Ep 11. Diversity Training

Ziwe season 2 episode 11, titled "Diversity Training," is a comedic yet insightful exploration of race, power, and privilege in America. Hosted by the charming and witty Ziwe Fumudoh, the episode features an array of guests ranging from celebrities to activists, politicians, and academics.

The episode's opening sketch revolves around a faux diversity training session led by Ziwe, who introduces herself as a white woman despite being black. The sketch sets the tone for the rest of the episode, where guests are asked provocative and sometimes uncomfortable questions about race, culminating in a rapid-fire segment called "Hot Takes" where they are asked to weigh in on taboo topics.

The first guest on the show is popular TikTok star and comedian Sarah Cooper, who gained notoriety for lip-syncing to President Trump's speeches. She and Ziwe discuss the limits of comedy when it comes to race, particularly when people of color are often at the receiving end of racist jokes. Cooper also reflects on her upbringing as a half-black, half-white child in the South, where she was often not seen as fully white or fully black.

Next up is author and activist Raquel Willis, who talks about the intersection of race and gender identity, as well as the importance of centering marginalized voices in the fight for social justice. She and Ziwe discuss the controversy surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement and the tension between African Americans and other minorities like Asian Americans.

The episode's third guest is the newly appointed director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Kevin Young. He and Ziwe delve into the cultural significance of Black art, poetry, and literature, and explore the ways in which it has shaped America's identity. Young also shares his thoughts on the current state of race relations in the country, as well as the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The final guest on the show is actor and comedian Bowen Yang, who is the first Chinese American cast member of Saturday Night Live. Yang talks about the limitations and opportunities of representation in comedy, as well as his experiences growing up as an Asian American in America. He and Ziwe also discuss the challenges of being a performer of color in the entertainment industry, where diversity often feels like a tokenistic afterthought.

The episode ends with a "Hot Takes" segment where guests are asked to respond to Ziwe's rapid-fire questions, ranging from the absurd (favorite condiment) to the contentious (Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter). The show drives home the point that diversity isn't just about representation, but also about actively engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in meaningful ways. Ziwe season 2 episode 11 is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the nuances of race and power in America.