Topic: Racism

Manning up is presented as a global necessity, as the world suffers from a lack of men standing up against racism, extremism, and apathy. By behaving as leaders and fathers, men can start a movement that positively impacts their families and society. Johnny Jensen concludes by inviting listeners to join the Elite 101 or Accelerate programs and to share the podcast to help other dads thrive.

Following England's penalty shootout loss, players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka were targeted with racist abuse online. A mural of Rashford was defaced, and riots broke out in Leicester Square involving younger fans throwing bottles at police. The discussion emphasizes the need for social media accountability and expresses disbelief at the persistence of mindless racism in 2021.

A local dispute occurred when an elderly neighbor told an Indian resident to "go back where he came from," leading to a heated verbal retaliation. The incident resulted in a police report and the Indian neighbor being briefly flagged on a low-level watch list due to his response. The host reflects on the challenges of educating older generations about modern multiculturalism and confronting casual racism.

The hosts speculate on the daily life of Donald Trump following his exit from the White House and his ban from major social media platforms. They highlight his recent criticism of the Academy Awards, where he complained about the name change from "Academy Awards" to "the Oscars" and attacked the event's perceived political correctness. The conversation also briefly mentions Vladimir Putin's consolidated power in Russia.

Jonnie Jensen compares the necessary shift in attitudes toward women to the societal rejection of racist humor that was common on 1980s television. The panel discusses the need for a fundamental level of decency where men hold each other accountable. They contrast the positive experience of a genuine compliment with the traumatic experience of predatory physical contact.

The conversation addresses Piers Morgan's departure from his television role following comments about the royal interview. The hosts discuss how generational norms regarding language and curiosity about skin tone in mixed-race families are being re-evaluated under a modern microscope. They praise Prince Harry for his work with the Invictus Games and his ability to accept his flaws while trying to modernize his role.

Host Jonnie Jensen introduces the second part of the "Waking Up to Racism" expert hangout on the Team Super Dad podcast. The discussion focuses on the experiences of black fathers and the importance of understanding white privilege and systemic oppression. Jensen reflects on his own background in Maidstone, Kent, and how his marketing strategies for the community must be inclusive of all ethnic backgrounds.

Errol and Tony discuss the need for a level playing field where individuals are respected as human beings regardless of skin color. They reference the "always already listening" concept from Landmark to describe how people often pre-judge others before they speak. The segment highlights the exhaustion felt by the black community and the distinction between overt and covert racism.

Jonnie Jensen introduces a special "Expert Hangout" edition of the Team Super Dad podcast focused on the global awakening to racism following the George Floyd incident. Jensen reflects on his own lack of understanding regarding the black experience and the importance of moving beyond being "not racist" to becoming "anti-racist." The introduction sets the stage for a two-part conversation with guests Errol Lawson and Tony Ashley aimed at shifting mindsets within the white community.

Jonnie Jensen recounts a pivotal Zoom call with friends from various ethnic backgrounds that highlighted his ignorance regarding systemic racism and the black experience. He references watching the Netflix documentary 13th, which explores the history of slavery and the mass incarceration of black people in the United States. Jensen expresses a desire to stop "turning a blind eye" and to use his platform to foster consciousness and equality.

Errol Lawson describes the culture shock of moving from a diverse primary school to a predominantly white grammar school in Sutton Coldfield, where he encountered overt racism. He shares a specific anecdote from age 14 when he and his friends were wrongfully arrested for robbery in Coventry despite having proof they were in Birmingham at the time of the crime. Lawson explains how his father’s reaction—punishing him for "being there"—reflected a survivalist mindset of keeping one's head down to avoid trouble.

Tony Ashley discusses the persistent anxiety caused by police presence and recounts a recent incident where officers mistakenly knocked on his door. He reflects on the trauma of the 1981 New Cross fire, which killed 13 young black people, and the lack of counseling or support provided to grieving students at the time. Ashley highlights the "covert" nature of racism in the UK and the emotional toll of having to "suck it up" and remain the better person in the face of mockery and profiling.

The discussion shifts to the concept of "white privilege" and the "glass ceiling" that limits self-expression for black individuals across generations. Jonnie Jensen admits his initial defensiveness toward the term "white privilege" but shares how a friend helped him understand it as a lack of certain racialized concerns rather than a personal attack. The guests explain how systemic pressures force black people to "play small" to avoid being labeled as aggressive or threatening.

Tony Ashley shares his experiences performing prison ministry in Wandsworth and Brixton, noting the shocking overrepresentation of black men in the UK carceral system. The group discusses how black individuals often receive harsher sentences than white individuals for the same crimes. Ashley distinguishes between "overt" racism in the United States and "covert" racism in the United Kingdom, which he describes as subtle but equally painful.

Tony Ashley reveals that he changed his professional name from Leroy to Tony to secure job interviews and avoid racial bias during the recruitment process. He describes "a thousand little cuts" of daily racism, such as being ignored in restaurants or seeing women clutch their handbags when he walks by. The conversation also touches on racial intolerance within religious institutions, including the unwelcoming treatment of Iranian immigrants in predominantly white churches.

Errol Lawson outlines four psychological responses to racism: strategic conformists (like newsreader Trevor McDonald), survivors, outsiders, and collectivists. He explains how some individuals choose to ignore racism to reach the top, while others are unaware of it due to being raised outside the UK system. Lawson identifies the current global protests as a "collectivist" response where people of all races are demanding respect and a level playing field without the need to "play the clown."

Jonnie Jensen concludes the first part of the "Waking Up to Racism" hangout, reflecting on the eye-opening nature of the conversation with his long-time friends. He emphasizes that the Team Super Dad community must be a space of equal opportunity regardless of skin color. Jensen announces that part two of the discussion will be released within 24 hours and encourages listeners to subscribe and share the episode.