SOCIAL CONSTRUCTS - Chuk Besher - Lance E. Lee Podcast Episode #61

Chuk Besher, the executive producer of the documentary “Ainu: my voice” and a 48-year TAC member, joins me to discuss some mind-bending topics, opening the episode with a remark that “ethnicity and race are social constructs.” Born in Japan to Orthodox Russian parents, Chuk identifies as Japanese. He talks about being raised in Kobe, labeled the gaijin in the Japanese elementary school, and learning to defend himself against bullies. We discuss how Japan as we know it was created and is there such a thing as “looking Japanese?” The essence of humanity may be rooted in realizing that we are all of mixed heritage and our reverence for life.