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Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/Weathering Racism: When Forecasts Turn Deadly for Non-English Speakers
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In this searing episode of Need to Know with Dr. Nsenga Burton, we dive into the dangerous consequences of xenophobic policymaking, starting with the National Weather Service's decision to stop issuing weather updates in languages other than English. Dr. Burton unpacks how this seemingly bureaucratic move is, in fact, a life-threatening act of exclusion that puts millions, particularly non-English speakers and communities of color, at greater risk during natural disasters and emergencies.
She connects the dots between political ideology and public safety, revealing how language can become a weapon when wielded by power systems. With a sharp critique and a call to action, Dr. Burton urges listeners to stay alert, informed, and proactive in defending the right to accessible information for all.
This episode is a wake-up call: when warnings don’t reach everyone, it’s not just policy, it’s violence.
00:00: Introduction and Welcome
00:17: Xenophobia and Language Policies
01:07: Historical Context of Language in the U.S.
03:03: Current Administration's Harmful Policies
05:31: Impact on Public Safety and Health
07:46: Call to Action and Conclusion
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