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SCOOBY TRAUMA SNACKS | Roommates 1x02 Welcome to Roommates, a podcast about two friends who are totally deranged. Follow us on Facebrowser: @Faith and @Paulina [The Roommates' intro starts playing] [The two women talk through a video call, each in different rooms. They appear to be talking from their laptops.] [Faith talks with a monotone voice throughout the podcast.] [Paulina talks with a mix of an American English accent and a Spanish accent.] Paulina says: “Hello everyone~ Welcome back to Roommates!” Faith says: “And they were roommates!” Paulina says: “First of all… We want to thank everyone that watched or listened to our first episode! We weren’t expecting so many listeners on our first edition. The response has been so amazing and it motivates us to keep going with this!” Faith says: “Seriously, I want to thank everyone that has supported our podcast. The attention that it received has blown us away.” [Faith blinks, enabling Paulina to assert herself into the conversation.] Paulina says: “It was our first time doing something like this. We’ve received some comments about it being too chaotic… I honestly love that— But, I know it can be too much for some people. We’ll try making our best effort to talk about the topic but we’re two bitches with ADHD, we’ll try.” Faith says: “It’s the autism for me — not ADHD. We’re twice as much trouble together, that’s no doubt. In other news, during today’s podcast, we will be discussing a more sensitive topic — something that has personal meanin’ between the both of us.” Paulina says: “It kinda has a cold feel to it… Just like winter—” Faith says: “Speakin’ of which, I might have modeled for a Winter Collection. Have you ‘aerd of Freuler?”. Paulina says: “What is a Freuler, Faith? Tell me.” [Paulina side eyes Faith as she teases her. She fixes her hair behind her ear.] Faith says: “Paulina—I am so glad that you asked, girl! Because today’s sponsor is Freuler.” Faith says: “Freuler is a Swiss manufacturer and retailer of luxury watches, jewelry, and accessories. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious jewelry manufacturers in the world—there’s no doubt that Freuler has stamped its mark within Los Santos’ fashion industry.” Paulina says: “I bet he stamped his mark in Los Santos and some other things too—” [Faith’s perception rolls as a reactionary force to Paulina’s allegation.] Faith says: “We've got ourselves a comedian over ‘ere. Why don’t you tell the audience more about today’s sponsor?” [Paulina talks mimicking advertisement-like tone of voice.] Paulina says: “Freuler is preparing their new Winter Collection. Featuring a wide variety of watches, and manufactured accessories. Make sure to check their online store at freuler.live as well as their Facebrowser to keep up with new product releases!” Faith says: “Yet another reminder, Freuler’s Winter Collection is coming soon to their store. We better see you at the next openin’, dears.” Paulina says: “After all this selling out, let’s move onto the topic of today’s episode. I think this is something most people will find interesting and relatable.” Faith says: “We’re goin’ to be discussin’ intergenerational trauma—and more importantly, intergenerational trauma as POC women.” Paulina says: “In other words, toxic parents… I think us two have had our fair share of experiences. I remember staying up until late and just being like… Oh my god! Same! whenever we were talking about this.” Faith says: “In the simplest words, intergenerational trauma is a concept developed to help explain the years of generational challenges within families. Paulina and I, in particular—we have dealt with our fair share of toxicity with our parents. More than enough to dedicate an entire podcast episode about it, even.” [Faith issues a singular depressing laugh into the podcasts’ microphone. Paulina laughs alongside Faith, being her usual optimist.] Paulina says: “We should take the 16 personalities test live. That would spark so much conversation about so many themes… But that’s an idea for another time! Going back to our topic, I do have a good relationship with my parents right now. But, I was a terrible teenager. I couldn’t care less about school and I brought around some terrible boys. I think I was that way just to make my parents mad because I felt I had to “stand my ground”... Whatever that means.” [Paulina does quotation marks with her fingers. She sighs.] Paulina says: “It was kind of a you treat me wrong, I treat you worse… You end up being caught in this terrible dynamic. Specially with my mom… My parents moved from Veracruz to San Diego to give my brother and I better opportunities in life and it was just a few years ago, when I graduated, that I was able to appreciate it. My brother and I were the only ones that spoke English so we had to help them sign documents and other stuff like at the doctor’s office. We felt like we were responsible for them, instead of the other way around… I guess that’s why I behaved like that when I was in my fourteens to sixteens.” Faith says: “It is an endless cycle—I had an opposite experience. You had to “stand your ground,” whereas I tried to perform an act as a perfect daughter. For context, I have not had contact with my biological mother, nor father since childhood. I was fortunate enough to be raised by my aunt. When you are rescued from an abuse household—anyone that has been in that situation recognizes that you would do anythin’ to appease your rescuers.” [Faith expresses a compassionate and understanding expression to the audience, conversing her parental struggles with Paulina.] Faith says: “Whether it be workin’ a part-time job, constantly babysittin’, parentification—I am grateful for the opportunities that my aunt blessed me with. I think that I will always view her as my mother, even. There has always been a part of me that has wanted a conventional, traditional family for these reasons—to amend these generational wounds that I experienced as an innocent child.” Paulina says: “That makes a lot of sense. I think when we grow up in households like this we are always wishing for something different. We had to grow through insecurity, instability, scarcity, constantly worrying about money… And often in these households, because of these issues, we are invalidated as people since we are the ones that have to provide in the future. You get what I mean?” Faith says: “Of course—I understand where you’re comin’ from entirely. Due to these upbringings that are unstable, I think it’s commonplace that children of emotionally unavailable parents develop substance abuse issues. It’s almost natural for a co-dependency to innately develop in their adulthood relationships—it’s unfortunate but without these nurturin’ resources, children are unable to build these necessary skill sets without parental guidance.” [Paulina nods and reassures Faith as she talks.] Paulina says: “This topic really frustrates me because you know it’s their traumas that are being imposed onto you. This came from their own parents and the way they were treated as children. In my household, mental health was never a topic that was taken seriously until my brother and I grew up. Not just in my household, but overall many latino households. There’s so much stigma with mental health and the older generations… I feel it’s because they don’t want to open any wounds they already healed— Badly, but healed.” Faith says: “And I am askin’ because I am curious—if you were given the opportunity to discuss mental health, do you think that it would’ve tied your family closer together? Do you believe that this instability would lessen, in your eyes?” [Paulina takes a few seconds for herself to reflect.] Paulina says: “Any time we tried to mention anything related to mental health, our parents would distance themselves. As if they suddenly didn’t understand what we were saying. Was it the same with your aunt?” Faith says: “When I was in preschool, I was still livin’ in Davis with my biological parents. They were reluctant in believin’ my teacher’s concerns related to my inability to play with the other children, and the fact that I would be unwilling to talk whatsoever. I was unable to have a voice with them, I think that sayin’ that they disregarded the importance of mental health would be an understatement.” [Faith’s perception averts downwards, with her entailing sentiment that indicates to the woman’s sorrows regarding the topic.] Faith says: “In many ways, I was figuratively and literally voiceless. It was not until I was rescued by my aunt that I acquired an autism diagnosis, and I could properly begin to transition into a sense of normalcy. It is not until someone— anyone in your family breaks those intergenerational trauma patterns that you as a child can begin healin’ alongside your family members.” Paulina says: “That’s something I’m very glad for. Our generation is more open to talk about these issues without sweeping them under the rug. And as time goes on, older people become aware of the importance of mental health and are willing to search for help without feeling judged by their peers. Here in the US, it’s even becoming the norm… to visit the psychologist. But on the other side of the Americas, it’s a completely different thing.” [Paulina remarks her last words with her voice.] Faith says: “Every person that we meet is either repeating a cycle of generational trauma—or carryin' the burden of breakin' cycles. It is unfortunate that in older generations, those that suffer from mental health-related issues are perceived as those that are the ‘black sheeps,’ in the household. Nowadays, it has started becomin’ the norm to seek psychiatric methods but within certain cultures and societies, it feels as if psychiatric treatments are viewed as a forbidden fruit—an objective myth of sorts.” Paulina says: “There’s another topic related to generational trauma that just— ANGERS me. The Machismo… Sexism. It’s the stereotypical situation where the men are outside, drinking beer or whatever and women are in the house taking care of it. Every time my parents invited people over, my mom and I would be the ones cleaning the house, setting the table, cleaning the dishes, asking guests if they wanted something to drink. While my brother and my dad would just be there enjoying themselves. I always asked myself why they didn’t help us with these tasks and whenever I was vocal about it my mom would just shush me and say that it’s the way it is.“ Faith says: “Machismo has inevitably affected the way that women are portrayed in society and has negatively impacted our access to healthcare—I wholeheartedly relate to your experience. Whereas my male cousins were allowed to act as regular children, I was expected to babysit, clean, cook—act as a mother figure to my older cousins, even. When you’re a woman, I think that you are perceived as an entity that develops quicker than the men in your household.” [Faith’s empathization radiates volumes during her verbalization, accompanied by her gesturing excessive hands in their wafting motions.] Faith says: “I, for example, prefer traditional feminine roles. I do not mind partakin’ in these tasks and bein’ the sole caregiver. The issue for me is that this responsibility is placed upon us, and we are not credited or thanked for our efforts. It is expected for us to act as a servant. We’re meant to be quiet, and not bashful about our efforts. That is, at least, how some household dynamics function.” Paulina says: “Not gonna lie, I thought you were going to say something very wrong at the start. But, I agree with you. I feel like people are born to be caretakers and some people like to be providers. I have had this issue with some of my relationships. They expected me to behave in some type of way, but I’m nothing close to that. I feel like I got that part of my generational trauma more than tamed.” [Paulina looks to the side and sighs. Her tone is serious.] Paulina says: “I still worry a lot over my future and providing for my family, though. I sometimes feel like I failed my parents because I didn’t go to uni. They moved miles away from our homeland for us to have a good education… In the US, what an irony. I am not working in an office making thousands, and I don’t see myself near one in the future.” Faith says: “There’s a guilt there, right? There’s that guilt when you have to witness your parents make these sacrifices and then you’re unable to live up to their standards. These standards, though—for some, they are unattainable. The fact that you’re providin’ for them right now says more than enough about you as a person, Paulina. You’ve always been able to put others first, too. Although intergenerational trauma causes these wounds to inflict, we would not be the people that we are today without these cultural ties.” [A sudden silence sets for a few seconds.] Paulina says: “Girl, you’re gonna get me teary eyed and all!” [The women laugh to alleviate tensions.] Faith says: “We ain’t cryin’ today, girl—we did our makeup for this!” Paulina says: “You’re right— Hot girls don’t cry. So, anyway, we got mail! Thank you so much to two anonymous listeners who left messages in our mailbox. If you want to leave us a message, you can send us a text at 160-606-24 or contact us through the Roommates Mailbox, link is in the description.” Faith says: “First up, we have our first mail inquiry. It says—” [Momentarily, Faith’s facial demeanor shifts into an evident expression relating to cringe. She’d mouth “What is this a reference to?” Paulina shrugs and shakes her head.] Faith says: “Ew—it’s someone flirtin’ with us! Anyways, they’re askin’ us—’Hello, I wanted to try a pickup line on your guys? Are you an ace bandage? Because I jus’ sprained my ass.’ Whatever that means!” Faith says: “Firstly—’your guys’. Secondly, I don’t get it, Paulina? What’s your thoughts on this? Who is that?” Paulina says: “I was expecting you to understand it. You’re the brains here!” Faith says: “Where is this from? 2012? But girl, don’t look at me—I am more lost than you are!” [The women laugh together. Paulina, still confused, resumes. In the meantime, Faith chortles due to Paulina’s bewilderment.] Paulina says: “We also have one voicemail… Let’s play it~” [Anonymous’ voice is devoid of emotion & monotone as they ask the question, it’d be; “Here comes the age old question. Would you rather talk like Yoda, or breathe like Darth Vader for the rest of your life?”] [Paulina laughs out of despair, still visibly confused. In opposition to Paulina’s reaction, Faith contingently emits an excessive chortle. Silence fills up the women’s rooms as they think about their answer wisely.] Faith says: “Easy answer for me—Already speak like Yoda, I do.” [Faith’s laughter beacons as her corny one-liner announces itself to the audience.] Paulina says: “Oh my god, I hate you.” Faith says: “Besides, it’s jus’ a trait that’ll either make you seem extremely wise or deluded dependin’ on the person that you’re speakin’ with!” Paulina says: “I can’t choose, both options are annoying as fuck—” Faith says: “Guess you can relate to the options—Jus’ kiddin’!” [Both women laugh.] Paulina says: “I might have to go with breathing like Vader. I can’t see myself speaking like Yoda at all— I might aswell sound as if I inhaled 50 packs of cigs every night.” [Faith issues a supportive laugh in response to Paulina’s jester. Afterwards, her words murmur a finalizing statement for the podcast.] Faith says: “As for our audience, I have a question for y’all. What are your experiences with intergenerational trauma? And what advice would you give to someone that is in the same boat as your own?” Paulina says: “If you’ve got suggestions about what we should talk about next, make sure to leave us a message through the mailbox! Thank you so much for listening to our beautiful voices if you’re hearing this~ and seeing our beautiful faces if you’re watching this. We’ll invite you again to our home soon! Until next time, dears~ Faith says: “Until next time, dears! You best come back to us, otherwise, the intergenerational trauma monster will come for you durin’ the night!” [The women set foot outside of their house after hibernation. The duo advertise the podcast by wearing Velma and Daphne outfits, promoting the show to local whiteknights, and geeks alike. This begs the question; ‘Where the Scooby Snacks at?’] (( @Sammy @Ale ))