Things we talked about:
- The difference between writing as a journalist and writing a book (it’s just so long!)
- But: you only get to publish your first book once! Accept the nerves, and appreciate the moment
- The ever-present contention and push-back received when one writes about race
- Natalie’s very wise words that reaction is the point of writing - and those reactions don’t have to be positive every time
- The value of the interviews in her book, and how she found and chose the right people to talk to
- Some of the stories and themes that came out of the interviews that surprised her
- The unique experiences that people of mixed race have when they walk through the world, and the impact this has on identity, parenting, privilege, and the experience of racism
- Parenting mixed race children (avoiding “colour-blindness” and those fetishised hashtags on social media)
- How white parents can open dialogues that empower their mixed race children to talk about racism
- The value of social media in creating connections, sharing ideas, and giving voice to minorities who are not always heard on mainstream platforms
- But on the flip side, the deeply disturbing fetishisation of mixed race people - particularly mixed babies - and “blackfishing” trends (changing your appearance through make-up and hair to appear as though you have black heritage)
- And Natalie’s rallying call to allies: “We need you to still care. We need that energy you had in the summer.”
Where to find Natalie online:
Where to find Sara:
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