S1 E10: Nathan Rogers on being an AAPI from the South and his evolution on his political beliefs

This week, Nathan Rogers chats with us about his experiences growing up as a biracial Filipino-American in the South, the evolution of his political views, his thoughts on religion and faith, and the importance of representation.

TERMS

Capitalism, Aquino Administration, HeLa cells, Moral majority, Abrahamic religions, Lobbying

MENTIONED:

Atlantic article - “Even My Business Students Have Doubts About Capitalism” - Glen Hubbard

“Seeing White” Podcast

“Southern Baptists Refused to Act on Abuse, Despite Secret List of Pastors”

Racial bias in medicine

TAKEAWAYS:

1. The ideals that the United States promotes–of freedom and self-determination–are appealing in theory. But in practice they are not equitably accessible to everybody.
2. In America, Christianity is strongly associated with being Republican, but actually, many Democrats are devout Christians too. In most countries, there is no strong association between political parties and specific religious sects. And religious beliefs typically don’t influence political policy.
3. In many conservative Christian households, the pressure to go along with the party’s political stances often leaves no room for nuance because any questioning of the GOP is immediately reframed as an attack on Christianity and a weakening of their faith.
4. It takes a lot of work to disentangle identity, religion, and politics. Asking ourselves if the systems and policies we have in place truly represent the people’s interests is uncomfortable. It takes unlearning, and re-learning, to piece together a more objective worldview that is free from religious or political agendas.
5. If religion is to be a safe space and a supportive community, religious leaders need to help depolarize politics and encourage true separation of church and state.
6. It’s important to hold political leaders accountable, & research each candidates' platform before voting, instead of simply voting along party lines.
7. One of the main issues with the “pro-life” movement is that, for them, “pro-life” seems to stop at childbirth. They do not advocate for these children once they become school children, mothers, or members of marginalized minorities. This has caused many religious conservatives to question their affiliation with the GOP.
8. The two party system has led to two fractured parties by which many Americans do not feel adequately represented due to an increasing disconnect between the party’s values and the people’s interests.
9. Capitalism and the free market function as intended. They were designed to enrich some and exploit the rest.
10. Many BIPOC & AAPI grew up as conservative Christians and their voices can bring great perspectives to these conversations, as we’ve heard today.
11. Finally, if you’re a Christian conservative, we hope this conversation empowers you to have nuance in your political opinions, like Nathan did. And If you’re more on the left, we hope this conversation gave you hope and helped you see that not all Christian conservatives are willing to blindly follow the GOP.

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