Season 6 E 1 • 01/04/2018

Franchesca explores why pronouncing the word ask as "ax" is pejoratively associated with Black and working-class people.

Watching

Full Ep

02:15

Decoded

iC50: The Perfect Phone For The Whole (Black) Family

Introducing the IC50: a cell phone catering to Black people that helps fight institutional racism by filming police brutality.

Does Race Affect Your Dating Life?

Franchesca investigates the personal psychology and internal bias of online dating.

13 Things White People Take for Granted

Franchesca questions the widespread practice of race-neutral marketing, from nude-color clothing and white faces on money to the absence of BIPOC characters in Hollywood films.

How Do You Handle Racist Jokes?

Franchesca explores how racist jokes are oppressive and shares ways to effectively disarm a person telling an offensive joke.

Was That Racist?: An "Inside Out" Parody

Francesca checks in with her Shade, Weariness, Fury, Paranoia and Hope when she faces racial microaggressions from a barista at a coffee shop.

10 Excuses Used to Deny Racism Debunked

Franchesca reviews 10 common excuses used by people trying to justify their racist behavior.

What If White People Experienced Microaggressions

Franchesca explores scenarios in which BIPOC experience microaggressions and inadvertent insults that stereotype them.

If Famous Movie Characters Were Black

Decoded reimagines famous Hollywood movies with Black people as the lead characters to show the double standards they're held to in society.

Did Hollywood Whitewash Stonewall?

Trans women were at the forefront of the LGBT civil rights movement, so Franchesca wonders why they've been whitewashed from the Hollywood movie about the Stonewall riots.

Five Things You Should Know About Racism

Franchesca gets down to the nitty-gritty about racism and its constructs, and encourages folks to learn from experts in the field how racism functions in society.

Greatest Moments in Not Racist History

Franchesca thanks you for shutting down racism by revisiting some great moments in not-racist hostory.

Should All Native American Mascots Be Banned?

Franchesca checks in with Native American hip-hop artist Nataanii Means about sports teams appropriating indigenous culture for their mascots.

Every Racist Thing Donald Trump Has Said (Almost)

Franchesca revisits some of Donald Trump's most incendiary and racist commentary from his speeches.

Six Phrases with Surprisingly Racist Origins

Franchesca reveals the racist origins of everyday phrases along with other problematic words still in use.

Can You Name Seven Superheroes of Color?

Franchesca heads to New York City for Comic-Con to interview attendees about representation and ask them why there aren't more BIPOC superheroes.

12 Racist Halloween Costumes for Kids

Franchesca and her team of comedians examine a host of racially insensitive costumes based on stereotypes and racial profiling from around the globe.

Five Reasons Student Loans are Bulls**t

Franchesca teams up with special guest Ben O'Keefe to shed some light on student debt and what to do about it.

White People Whitesplain Whitesplaining

Franchesca is bombarded by whitesplainers.

Seven Myths About Cultural Appropriation Debunked

Franchesca attempts to lay out exactly what defines cultural appropriation and dispel some of the myths about the subject.

Everything You Know About Thanksgiving Is Wrong

Franchesca works through the truths of Thanksgiving, from common myths about Native Americans and Pilgrims to the likely menu items served in 1621.

Why Do You Think Stereotypes Are True?

Francesca introduces social conditioning as a factor in biased thinking and breaks down the causes and consequences of stereotyping.

Where Are You Really From?

Franchesca is offended during a coffee date when she is asked where she's from.

What Did Jesus Really Look Like?

Franchesca looks at the reasons behind the whitewashing of modern-day Jesus and shows what he may have actually looked like.

Social Justice Warrior Training Video Leaked

Franchesca trains her social justice warriors to be ready for combat on the front lines in the fight against ignorance and structural racism.

Why Does Privilege Make People So Angry?

Franchesca explains why bringing attention to someone's privilege shouldn't be read as a personal attack and why discussing privilege isn't placing blame, but is raising awareness.

You Can't Sound White

Franchesca defines the three-word statement "you sound white" as a back-handed compliment.

Is PC Culture Anti-Free Speech?

Franchesca argues PC culture speaks out against discrimination and has nothing to do with stripping others of their own voices or opinions.

A World Without Black History

Franchesca champions Black History Month as a time to spread awareness of a vibrant cultural past.

Are the Primaries Racist?

Because Iowa and New Hampshire are two of the whitest states in the U.S., the presidential primary is criticized for stifling BIPOC voices, so Francheca suggests a workaround.

Beyonce "Formation" Comment or MLK Hate Mail?

Franchesca tests people on the street to see if they can spot the difference between hateful messages directed at Beyonce's "Formation" music video or Martin Luther King Jr. from the 1960s.

Four Reasons White Pride Makes People Uneasy

Franchesca breaks down why it's problematic to celebrate white pride and why it's important to understand its background.

If You Farted Every Time You Were Racist

Franchesca wonders what the world would be like if people farted every time they were racist.

Why Is the 1% So White?

Franchesca investigates why there's such a stark racial divide between white and Black billionaires in the U.S.

12 Trump Business Fails

From board games to airlines, Franchesca analyzes 12 of Donald Trump's biggest business fails.

Five Countries (Besides America) with Race Issues

Franchesca argues criticism of the United States' racism is justified, but the rest of the world can and should also be held accountable for ethnic prejudices.

Stop Blaming Affirmative Action for Your College Rejection

Franchesca examines one of the biggest myths of affirmative action: that it blocks college admittance from those who "deserve" it more.

The Surprisingly Racist History of "Caucasian"

Franchesca dives into the racist history of the word "Caucasian" and argues it is outdated.

If Facebook Arguments Were a Cage Match

Franchesca brings to life confrontational Facebook comments about social justice issues by reimagining the commentary as a cage fight between family members.

Three Black Female Stereotypes That Need to Die

Franchescha shows how slaveholders and Jim Crow laws created and perpetuated stereotypes of Black women well into the 20th century.

The Problem with White Beauty Standards

Franchesca and female BIPOC guests from different backgrounds share why representation in media matters and why shifting Western beauty standards to be more inclusive is critical.

The Weird History of Asian Sex Stereotypes

Franchesca examines the ways institutional racism created stereotypes about Asian women and men that persist today in Western media and Hollywood.

Unpaid Internships: A Horror Movie Trailer

Decoded follows a fictional intern of a company that justifies its policy of not paying interns by touting the "experience" they'll gain on the job.

Why Color Blindness Will Not End Racism

Franchesca shows how "color blindness" is harmful and how BIPOC suffer disproportionately in education, real estate and employment.

Social Justice Rap Battle featuring The Key of Awesome

Franchesca hosts a mock rap battle to show what would happen if people got hype for challenging each other to be better people.

Why Racism Isn't Just a Southern Problem

Franchesca introduces three methods by which racism was maintained in the Nothern and Western U.S., not just in the South, including the creation of sundown towns and redlining.

Can You Guess Who's Muslim? featuring Karim Metwaly

Hollywood and the news might make you believe Muslims have a particular look, so Decoded hits the street to address preconceptions about who is and isn't Muslim.

Four Black Lives Matter Myths Debunked

Franchesca offers rebuttals to four frequent arguments against Black Lives Matter activists.

When Did You Realize Your Race?

Franchesca and friends recall when they became aware of their races.

Five Excuses for Slavery That Need to Stop

Franchesca digs into some of the excuses for slavery, including Bill O'Reilly's quip that it wasn't "so bad."

Franchesca enlists Kat Lazo to help break down the difference between "Hispanic" and "Latino" leading up to the 2020 U.S. census.

Five Ethnic Stereotypes That Used to Be the Opposite

Franchesca's crew of comedians reacts to some of the quotes and ideas historical racists came up with about Irish, German and other people.

Are "Cracker," "White Trash" and "Redneck" Racist?

Franchesca examines three pejorative names for white people and shows how these terms have been racialized but are not racist.

A Retirement Home for Trump Supporters

Franchesca pitches Simpler Times Retirement Home, the perfect place for aging Americans who are longing for a return to simpler -- or racist -- times.

How Voter ID Laws Explain Structural Racism

Franchesca reveals the racist history of voter ID laws, which have primarily prevented the poor, the elderly and BIPOC from voting.

Just Try Saying My Name Right

Decoded talks to people who have firsthand experience with strangers butchering their names, which actually aren't that complicated.

Four Misconceptions About Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust

With the help of journalist Dana Schwartz, Decoded tackles some of the biggest misconceptions about anti-Semitism, anti-Romanyism and the Holocaust.

Is Racist the N-Word for White People?

Decoded uses stand-up comedy to figure out why some white people are triggered by being called racist.

Why Does MTV Decoded Hate White People?

Franchesca cites Dr. Robin DiAngelo's book "White Fragility" as she talks about what's at the core of discussing racism.

Can De-Escalation Training Prevent Police Violence?

Franchesca sits down with Master Sergeant Benari Poulten to talk about how the U.S. Armed Forces trains and employs de-escalation techniques to handle difficult situations during conflict.

Do You Speak for Your Entire Race?

Franchesca presents the idea of the race ambassador, someone from a specific cultural background who is expected to represent and speak for the entire culture in question.

Do These Celebs Look Alike?

Franchesca examines the concept of "own race bias" in the context of regularly mistaken identities of celebrity BIPOC.

Why Legal Immigration to the U.S. Is Almost Impossible

Franchesca learns about the incredibly complicated process to becoming a U.S. citizen.

Can Legalizing Weed Fight Racism?

Franchesca explores the racist marijuana arrest patterns disproportionately affecting BIPOC in U.S. states where weed is legal and states where it is illegal.

The Strange and Gross Origin of Cuck

Franchesca traces the development of the word cuck, from Shakespeare to forums like Reddit, on which it's used by the radical right as a catchall insult.

Three Cinco de Mayo Misconceptions Debunked

Kat explains why it's more American than Mexican to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by drinking margaritas and loading up on nachos.

Five Poverty Myths Debunked featuring The Liberal Redneck

Franchesca busts five common myths about poverty with the help of Trae Crowder a.k.a. The Liberal Redneck.

How to Be Queer AF at Prom featuring Dylan Marron

Franchesca and Dylan Marron explain what rights are available to LGBTQ youth who want to attend prom together.

Five Mental Health Stigmas That Need to Go

Franchesca tackles mental health misinformation, such as love being a solution for depression or that there is no cure for mental health issues.

Would You Date a Short Guy?

Franchesca explores heightism as it relates to success, gender norms and Hollywood with her friend Tyler, who's been rejected on dating apps because of his height.

Five Transgender Tropes That Need to Stop ft. Patti Harrison

Franchesca reviews some common Hollywood tropes and stereotypes.

Franchesca and friends try to unpack what it means to be a "real man."

How to Stop Victim Blaming

Franchesca looks into the psychology of victim blaming, why it happens so often and why it's often used against victims of sexual assault.

Why Do People Say "Ax" Instead of "Ask?"

Franchesca explores why pronouncing the word ask as "ax" is pejoratively associated with Black and working-class people.

Do All Muslim Women Wear a Hijab? featuring Fareeha Khan

Franchesca tasks Fareeha Khan with explaining the Muslim tradition of wearing a hijab.

Will Multiracial Kids End Racism?

Franchesca explains why ending racism is going to be more complicated than welcoming a new generation of multiracial babies.

Are Your Choices Instinct or Influence?

Raymond Braun helps Franchesca understand how cigarette companies have found ways to influence low-income communities to smoke.

Four Black Hair Myths Debunked

Franchesca presents a FAQ about Black hair, introduces common Black hairstyles and reveals misconceptions people of other races have about Black hair.

Racism in Gay Dating? featuring Dylan Marron

Dylan Marron shows how "preferences" are often used to mask discrimination in the world of gay dating apps and LGBTQ relationships.

How Hollywood Misrepresents the Working Class ft. Gabe G.

Gabe Gonzalez talks about the importance of accurately depicting middle- and working-class people in the media.

Colorism in the Latinx Community featuring Lee Chin

Franchesca enlists Lee Chin to break down colorism, a form of discrimination based on skin color in Latin America and the Latinx community in the U.S.

Are Mexicans Taking Our Jobs? featuring Maritza Montanez

Maritza Montanez shares what kinds of work undocumented immigrants do in the U.S. and debunks the racist notion Mexicans steal existing jobs from Americans.

Are All Asians Rich? featuring Lily Du

Lily Du topples the myth of the model minority.

Can You Choose Your Own Pronouns? featuring Patti Harrison

Guest Patti Harrison explores gender pronouns, and why asking and using someone's preferred pronouns is a sign of respect.

Four Reasons School Dress Codes Are Sexist

Franchesca explains how dress code enforcement at school disproportionately affects girls, polices their bodies and unfairly limits their wardrobe choices.

Why Are There So Few Asians in Hollywood?

Guests Lily Du and Fareeha Khan examine Hollywood's justification for Asian erasure in big-budget movies and posit diversity in film would be a boon for Hollywood.

Five Phrases Disabled People Are Tired Of

Guest Danielle Perez reviews offensive comments made about people with disabilities.

Why Don't Straight Men Hold Hands?

Guest host Kenny and Franchesca break down homophobic ideas about intimacy and show intimacy between men is not only instinctual, but has mental health benefits.

Where Does the "Fiery Latinx" Stereotype Come From?

Joanna Hausmann breaks down the history of a Latinx stereotype, from one-dimensional roles in 1920s Hollywood to Sofia Vergara's character on "Modern Family."

Gabe Gonzalez examines three speech characteristics perceived as inherent in gay men that instead they widely embrace.

The Virginity Double Standard

Franchesca concludes the viginity double standard serves no one and oversexualizing women -- and men -- reduces them into objects.

Five Asexuality Myths Debunked

Ricky Dillon explores misconceptions about asexual people.

Three Reasons Being Called Exotic Is Not a Compliment

Franchesca explains why describing female BIPOC as exotic reinforces white beauty standards.

Are Drag Queens Trans?

Peppermint explains the differences between drag queens and trans women.

Veronica Garza shares the origins of the word "cholo" and how a word meant to be an insult was transformed into a look, attitude and cultural movement.

Light-Skinned Privilege

Franchesca breaks down the concept of colorism as it exists within racism and explains how light-skinned Black women have had skin color privilege throughout history.

Why It's Not About Good Cops vs. Bad Cops

Franchesca Ramsey breaks down the myth of the good cop and why the idea fails to address the systemic problems with policing.

Why Prosecuting Police Is Almost Impossible

Franchesca Ramsey discusses qualified immunity and examines how police officers can call the court system for backup after they've killed or harmed someone

Three Hollywood Myths About Police

Franchesca Ramsey discusses copaganda, myths Hollywood reinforces about policing and how the defund-the-police movement could help solve societal problems.

The Racist Origins of Police

Franchesca Ramsey looks at the history of policing and the institutions that provided a blueprint for modern law enforcement.

The War on Drugs Is a Lie

Franchesca Ramsey breaks down the history and falsehoods behind the war on drugs and explains how it has fueled some of the worst aspects of modern policing.

How to Defund the Police

Franchesca Ramsey explains how reallocating police funds to community programs will save taxpayers money and allow specialists to handle situations police officers are not equipped for.

08/25/2020