Black In Bend: Being An Extreme Minority In Suburbia | Anyssa Bohanan | TEDxBend

Have you ever been the only one who looks like you in a room? Anyssa Bohanan has experienced the feeling on an extreme level, first living as one of the only African Americans in South Korea, and then as one of very few in Central Oregon. Her experiences being an extreme minority both at home and abroad range from amusing to life changing. She hopes that by sharing those experiences she can make the difference for at least one other person feeling the same way.
Local news reporter, Anyssa Bohanan, is a self-proclaimed “Future Oprah.” In fact, she’s been interviewing her teddy bears since she was a toddler and attributes the fact that she can talk to anyone, anywhere, to growing up as an Army Brat. A two-year stint teaching English in South Korea taught Bohanan the true importance of escaping your comfort zone. From navigating the streets of a whole new country, to a journey of self-discovery in unfamiliar territory right here at home, she’s learning that being different doesn’t have to be a bad thing, no matter where you are.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@allyteacher3489]

Anyssa!! We met when you lived in Korea. So amazing to see you giving a TED talk....you're incredible!!!

[@billsawyer7796]

Ally Teacher anti-white racism is everywhere !

[@christinaharris9528]

Who is watching this in 2020?

[@smallblockchevy1022]

I for at least one. 😉 I live in Portland and have family and friends in Bend, so I thought this might be interesting. You from he area?

[@christinaharris9528]

Steve Harrison nope I’m a bit more north in Washington but I have been to Bend it’s really pretty up there. That airport is tiny lol. A friend of mine ran a marathon up there she won the women’s.

[@smallblockchevy1022]

​@@christinaharris9528 Without being specific, what general area in Washington? Around the Tri-Cities, Spokane, Seattle? I'm just barely across the state border in Portland. "That airport is tiny lol. A friend of mine ran a marathon up there she won the women’s." Yeah, I've never been to or seen the airport because it's close enough for me to drive. And just curious, does your friend travel all around doing marathons, or was that just a one time deal?

[@christinaharris9528]

Steve Harrison she’s run about twenty or so. She’s in bad shape now tho something wrong with her foot. Im in snowhomish county so more north than Seattle and more west than the tricities and Spokane.

[@stellamugumwa9224]

Me.

[@UnCommentaryBri]

She is so brave and professional. Thank you for sharing your story. I love how you over came the harsh remarks that was said to your face! Thank you for teaching us that we need to see people as an equal and still acknowledge their background!

[@AMGmagazine]

I am continuously amazed at the beauty of bravery. Ida B. Wells would have been proud to see a woman such as this carry on a tradition of elegance, truth and strength.

[@ericholt7609]

Thank you for sharing your story. Experiences like these help me to see life from another human's perspective and though I will never truly know what it is like to walk in your shoes, I can at least understand that my actions can either positively or negatively affect your experience.I am a believer that we can all learn and grow together.

[@n.c.1201]

Yes, and just don't forget, no one has walked in your shoes either.

[@paulinawaas9204]

So true!

[@smallblockchevy1022]

"I can at least understand that my actions can either positively or negatively affect your experience." Was seeing this video the cause of that enlightenment? If so, what was your general understanding of the effects of your actions on other people prior to watching this video?

[@noirsaba]

Back handed arrogance......

[@ericholt7609]

@@smallblockchevy1022 Watching this video was one of many experiences that have helped shape my awareness of the experiences of others. I am constantly trying to become more aware of those around me and of my own privilege. I have noticed over my maturity that what I used to think only affected me actually affected everyone in varying degrees and usually to a much greater extent. Many people on this planet have had much harder, and for some much easier, paths than I. My development is to be as aware and understanding of others and to be a better example to those I might influence.

[@ameliam.winter6101]

I love that there is a Sign Language Interpreter as part of this lecture.

[@quiver3160]

Whats the sign for internalized oppression?

[@tessabailey942]

Anyssa, thank you for sharing your truth. I am so thankful to have you as a member of the Central Oregon community - and proud of TedX for allowing you to use your platform to share such an important talk. Keep it up!!!

[@rachelw3533]

This lady is so classy, and so patient explaining her own story. I really appreciate it.

[@nickshiroma8898]

As an Asian American man that’s lived thru the watts riots, Rodney King, travels in the world- I love you

[@andrew-song]

@@Majikwayz_playz You realize that 2,200 small Korean owned businesses were ravaged during the Rodney King riots, right? I sincerely hope you considered the fact that the rioting has hurt small businesses, especially those minority owned.

[@nikkinorman4254]

@@andrew-song OH are all asians somehow Korean? Let's just find more ways to pin people against eachother shall we? That just makes the world sunnier doesn't it 🌞

[@stillhestiab1070]

This was a great talk, thank you Anyssa for delivering such an amazing talk!

[@stephsenner]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience in this compelling and poignant presentation. Your story was spellbinding and nuanced and insightful. It has stuck with me for several months. Coming back to rewatch, I am especially struck by your insight that Bend consistently avoids the unpleasant and seeks to minimize our differences instead of facing them in ways that would help us be a more resilient community. I have been part of this problem! I have avoided discussing race out of fear of making a clumsy "beginner" error. Your TedX Talk feels like an invitation to get over that limiting fear. It's a gentle challenge to grow, and I appreciate your courage to issue the challenge.

[@Beba1589]

Precious comment. Thank you

[@RingerDaMan]

Isn't minimizing our differences EXACTLY the point? It's constant drudging up of the differences that only cause more division. Yes, I get we all have very different experiences, but we also have a lot of shared experiences. Why don't those shared experiences get emphasized? Why must we continually hear about our differences. It may be cathartic and even interesting to hear, but at this point we're becoming more divisive in this country precisely because of the identity politics being pushed on us.

[@paulashaw495]

@@RingerDaMan it's not about identity Politics. As someone who's also in the extreme minority in Suburbia experiences are very different when you're the only one in the room. The Point she was making is to allow space to talk about those different experiences. Often times experiences had by the extreme minority are minimized to placate the feelings of those who are uncomfortable having the conversation.

[@bonitahobbs2097]

Bonita Hobbs Wow. Re: Stephanie Senner. I just wanted to say wow because your statements have shown me an even more distinct view of the comforts of being white.

[@regina-heidi]

My thoughts as well.

[@jjpeppercat]

WOW! Wonderful! So illuminating. Thank you.

[@rasheedahb7552]

we are different that we may get to know each other not that we should be separate

[@k.bllard6329]

Thank you for sharing your experience. You are brave, a great story-teller and I applaud you.

[@itsalorikatpnw]

I loved this!

[@oliviasflowers4042]

Nicely presented. Good content

[@donnysandley6977]

Very well done!!!! thank you!!!!

[@sOnlight67]

Ok. I get it now! Listening to the end. I stand and applaud you! Thank you!

[@kristinesmart24]

I love her sense of humor!

[@davidanguiano8926]

I love you and your positive attitude and I pray you don’t change a bit for anybody thank you for this speech

[@gaillewis5472]

Unfortunately, most people regardless of race, tend not to think about unpleasant things until confronted. It's human nature to avoid anything that could be uncomfortable or even painful.

[@mirozen_]

Very true!

[@nikkinorman4254]

The truth is better than people lying to your face all the time

[@susanneal1891]

Thank you for your words! I was just up there to visit my son in Portland! They've a long way to go for the diversity. I enjoyed watching!

[@johnhenry4737]

Thank you for sharing your story. It goes to show that even though we've come a long way, there is still a lot of work to be done. I'm proud of the people who took a stand for you so you didn't have to. You shouldn't have to "stand up" for yourself in the face of racism. That's what your friends are for. Keep it up, you are awesome.

[@grayadam]

She's so brave!

[@queenjess3714]

My son is being accused of something he didn't do and we were going through something and he has been sad about the situation & I tell him to use is as a platform and not as a "why me?". You're a great example for young kids. I do believe everything happens for a reason and we will soon find out why.

[@wansfordpaul]

You are very courageous, and for that I am very proud of you

[@breathnstop]

What a charming young woman. Love to listen to her. Stay strong and carry on, I see great things in your future.

[@sparklebutt1119]

I love this speaker. 🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@shailiparekh9679]

Thanks for sharing your story Anyssa! I lived in Bend for a couple of years and being the only brown person wherever I went was the weirdest experience and the denial of race and class issues by Bendites who wanted to keep things pleasant was even harder. Glad to know I wasn't alone!

[@nikkinorman4254]

This was freaking amazing 😭😭😭

[@honeypunch8927]

Many hugs

[@mrscpjones16]

Great job.

[@shannonstowell5250]

Great job on your talk!

[@Anisahonor]

Love this 🙏🏽🙌🏽💃🏽

[@Ms-yv5li]

I Am Proud Of You Beautiful Lady!!!!!

[@saurabhbehere5435]

she's so lovely !

[@sophiekellogg2856]

Beautiful! Bend needs you!

[@yoyobeam1269]

Awesome stuff, I wish it had a million plus views more people need to know this.

[@quefre3479]

I truly enjoyed this video. She so good looking as well.

[@yvonneahern13]

Thank you.

[@Xando372]

She's adorable and spot on!

[@PeteCullenRealtor]

Thank you

[@MostHighDwelling]

She has the most beautiful smile.

[@timmyg2548]

Thank you, Anyssa! I visited Port-au-Prince Haiti when I was a young man. I hired a guide named Bill to give me a tour of the city. After a few hours of sightseeing, we visited the metal market and wandered around for a bit. It dawned on me that I hadn't seen another white person for some time. But I quickly dismissed the thought because everyone seemed to be going out of their way to be nice to me. I never felt like I was in danger and was eventually delivered by Bill back to my ship. I do see color but I see the people who are inside the body much more clearly.

[@kamiiya]

Good talk.

[@Nikkopapi]

This was the very reason I left Pendleton, OR and returned to Southern California...

[@mogotrevo]

The issue is affording southern california :/

[@nwakava9558]

Pendleton is friendly and accep y ing. Many native people there. Hermiston 20 miles East of Pendleton, not so much.

[@crashb0mb]

powerful

[@LPESPadilla]

Brilliant

[@Johnnyd943]

Anyssa.... Your amazing....

[@loreleiii4620]

I have high hopes for the younger generations since there is so much more diversity than before

[@MM-ti6yk]

If everyone spoke like you about racism, I think many people would understand better. What professionalism, decency and love in this talk! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@yellooh]

Let's talk.

[@36742650885]

She’s Pretty

[@sanjuansteve]

@2:56 There are two types of people in the world, those that stand up for equality and empathy, and those led by fear (and the empathy it kills) and greed (fear).

[@Tubulous123]

Yes!!! Thank you!!!! A "Talk we never had", and we did fine without it....learned along the way; we had our own racists within Family.

[@2021noname]

She has been hurt by racism. What a brave woman. I hope she gets to meet Oprah one day.

[@donnamcdonald3709]

My close white friend (and pastor), who has been with me through thick and thin, said he does not see color. I can see that he doesn't see color. He and his family are the nicest people I know. They stand up for and open their doors to people of color and for everyone. As a person of color, I'm not offended, because I see the love pouring from him every day.

[@grahamt5924]

The shame is when people use the bible to devide rather than unite. I have mixed race family as some have married blacks and some have have married Indians. Amongst family it's easier to not see ethnicity but rather the personality of each individual. Saying that I grew up as generally the only white family in the suburb and kids are cruel. My parents had to speak to a younger me who was reduced to tears by the other kids who separated me out because I was the white guy. Kids learn quickly which buttons to press when they want to cause harm to another who is annoying them or who they feel angry with.

[@thatlittlezombie]

is he blind?

[@nmhbnm]

Remember when the infamous Cherrios commercial aired and all the hoopla occurred as a result? I watched it three times and couldn't figure it out. I didn't read all of the comments until I was stumped. When some people say they don't see color, what they mean is that they don't see it first. It doesn't stand front and center. Of course I see color, but there are other more important things I see first. I'm not sure this is what other people mean when they say this, but it is my truth.

[@rtthomas3667]

Awareness is key. If you're aware that the comment is off-putting (although well-intended), say precisely what you mean instead. Respond with something like, "I don't make stereotypical assumptions about people based on race, I examine who they are." Tip: Don't approach anyone with such a comment. Only mention your position if race is being discussed directly with you.

[@sanjuansteve]

We should all be purely intolerant of intolerance and stand up for everyone and equality every time.

[@cinnamonstar808]

Defined "we"

[@hopefaith585]

Steve Bishop, it's an impossibility you create MORE division by addressing a problem. The resistance to addressing the problem, by its nature, is exposing the existence of the divisiveness that is being created, by the sources (individuals, groups, organizations, etc.) CREATING/ENABLING the problem. The Resistance to acknowledge problem(s), in this case, created by PRE-EXISTING division(s), is an attempt to AVOID CORRECTIVE ACTION(S), necessary to eliminate far too many problems to mention, resulting from INEQUITY, created by the divisiveness of those pre-existing divisions. Also, resistance to addressing the problem is, likely, the result of MANY people being sociopathic or having personality disorders that cause them to attempt to reconcile the contradictions between their belief systems and their behaviors with rationalizations and denial, to avoid psychological discomfort, resulting from "COGNITIVE DISSONANCE!"

[@veinteduece6625]

Those who created this problem are the first to want to call it divisive.

[@QQJeroen]

You know that this applies to all involved parties. Not wanting to talk about a problem which started ages ago, is the same as saying that the current problem is only your fault, and I am the victim.

[@scottholley4712]

Constantly blaming all of one's problems on another race is tiresome BS. Every culture and every individual needs to look at the habits and attitudes they have that is holding them back. Personal responsibility is a foreign concept to some people, while their answer to everything is to cry "racism".

[@alanmac36]

@@scottholley4712 Yea sure historically verifiable records of racially based discrimination, prejudice, and violence that have inter generational effects can simply be reduced to "decrying racism". Somehow in your world the past doesn't effect the present.

[@dwightwilliams9895]

Too many words that do not take a survey of past history and laws still relevant that until that's done causes Lat in the race's present future .

[@kennyrs5537]

omg she is beautiful

[@emanate0]

i don't want to sound creepy BUT she is so precious i just wanna hold her and tell her its gonna be ok.

[@humanandrade1537]

"I have a dream".... Humans please catch up, like your brand new baby humans born today. With No hate. Great talk. Thank you. Love you allllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[@maishayangu9216]

You are not alone sister! I wish you'd hear of my walmart incident in Bend!

[@wandaholmes7125]

Bend has a reputation that precedes it. It's them NOT you.

[@juliusreed5273]

Ain’t no blacks in Bend I used to deliver for QCD most the folks that live there are from California

[@stephenspreckley8219]

You are beautiful!

[@deborahbeaumont2133]

so poignant and eloquent. I am a white woman living in Bend after having lived all over the US and this is the whitest place I've ever lived. We definitely need to be having the conversations we all need to have about race and discrimination but as you said - no one wants to go to the uncomfortable places. This is more than George Floyd - as you say it's about the systemic bias.

[@333anders6]

do it anyway deb. be the catalyst.

[@alphaecka1949]

I have never heard before sounds like a joke

[@xeberus]

I love this talk, but I'm not sure who named it. Bend is not suburbia. It's the largest town in its vicinity, which is very distant from any large city.

[@tenholindberg9862]

in the other vid the speaker talked about three sections of racism 1 prejudice = the part that lives in all of us humans ( seeing ppl,s as we and them) 2 discrimination= the reality that if our prejudicies arent solved in healthy manner the thinking of other diffrently than thinking of our in group transforms itself in our daily lives 3 racism(systemic) = regardless if we have up dated our laws and criminal system wich makes it illegal to continue old practises doesnt mean a thing if these problems arent solved then only the words behind different treatment change from old to new ones and the prejudice in us continue to manifest itself in ppls daily lives in school systems etc the modern racism lives in these linesand will continue so if we dont handle the no1 part and if we dont (like this miss said here) find a healthy and constructive way to talk about race and its issues

[@ernieglover4693]

I grew up in rural Oregon in a mixed community . Yes it was predominately white but I never saw out and out racism til I moved. I saw that some of my friends looked different but that meant nothing. There we based friendship on similarities. We tended to packs not based on color but based on likes and dislikes. We had fist fights sometimes and that was just ok, you might disagree but nobody ever got beat down. The fights only lasted seconds. And we we're back to playing before the sweat dried. Simple times they were. It's not the same anymore even friends that grew up together like a family HATE each other. I miss those days that's what we need to get back to. Seeing each other as equals with secondary . I am an Oregonian and happen to be of multi-racial genetics. So for me racism cannot be an acceptable ideology that I practice because I would have to segregate myself from myself. Be proud and loud of ancestry. As I am of all of mine. The only race that I haven't found a genetic ties to is Asian, but just in case I study Asian equally . May the spirit of peace replace racism everywhere.

[@GeraldSmallbear]

.....that moment where she says South Korea. Ok, now I see where your dad was going.

[@alexisprel1756]

What do you mean?

[@joedellaselva1251]

6:08 The Incident by Countee Cullen

[@vincentmiller4936]

VERY GOOD, Very Real, Very Needed, Oh that people all across this country would listen. America would be GREAT, not "great again".

[@travislawrencemusic]

If EVERYONE stopped obsessing about their race and the race of others, then a real lesson for this country will have been learned.

[@josephredeker1853]

I am in nursing and have heard school nurses comment that african american children feel more muscular, more definition, different proportions. Does anyone know if there is any medical facts to prove or disprove theses statements.

[@avimehenwal]

Hey guys, can any of my good brothers/sisters here help me with the link/name to documentary she mentioned in her talk? I am interested. Conside me 8 years old, want to have that talk XD

[@eightpoint58]

Thanks I love smart people.

[@alejandramendoza6415]

"I don't see you as white" LOL. TRUTH. GReat TED talk!!!

[@br-xq1yz]

White in Birmingham: Paighton Houston

[@mk4881]

Beautiful woman

[@moniquebrown7437]

I used to live in Bend Oregon

[@br-xq1yz]

White in Myrtle Beach: Brittanee Drexel

[@ThePaperPanda]

💯🔥

[@kelemkelem5829]

In fact I have bad experiences with American color people in America. What it was that if you tell them that there look like from Africa and you beautiful and so on and then automatically they became red and upset . That was always surprised me as beautiful African women....I am African live in America

[@VibeWithVida]

Honey it's all in our history from being slaves taken from Africa. Our African history was beaten out of us and we were punished for trying to hold on to it. After hundreds and hundreds of years of being taught self hatred and that we were the descendants of savages who sold us to white man, we don't necessarily view people from Africa as attractive or similar to us. It takes self love and identification to get to the point of seeing our African ancestry as beautiful. Too many African American people hate themselves due to slavery. It's not your history, you'll never understand.

[@josephredeker1853]

my mother is blonde and went to a nigerian friends funeral and found out what it is like to be the only different looking human.

[@cathychase663]

I am in PDX and BEND is gorgeous and I am white but bc it's so not diverse, I don't really want to move there- most gorgeous city though

[@davidrobinson9528]

How can you deny the existence of color by saying you don’t see color and finish that sentence by saying we are all equal. That’s an oxymoron statement

[@Craftableful]

paradoxical statement, an oxymoron is two conflicting words where as a paradox is two conflicting statements

[@ceegprogress449]

Dammit Hello!!!!!!!! 💯

[@eskee1]

Thats accepting things that are the opposite of what we can see as reality

[@alexn.2901]

Being the same and being equal are not the same things.

[@scottholley4712]

@@cinegraphics Shhhhhh,....don't bring facts into the argument. It is not a color thing as much as a cultural thing. Bl;ack culture is significantly different from white culture, as is Asian culture a bit different from "white" culture. Same with Latino culture. This accounts for school achievement, criminal tendencies, family values, moral behavior and work ethic. HUGE differences between some cultures.

[@ericamlca]

Her IG is thefutureOprah

[@AO-rb9yh]

2:00 That's not the question you should ask. The right question is "Who am I"?

[@eightpoint58]

I love you.

[@howardkoor2796]

Sensational human being …..

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

No matter how much talk about it what no one can do is change people’ s mind about racism .

[@intelligentthinker8085]

That is exactly the average consensus of WHAT PRIVLEDGE. They don't feel that racism exists.

[@TheBrofessor]

great talk...she’s pretty cute too

[@jackiemurria3966]

Shes beautiful

[@kevinhayden9030]

Jackie Murria I don’t usually do this. But here goes: So are you.

[@kendrabrownpersistence2178]

I HATE when I hear people say "I don't see color". What are you color blind? You don't see all this glorious melanin? you could never! lol They don't realize how offensive that is. What it's saying is.. I'm going to "look past" your color , as if something is wrong with it. tuh!

[@ranip7644]

That's because you don't know what colorblindness means. It means, "yes we see your color, no we're not going to treat you any differently because of it."

[@wildflowersun5840]

2022, African-American, grew up, in White Suburbia, When, Italians, Greeks, Irish, Jewish etc... Weren't White. So, watching to see what, if anything, has changed???

[@lightninglord1]

Platform

[@MrDMC11889]

Who's watching I'm 2022 ?

[@william11349]

I am playing it loud on MLK st

[@hunteroftruth4986]

I'm confused! Am I supposed to see color or just see people acting in many different ways? There is one thing I am certain of and that is this young lady is intelligent, beautiful and someone I could sit with for hours over coffee and just talk! Excellent presentation!

[@rtthomas3667]

Seeing color is fine. Holding the notion that someone of a specific color/race is a certain way (i.e., inferiority, etc.) because he/she is of that color/race is unacceptable. I agree, excellent speaker!

[@Marcus_Halberstram]

"Have you ever been the only one who looks like you in a room?" Malkovich? Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich. MALKOVICH!