White Allergies? w/Matthew McConaughey - Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man - Ep. 2

Summary

In this episode of 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,' Emmanuel Acho is joined by Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey. They engage in an open, reflective dialogue about race, systemic injustice, and biases, exploring topics like implicit bias, white privilege, and the ongoing impact of slavery. McConaughey asks how he can improve as a white man, and Acho emphasizes the importance of acknowledging biases and taking active steps toward being anti-racist. The conversation aims to inspire others to reflect on their own roles in societal issues and promote constructive change.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conversation aims to promote dialogue and understanding between individuals of different backgrounds, focusing on common ground and acknowledging differences.
• 🎓 Matthew McConaughey emphasizes the importance of learning, sharing, listening, and understanding to foster constructive change in society.
• 🗣️ The dialogue highlights the need for individuals to acknowledge implicit biases and take ownership of their role in societal issues.
• 👥 The conversation underscores the significance of addressing systemic injustices such as voter suppression and poor school systems that disproportionately affect African Americans.
• 📈 Studies show that individuals with white-sounding names are more likely to receive callbacks for job opportunities, indicating systemic bias in recruitment processes.
• 🏆 McConaughey discusses the concept of 'white allergies,' or unconscious prejudices that even well-intentioned white individuals may hold.
• 🌐 The conversation compares the current focus on racial injustice to addressing a pandemic, suggesting that while all issues matter, some require immediate attention.
• 📚 The dialogue touches on the historical weight of slavery and its ongoing impact on the African American community, likening it to the wake left by a boat.
• 🤝 The conversation encourages individuals to be proactive in addressing their biases and working towards being anti-racist, not just non-racist.
• 📖 The reading of Langston Hughes' poem 'Let America Be America Again' serves as a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable America.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the series 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man'?

The series is designed to facilitate dialogues about racial issues, encourage personal reflection, and promote constructive conversations about social justice and change.

Why did Matthew McConaughey join the conversation with Emmanuel Acho?

Matthew McConaughey joined to learn, share, listen, and understand, with the goal of finding common ground and promoting conversations that can lead to righteous and justifiable change.

What does Emmanuel Acho say about the terms 'Black people' versus 'African-American'?

Acho explains that 'Black' is the preferred term because it is most accurate and least offensive, noting that not all Black people in America are of African descent, and some may not identify as African due to the legacy of slavery.

What is implicit bias, according to Emmanuel Acho?

Implicit bias refers to the subconscious attitudes or stereotypes that people hold, such as viewing a Black person as more of a threat than a white person due to societal conditioning.

How does Emmanuel Acho explain systemic injustice using the analogy of a 'wake' from a boat?

Acho compares the legacy of slavery to the wake left by a boat, which continues to affect African Americans today through systemic injustices like poor school systems and voter suppression, even though the 'boat' of slavery has passed.

What is 'white allergy,' according to the conversation?

Matthew McConaughey introduces the term 'white allergy' as a metaphor for the ingrained prejudices that white people might not realize they have, due to how they were raised or conditioned by society.

What is an example of a 'backhanded compliment' as described by Emmanuel Acho?

A backhanded compliment is when someone says things like, 'You don't even talk like you're Black,' implying that Black people are not expected to be educated or well-spoken, which is offensive and rooted in racial bias.

How does Emmanuel Acho relate the current focus on the Black Lives Matter movement to the coronavirus pandemic?

Acho compares the Black Lives Matter movement to the focus on curing COVID-19. Just as the virus needs to be addressed first, the injustices against Black lives need to be tackled before focusing on other issues.

What does Emmanuel Acho mean by being 'anti-racist'?

Being anti-racist goes beyond not being racist; it means actively working to dismantle racial inequalities and fighting for a level playing field where all people are treated equally.

How does the Langston Hughes poem 'Let America Be America Again' relate to the conversation?

The poem reflects the idea that America has not yet achieved its ideal of freedom and equality for all but still has the potential to become that land through efforts like the discussions in the series and broader social change.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Initiating Dialogue for Change

Emmanuel Acho introduces the episode and explains the purpose of the conversation: fostering dialogue about uncomfortable topics to encourage similar discussions in the audience. He is joined by actor Matthew McConaughey, who states his intention to learn, share, and promote meaningful change. Acho addresses a common question regarding whether to say 'Black' or 'African-American,' advocating for 'Black' as more inclusive and least offensive. They also begin to explore McConaughey's thoughts on privilege, biases, and societal norms.

05:04

🤔 Addressing Implicit Bias and Inequality

Acho challenges McConaughey to confront implicit biases, noting how Black individuals are often perceived as threats or less qualified based on racial prejudices. Studies reveal that people with 'white-sounding' names are more likely to be hired than those with 'Black-sounding' names, highlighting systemic racism. They discuss the importance of individual responsibility in addressing these biases and how societal changes can ripple outward to affect cities, states, and nations. McConaughey expresses a desire to improve personally as a man and a white person, aiming to contribute to this change.

10:06

🌍 The 'Wake' of Slavery: Systemic Injustice

Acho uses the metaphor of a boat's 'wake' to explain how the legacy of slavery continues to affect African Americans today through systemic injustices like poor education and voter suppression. McConaughey introduces the concept of 'white allergies,' referring to unconscious biases that white people may not realize they have. He reflects on his own experiences and past assumptions, acknowledging that even those with diverse backgrounds and relationships with Black people can still harbor these biases.

🧠 Learning from Blind Spots and White Allergies

McConaughey opens up about his realization of 'white allergies'—prejudices and blind spots he didn't previously recognize. They discuss how even seemingly innocuous comments, like complimenting a Black person for not fitting stereotypes, can perpetuate harmful assumptions. Acho shares personal experiences from high school where he was complimented for 'not talking or dressing Black,' illustrating how these subtle biases manifest as backhanded compliments. Both men reflect on the deeper learning and understanding that come from recognizing and addressing these hidden prejudices.

📚 Addressing Ignorance and the Ongoing Legacy of Racism

Acho recounts a shocking statement from a white woman who claimed that George Floyd's death wouldn't have happened if slavery hadn't been abolished, revealing how ignorance still persists in some parts of society. They discuss the idea that we are not far removed from slavery and Jim Crow laws, and the ongoing effects of systemic racism. McConaughey and Acho emphasize that racism won't 'die off' with previous generations because much of it is learned and passed down, but they express hope that conversations like this can inspire change.

💬 Responsibility and Proactive Change

McConaughey asks what he can do to help bring about change. Acho stresses the importance of being actively anti-racist, not just passively 'not racist.' He urges people to take responsibility for leveling the playing field. Acho then references a Langston Hughes poem, 'Let America Be America Again,' highlighting its message that America has not yet lived up to its ideals, but it can still strive to do so through open hearts, listening, and meaningful action. The episode ends with a call to action for viewers to engage in these conversations.

Keywords

💡Dialogue

Dialogue in this context refers to a conversation between two or more people, often with differing viewpoints, aimed at fostering understanding and resolving conflicts. In the video, the emphasis is on having open and honest conversations about race and inequality, which is seen as a crucial step towards societal change. The dialogue between Emmanuel Acho and Matthew McConaughey serves as a model for how such conversations can be conducted.

💡Implicit Bias

Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. In the script, McConaughey acknowledges the need to recognize and confront his own implicit biases, which can influence perceptions and behaviors towards people of different races. This recognition is portrayed as a necessary step in addressing racial disparities and promoting equality.

💡Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter is a movement advocating for the rights and fair treatment of Black individuals, particularly in response to systemic racism and police violence. The video discusses the movement as a banner for current civil rights issues, emphasizing the urgency of addressing racial injustices. It is presented as a call to action to focus on the specific problems faced by Black communities at this moment in history.

💡Systemic Injustice

Systemic injustice refers to the ways in which unfair treatment is embedded within the systems and structures of society, such as education, housing, and criminal justice. The conversation in the video touches on systemic injustices like poor school systems and voter suppression, which are highlighted as ongoing effects of historical discrimination and the legacy of slavery.

💡Equality

Equality in the video is discussed as a complex and evolving concept, particularly in the American context. It is presented as an aspirational goal that society continues to strive towards, but one that is complicated by historical and ongoing inequities. The conversation suggests that achieving true equality requires not just recognizing past injustices but actively working to correct them.

💡White Allergies

White allergies, as mentioned in the script, is a term used to describe the unconscious prejudices that white individuals may hold due to their upbringing and societal influences. These prejudices can manifest in subtle ways, such as making assumptions about people of color based on stereotypes. The video uses this term to encourage self-reflection and awareness among white individuals about their potential biases.

💡Backhanded Compliments

Backhanded compliments are remarks that seem positive on the surface but contain a negative or undermining implication. In the video, Acho discusses how such compliments can be hurtful and perpetuate stereotypes. For example, saying someone 'doesn't talk like they're Black' or 'is pretty for a Black girl' implies that there is a certain way Black people should talk or look, which is a form of racial bias.

💡Anti-Racism

Anti-racism is the active opposition to racism by promoting the idea that racial groups are equal and working to undo the effects of racism. The video encourages viewers to be not just non-racist, but actively anti-racist, which involves taking steps to challenge and change racist systems and behaviors. This includes engaging in conversations, educating oneself, and advocating for policy changes.

💡Unilateral Calling

Unilateral calling in the video refers to the idea that there is a single, agreed-upon perspective or approach to a complex issue like equality. The conversation suggests that the concept of equality is multifaceted and that there may not be a single, universally accepted definition. Instead, it is something that society continues to debate and strive for.

💡Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was an influential African American poet, social activist, and columnist. In the video, a poem by Hughes, 'Let America Be America Again,' is mentioned as a reflection of the ongoing struggle for the ideal of America as a land of freedom and equality for all. The poem is used to underscore the theme of the video, which is about the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Highlights

The goal of the conversation is to encourage dialogue and promote change.

Matthew McConaughey joins to discuss common grounds and expose differences.

The importance of acknowledging problems to take ownership and promote change.

The conversation addresses the issue of implicit bias and its societal influences.

Studies show that resumes with white-sounding names get more callbacks.

Individuals must acknowledge and fix their biases to affect systemic change.

The conversation explores the concept of 'white allergies' and hidden prejudices.

Matthew McConaughey shares personal experiences and the realization of his own biases.

The dialogue discusses the historical weight of slavery and its ongoing impact on African Americans.

The conversation addresses the concept of equality and its evolving definition in America.

Emmanuel Acho explains the term 'white allergies' and its implications.

Matthew McConaughey discusses the importance of being anti-racist and leveling the playing field.

The conversation highlights the need for proactive responsibility in addressing racial issues.

Langston Hughes' poem 'Let America Be America Again' is read as a call for the aspirational America.

The conversation concludes with a call to action for open hearts, listening, learning, and doing.

Transcripts

welcome to another episode of

uncomfortable conversations with the

black man now the goal of this was never

to be a monologue but rather a dialogue

can encourage you to have dialogues of

your own

so I'm privileged to be joined by

Academy Award winner but more

importantly father of three Matthew

McConaughey but but Matthew why are you

here

Taylor I'm here Emmanuel I'm here to

learn share listen understand here to

discuss some common grounds between us

but also expose differences between us

you have a conversation yeah hopefully

promote more conversations and with the

end goal being that we take the time

we're in now and constructively turn a

page in history through some righteous

and justifiable change that is always my

goal before we get to our own dialogue I

have to address something for y'all

because so many have asked do I say

black people or african-american and the

simple and shortest answer is black

because it's not only most accurate it's

also least offensive keep in mind not

all black people in America are African

there are Jamaicans there are Cubans but

also there's some black people that

don't identify as African because that

heritage got stripped from them during

slavery so just a quick short answer I

know so many of y'all asked that

question but Matthew let's talk well

this is another reason why I'm here like

your last episode of uncomfortable

conversations with black man I watched

that and it gave me new context it gave

me some new insight it made me think of

the why not the how which i think is a

while a lot of what you're unpacking and

hopefully we cannot back today with the

why individually

and I'm so telling you I'm big on values

and I feel I'm deteriorating across the

board how someone like me how can I do

better as a human how can I do better as

a man how can I do better as a white man

that's powerful that's how you put me on

the spot I'm gonna be honest with you

cuz that's what we're here for

they have uncomfortable conversations

you have to acknowledge that there's a

problem yes so that you can take more

ownership for the problem the first step

to acknowledging it is sitting in this

chair right here across from a black man

and being like okay I may not be talking

about you Emanuel Acho but I may be

talking about people who look like you

individually you have to acknowledge

implicit bias you have to acknowledge

that you'll see a black man and for

whatever reason you will view them more

of a threat then you will a white man

probably because society told you you

have to acknowledge that if there are

two people with equal resumes studies

show that the person with the white

sounding name is twice as likely to get

a call back as a person with a black

sounding name you're a very successful

man who probably has several people

under you are you a part of that

statistical problem are you looking at a

resume saying and they sound a little

too hood for me you know something I

think individually we must each fix the

problem because I believe that the

individuals they affect the houses and

the houses they affect the cities and

the cities affect the states and the

states affect the nation of the nation

yes exactly so individually you have to

acknowledge maybe I do have a bias and

fix it is black lives matter a banner

for now yes but is it a banner that is a

bridge do you think to take us to O when

we see black lives matter and we

understand that it's all agreed on and

we can relay it wave the flame till I

think it's not until for example right

now we were facing the world's greatest

pandemic since the Spanish flu we all

know that coronavirus Cove at 19

right now we're focused on finding a

remedy for that illness we're focused on

finding a remedy for that strain in the

flu that's not to say that cancer

doesn't matter it's not to say that HIV

doesn't matter it's not to say that ALS

doesn't matter all those things still

matter but right now the corona virus is

killing people and stay and so on the

same token Matthew that's what I propose

is that once we get these black lives

that are being ended unjustly handled by

the grace of God if we can get those

handled through conversations like these

and I hope that y'all at home right at

home are having then we can be at a

point to focus on everything else but

remember you walked in here with the

mask you walked in here with Clorox why

because there's a virus going on is to

sit this Pacific virus that is

imminently ending lives and that's the

same thing going on in the world there's

a virus it's just of the mind it is not

of the body heard equality the

definition of equality what equality is

and what is equality not it's been an

American issue forever and we continue

to work and grow and evolve and debate

what the definition of equality should

be unilateral calling there's diverse

equality it's it's it's a topic that I

don't know that we can answer right now

but I'd love to hear your opinion on I

do not think that there is such a thing

as equality in America the weight of

slavery is still hitting African

Americans when you get on a boat whether

you're in Lake Austin here 10 minutes

from here or anywhere in the ocean if

you get on a boat there is a wake that

follows the boat and although you might

not still be driving the boat there are

African Americans getting smacked by the

wake left of slavery well I shall what

is that wake and that's what we talked

about systemic injustice poor school

systems voter suppression there is a

wake and so that's why

things aren't evil only because there's

still awake from slavery don't feel

guilty Justin I've heard heard I heard

this term the other day and I'd never

heard it I went what talk to this person

he explained it to me

white allergies white white allergies

dead that by where we were raised in how

we were raised in our history growing up

there's certain just imported obvious

ways that we're prejudiced some ways

that that's that we don't even

understand we got white allergies they

may not even know it and so I was

sitting there you know looking at my own

life and I say then I go art time me

mm-hmm

Longview high school was over 50% black

I applied to Grambling I was the first

white to ever work at catfish station in

all blues black blues bar on sixth

Street I am married to a non-white

immigrant I have black friends all

through my life and still do mm-hmm

but what prejudices may I have the old

white algie's that I may not even be

aware of have let me ask you this

actually since you brought it up before

I respond has this situation in our

world or my video brought out any white

allergies that you never saw did you

have any white allergies that were in

your blind spots it exposed ways of

looking at things in a way that oh maybe

I didn't see the other side of it the

coin is I started off with some of the

kind of context you put things in even

very simple things that are like obvious

math yeah yes white to blacks can all

have it hard but blacks whites have

never had it harder because of the color

skin yeah that's an obvious thing yeah

now I could I may realize that but I

never I was maybe look never looked at

that side of the coin and - you brought

it up I'm like aha you know and so so

it's a very simple thing so maybe

there's just more that I would say for

me more that I just I'm diving deeper

into how I'm looking at things now I'm

looking at myself how I can how I can

learn

or see things from your side more see

things from the black side more so I can

just understand I can get a

four-dimensional view here cuz

inherently maybe I add to what some

extent I've been living in a way where I

didn't quite see all sides I could have

the greatest white allergy that we se

see played out as black people

practically one of the greatest

backhanded compliments let me tell you

what I mean I wanted to in affluent High

School in Dallas Texas st. Mark's and

when I was a kid they would all say

watch oh you don't even talk like you're

black ah-ah-choo oh you're like an Oreo

black on the outside white on the inside

or you don't even dress like you're

black I didn't realize how offensive

that was at the time it was until I

realized wait a second you were assuming

that black people don't sound educated

you were assuming that to be black I

have to wear a do-rag or a wave cap and

be sagging my pants you are assuming

something about black people and I

contradict that assumption and as a

result I am not black and so I think

white allergies play themselves out

practically in a black handed

compliments get this one you're so

pretty for a black girl so that's to

imply of it being black I should speak

before the black girl yes be cool or a

black man part that becomes the energy

you'd only you don't see what he just

gave me the backhand an indirect

compliment it was good with your so

pretty or you sound so smart but then

you say for this I mean and I think that

the reason McConaughey that it's a white

allergy is because white people don't

recognize those my high school kids they

meant nothing by it

but now all of a sudden it's like no

that's not a compliment at all

heard some people up light flew right

like listen to this quote quote came out

the other day from the white woman that

said none of this stuff would have

happened with George Floyd if we just

wouldn't have abolished slavery what

yeah

what so you hear that and you go our

asinine what what what what decade

century where who are you living where

did that come from

we're not that far removed from slavery

from Jim Crow laws were not so many

people are like is 2020 slavery was such

a long time ago the University of Texas

athletic football program wasn't

integrated until the late 60s I played

at Texas you're one of the most notable

biggest most passionate Texas fans we

are not that far removed it's not as if

so many people have emailed me this week

makan a falling following last week and

said well maybe this will die off with

our ancestors maybe this will it won't

because where do you think you acquire

information more is caught then is

taught more is caught than is taught but

there's hope because all it takes is a

conversation it's heard I look finally I

want to ask you what can I do

what's my responsibility what's your

responsibility

today tomorrow people should take the

responsibility proactively to say you

know what maybe I'm a part of the

problem maybe I can fix this issue not

just by being not racist but by being

anti-racist maybe I can level the

playing field and make it a fair fight

heard I came across this Langston Hughes

poem let America be America again whoo I

just wanted to read it's one piece that

that stuck out to me that seems to halo

a lot of what we're talking about

oh let America be America again the land

that never has been yet and yet must be

the land or every man is free powerful

the land that never has been yet that's

the dream of a man that's the realest

thing that I've truly heard because it's

acknowledging America we've never been

what we've aspired to be we can be but

it's gonna take this and it's gonna take

those watching this to imitate this with

open hearts ready to listen ready to

learn and ready to do

[Music]

thanks for having me thanks for being

here man

thank you all for tuning in to another

episode of uncomfortable conversations

with the black man Matthew McConaughey

Manuel Acho I'll see you all next time