustainability reflects an inherent 'greenness' in cultural identity.

Key Quote:

• Alex English [50:43]:
  "Sometimes you just be forgetting, like, oh, I didn't buy. I forgot to go get some more Dove."

Media Representation and Symbolism

The discussion moves to how media portrays Black characters, often using green hues or objects to symbolize aspects of their identity. They cite examples from television and film, questioning whether such representations are reinforcing stereotypes or hinting at deeper, unspoken narratives.

Key Quote:

• Langston Kerman [57:08]:
  "We are depicted as green in media, even when we are not green in person."

Addressing Colorism and Racial Identity

A significant portion of the conversation tackles colorism within the Black community, debating the implications of skin tone labels like "minty" versus "chocolate." They explore how these labels can carry both empowering and derogatory connotations, reflecting broader societal perceptions of race and identity.

Key Quote:

• Alex English [36:17]:
  "If I was green, I would love to be like a minty ass nigga."

Note: The use of the racial slur in the quote is reflective of the original conversation and is presented here for accurate contextual representation.

Historical Reclamation and Empowerment

Langston Kerman emphasizes the importance of reclaiming and reinterpreting historical narratives to empower the Black community. He suggests that even if the green skin theory is unfounded, the underlying message of reconnecting with a lost or hidden heritage holds significant value for cultural identity and empowerment.

Key Quote:

• Langston Kerman [60:55]:
  "The suggestion of green skin almost distracts from the good that is underneath this conversation."

Conclusion and Personal Reflections

As the episode nears its end, the hosts and guest reconcile the fantastical elements of the green skin theory with practical and empowering aspects of Black identity. They acknowledge the theory's lack of scientific basis but appreciate its role in sparking imaginative discussions about heritage, representation, and self-empowerment.

Key Quote:

• David Bore [58:50]:
  "While this conspiracy theory does have angles that I like and appreciate, I am so dark skinned that I have to live in the now."

• Langston Kerman [60:57]:
  "I do not genuinely believe that Black people used to be green, but I do fully believe that there are massive parts of our history that have been manipulated...and we have not yet found our way back to our greatest potential."

Final Thoughts:

The episode "It Ain't Easy Being Green" offers a blend of humor, skepticism, and cultural analysis as the hosts and Alex English navigate the peculiar conspiracy theory surrounding the historical skin color of Black people. Through engaging dialogue and critical examination, they balance entertaining speculation with meaningful discussions on identity, representation, and empowerment.