**NOTE: This episode was recorded on SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 and my thoughts on the events up until that day. For my current stance, please visit the BLM highlights on my Instagram @bougeandrouge.** Today's episode was the hardest to record. After nearly 5 redos and 15 hours of labor, I'm still not sure I said everything perfectly. I hope that you allow me an hour of your time to hear my perspectives on the changes this year brought, especially if you are a fellow Asian American. In the first 30 minutes, I talk about what I've seen in the last 5 months and how these negative events are bringing crucial changes to society to permanently better it. The latter 30 minutes is dedicated to the last change I bring up: ending systematic racism. I share my perspective of non-BLM non-peaceful protests in NYC and the emotions I'm feeling as I am trying to be the best ally I can be to my black brothers and sisters. Lastly, I discuss the fundamental issues in the Asian American/Asian immigrant communities that are feeding into the systemic racism and oppression in our country (sorry, I know I accidentally say systematic in the episode). From being told pale skin equates to beauty and we must maintain our Asian roots while appearing "as white as possible" at a young age, the points I bring up are not easy to swallow. They are ugly and jarring, but they are the truth. I pray that shedding light on our deep rooted issues will push us to change our ways so we can better support the #BLM movement and the greater war on racism. If you have any resources about BLM please send them my way so I can continuously learn how to better support the cause. Stay tuned for the season one finale on JUNE 16. Don't forget to stay updated by following me on Instagram @etc_podcast and @bougeandrouge!