Podcast Summary: "Silver Teeth Are For The Bad Kids"

Podcast Information:

• Title: My Momma Told Me
• Host/Author: Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts
• Description: Comedians Langston Kerman and David Borey explore the most exciting, groundbreaking, and sometimes problematic Black conspiracy theories. They engage guests to discuss everything from silly conspiracies to frightening ones, often drawing from anecdotes like those from an uncle with peculiar habits.
• Episode: Silver Teeth Are For The Bad Kids
• Release Date: January 28, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Silver Teeth Are For The Bad Kids," hosts Langston Kerman and David Borey embark on an exploration of societal perceptions and conspiracy theories surrounding the concept of "silver teeth" in the Black community. Through a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary, they dissect the metaphorical and literal implications of silver teeth as a symbol of socioeconomic status and identity.

Setting the Stage: Introducing Silver Teeth

The conversation kicks off with David introducing the central theme:

David Borey [21:03]: "It's just like we're making fun of kids with a lack of resources, right?"

Langston agrees, framing the discussion around how silver teeth are often perceived as a marker of poverty rather than a fashion statement:

Langston Kerman [21:26]: "We're truly just making fun of poor kids."

Personal Anecdotes: Experiences with At-Risk Youth

Both hosts delve into their personal experiences dealing with after-school programs and at-risk youth, providing a backdrop for understanding the origin of the silver teeth metaphor.

Langston shares his teaching experiences:

Langston Kerman [12:13]: "I had been working with kids in high school and shit for a while. I had a teacher in high school who sort of would take us to middle schools and younger classes and let us be his assistants in sort of working in education."

David reflects on encountering at-risk youth:

David Borey [09:31]: "I walked past the after school program in my neighborhood the other day. A bunch of at risk youth. It was too much. I didn't like that."

These anecdotes highlight the challenges faced by youth in under-resourced environments and set the stage for discussing how symbols like silver teeth emerge in such contexts.

Dissecting the Silver Teeth Metaphor

The hosts analyze the symbolism of silver teeth, questioning whether it's an intentional statement or a result of economic constraints.

David posits:

David Borey [24:06]: "It's just funny that you think it's silver just because of the lack of resources on the tooth. I think silver is the cheapest one."

Langston adds:

Langston Kerman [24:22]: "I think it's just that color is probably free."

They debate whether silver teeth are a deliberate fashion choice or a makeshift solution due to financial limitations, ultimately leaning towards the latter.

Societal Implications and Stereotypes

The discussion pivots to the broader societal implications of associating silver teeth with negative stereotypes.

David challenges the notion:

David Borey [20:56]: "We've got cell phones, we have smartphones in our pocket. We can't engineer these kids some shiny teeth at least."

Langston contemplates the aesthetic choices:

Langston Kerman [24:32]: "It's crazy because it also was born in the platinum chain era. We should have been like, fuck yeah. Silver teeth. That's cool."

Despite recognizing the stigma, both hosts lament the lack of affordable alternatives that could allow for self-expression without the negative connotations.

Conspiracy Theories Explored

In their characteristic humorous style, Langston and David weave conspiracy theories into the conversation, linking them metaphorically to the silver teeth topic.

David introduces a conspiracy theory:

David Borey [04:02]: "That cybertruck explosion, uh. Oh, I think it was a psyop by Big Firework."

Langston responds playfully:

Langston Kerman [04:27]: "I like that because it presumes that fiasco was the word that they were gonna choose."

While these segments serve more as comedic interludes, they underscore the podcast's focus on blending humor with critical analysis of societal issues.

Reflections on Education and Economic Mobility

The hosts reflect on the role of education in economic mobility, contrasting it with less traditional paths.

Langston discusses his teaching career:

Langston Kerman [10:49]: "I genuinely was like, well, I want to have a career. I don't want to be like a dude who just like goes and fiddles around."

David critiques conventional career paths:

David Borey [13:32]: "That's just like talking. Hey, did you know you have a couple seconds I could get you? What If I told you I could get you a free roof and your insurance would pay for it."

This segment highlights the tension between pursuing stable, conventional careers and seeking alternative means of financial success, a theme that resonates with their exploration of societal perceptions like silver teeth.

Concluding Thoughts: Challenging Stereotypes and Encouraging Conversations

As the episode wraps up, Langston and David emphasize the importance of challenging stereotypes and fostering open conversations about socioeconomic disparities.

Langston emphasizes understanding:

Langston Kerman [23:47]: "Yeah. It's like they're kids already, right? So they don't get silver teeth on their own."

David underscores the need for empathy:

David Borey [35:02]: "It's crazy that this is, like, some version of survival for us."

Their closing remarks urge listeners to look beyond superficial symbols and address the underlying issues that lead to such societal stigmas.

Notable Quotes

• David Borey [21:03]: "It's just like we're making fun of kids with a lack of resources, right?"
• Langston Kerman [21:26]: "We're truly just making fun of poor kids."
• David Borey [24:06]: "It's just funny that you think it's silver just because of the lack of resources on the tooth. I think silver is the cheapest one."
• Langston Kerman [24:22]: "I think it's just that color is probably free."
• David Borey [35:02]: "It's crazy that this is, like, some version of survival for us."

Conclusion "Silver Teeth Are For The Bad Kids" offers a thoughtful and humorous examination of how societal perceptions and economic limitations intersect, using the symbol of silver teeth as a focal point. Through personal stories and engaging banter, Langston Kerman and David Borey encourage listeners to rethink stereotypes and consider the deeper issues affecting underprivileged youth in the Black community.

For those interested in exploring similar themes and diving deeper into Black conspiracy theories with a comedic twist, "My Momma Told Me" provides both entertainment and insightful commentary.