American Pop Culture Is Influencing An Entire Generation Of Aboriginal Storytellers, And It’s Inspiring AF

Australian actor and Orange Is The New Black star Yael Stone joins the podcast to talk American heroes and white allies.

When Nakkiah and Miranda drew up their interview wish list for the podcast it was dominated by African American actors, writers and musicians.

Ben King / Anna Mendoza / BuzzFeed

People such as Donald Glover, Kendrick Lamar, Viola Davis, Roxane Gay, Samira Wiley‎ and Shonda Rhimes.

We know, you’re thinking “Yeah right!”.

Like so many other young Australians, Miranda and Nakkiah have looked to the US for inspiration. In politics, protest and art, the African American community has shown talented young Indigenous Australians a way forward — towards success, change and brilliance.

But why? When young Australians cast their eyes across our cultural landscape why do so few people inspire them?

In this episode Miranda and Nakkiah chat with Australian actor and Orange Is The New Black star Yael Stone about heroes, allies, cultural cringe, fame and how we tell stories and make art about life in Australia that will inspire a younger generation.

instagram.com / Via Instagram

“Some American actors, are like, 'Geez, lot of Aussies in America taking our jobs,” says Yael.

“So I guess my answer to that is your culture is incredibly pervasive, so we watch that as kids, we play in American accents as kids, so it’s a very deep saturation.

"It’s only natural that if we grow up with that, of course, we’re going to want to come over and interact with that culture that’s been so influential to us.”

Listen now:

Listen now:

1. Click the embedded link above to stream the show directly from this page.

2. Pretty For An Aboriginal is available in Apple Podcasts.

3. Be sure to subscribe, so you never miss a new episode! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts.

Questions? Comments? Email [e-mail]

Credits:

BuzzFeed Series Producer & Editor: Nicola Harvey

Producer & Editor: Cinnamon Nippard (Audiocraft)

Audio Mix: Adam Connolly (Audiocraft)

BuzzFeed Designers: Ben King / Dennis Huynh

BuzzFeed Photographer & Video Producers: Nick Wray & Anna Mendoza

BuzzFeed Director of Audio: Eleanor Kagan

Thanks to Video Junkee for support on Episode 2.

(Image credit: FOXTEL via AAP Images / instagram.com/yaelstone)