Code Switch

How do we keep family traditions alive? For some people, it's by speaking their heritage language, or learning how to cook family recipes. For Nicole Wong, it was through games — specifically, learning the ins and outs of Mahjong. Her research led her to start the Mahjong Project, and to write a book about what she was learning called Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora. So this week, we talk to Nicole about what it's like trying to teach people a game you're not the best player of, and what she's learned about leveling up to elder/auntie status.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For months, the Trump administration has been making moves to dismantle the Department of Education — with mixed success. But when it comes to the fight over public education, some of the most significant dustups are happening on the local level, with school boards around the country. Today, we're looking at one of those fights, which played out in a rapidly changing suburb of Dallas called Southlake.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

With AI image and video generators, it's become easier than ever to create hyper-realistic clips of almost anything. Today, we're looking at the landscape of AI influencers that depict Black people in various ways, from the mildly stereotypical to the ultra-demeaning. And we're talking to writer Zeba Blay about why she thinks these types of videos can erode the our society's ability to take the problems of IRL, human Black people seriously.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Over the past few weeks, President Trump has amplified derogatory and stereotypical comments about people from Afghanistan. He's derided Somalians as a whole, and specifically targeted Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. And he's said he will end immigration from "Third World countries." So in a political climate where rhetoric like this has become normalized, is there still use to calling any particular phrase or policy racist?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Alice Wong was a major force in disability activism. She passed away last month at the age of 51. For Here and Now, reporter Elissa Nadworny speaks with Yomi Young about Wong’s impact as a fellow activist, and what she leaves behind as a friend.Subscribe to Here and Now, wherever you get your podcasts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy