My identity is a superpower -- not an obstacle | America Ferrera | TED

Hollywood needs to stop resisting what the world actually looks like, says actor, director and activist America Ferrera. Tracing the contours of her career, she calls for more authentic representation of different cultures in media -- and a shift in how we tell our stories. "Presence creates possibility," she says. "Who we see thriving in the world teaches us how to see ourselves, how to think about our own value, how to dream about our futures."
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[@sallycravens2767]

Thank you Ryan Gosling for introducing this to the viewers. I love this, and I love America.

[@mikewhite4560]

Ryan started a ME TOO Movement....

[@oceansky6207]

Yes here because of Ryan. Love him

[@hiddenechoes]

❤❤❤❤

[@renatashp]

And Greta!❤

[@Maggie.can.hug.every.cat.]

Who is Ryan, I'm here because of Ken

[@andrewcampbell-bluespianop6741]

“I didn’t need my dream to be easy, I needed it to be possible”...I like that!

[@amedic2312]

Andrew Campbell hey sir can we be friends and share more such positive views

[@bethliotta3752]

I also want my own dreams to be possible not easy.

[@williamwells835]

. . . "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundation's under them." --- Henry David Thoreau

[@addicted2p0rn]

Perhaps they would have more dream roles for her in China or India.

[@hindalotaibi6255]

I also want my dreams to be possible not easy😭😭😭

[@lancecdcw]

I knew America Ferrera is a super-talented queen, but I didn't know she did a TED Talk in 2019. Thanks for mentioning it in the Barbie interview, Ryan Gosling! America did an amazing job, and it spoke to me!

[@andyt9677]

"I was never actually asking the system to change. I was asking it to let me in and those aren't the same thing." So powerful

[@lorihalverson-wente7714]

I just added this quote to a textbook I am co-authoring!

[@michaelm9874]

Great catch. That was my stand out from the talk too. It's important.

[@bereniceontiveros9835]

I’m here for Ryan Gosling, I’m staying for America Ferrera

[@mochaest1994]

I couldn’t think of a more perfect choice for the human in the Barbie Movie ! Your message still stands and resonates with me. I’m fat brown and poor but still going to college to perfect my artistic talents

[@jriversher]

"I didn't need my dream to be easy, I just needed it to be possible" That. Right there. Got me emotional.

[@songbird6414]

And now she’s had some incredibly iconic roles. I know for me she was part of my childhood as Astrid from HTTYD, and then part of my adolescent life as Amy from Superstore. I couldn’t be a bigger fan.

[@victoriashaw4578]

OMG!!! I didn’t realize till now that she was Astrid!! Thank you for that realization!

[@argeliag759]

“Our systems don’t have to create a new reality, They have to stop resisting the one that they already live in “

[@kidcaptainwembri]

*Presence creates possibility* Such a powerful message, so well written and delivered

[@jenniferfrias5912]

"I'm ready to stop resisting and start existing as my full authentic self" -- this statement really struck me. So powerful!

[@kavithagunasekaran8492]

I felt pain and courage at the same time but overall it's just empowering

[@justinb813]

What a beautifully refined educated woman I truly love her as an actress and a person.

[@lourdesgreen2213]

She's great! So talented.

[@bethanymears]

I’m so glad people are finding this! I’ve watched this over and over for years and I felt like no one knew about it

[@IndieCindy3]

Same here! I remember America was on Superstore when she did TED Talk. Now I'm back at college and one of my professors included the link to this talk. I love that I get to rewatch it as part of my educational journey. It's a brilliant and empowering speech! America for president!

[@spainbarcafootyfan]

I love America, she inspires me so much. She’s kind of playing herself as Amy in Superstore, smart, charismatic and passionate about the right things. That’s why she made it far both in the show in corporate and in real life as an actress/producer/director. :))

[@amourtoujours779]

I love the way she connects with the audience.

[@shira6975]

How does she connect to the audience?

[@TheWolfzer]

@@shira6975 USB

[@FlintandStone1]

@@TheWolfzer Only USB? Everyone knows that SD cards are faster...

[@DAYlypeace0]

Thank you! You deserve a standing ovation. You made me cry and made me realize what I lost sight for few days now. My identity is a superpower

[@slivitaland12]

I’m sick and tired of the constant messages that victimize the latinos. It is like we are always complaining about how hard our lives are in this country, or how much we suffer, or how unfair our destiny is. I see it on TV all the time (Univision and Telemundo are a perfect example). If you don’t like this country then go back to where you came from. Who said that life is easy??? It’s hard to everybody in the world, not just us “the latinos”. Everybody has easy and hard experiences, decisions to make., sad and happy moments. Do you think that becoming an actress or an actor is an easy journey?? How many (white) people never had the change?? . Most of the actors and actresses had to start from scratch portraying roles they didn’t want. If you felt embarrassed or angry because you had to portray a “latina with a broken English” then you are not a truly actress. How many actors and actresses have portrayed roles with different accents and “broken English”??. I don’t understand why did you get so offended?. Atte. A very proud Latina with a Broken English ( I don’t feel ashamed by that and I feel grateful for having the opportunity of living in this great country and I’m proud of myself with all my accomplishments).

[@carmenmariamarquezluzardo1781]

I’m so moved. This is one (or the best) ted talk I have ever seen so far. Bravo america !!

[@amedic2312]

I didn't needed my dream to be easy , I just wanted it to be possible. Such beautiful lines.

[@amedic2312]

Thank you all. For love and support let's form a fb support page and or something like that for spreading p+ vives

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

I only first learned about her thx to Barbie, heard her name a lot b4 but never knew who she was, but she seems like such a genuinely nice person, in interviews she’s very joyful and funny, she’s also very engaged with helping people and has been active with many different organisations and projects, not just words but action. Idk i cant pinpoint it but she’s just got such a radiance of positivity and kindness and I’m glad Barbie might give her more and bigger roles

[@arjyahi]

So grateful to Ryan Gosling for introducing us to this. And America Ferrera, you are phenomenal.

[@alainaelysse9920]

Some of ya'll are totally missing the point. She's speaking on the fact that we ARE judged (initially) by how people SEE us, not our character. You can't even get to the part where people can judge you by your character when they write you off as soon as they look at you. And that there are people (from many backgrounds and races, including whites) who will try to conform to society's standards in order to fit in and get the job, the partner, whatever. And she's right. She's acknowledging the reality we live in, while saying that the way to change it (specifically in the world of Hollywood), is to stop pretending as if we are not all different, but to embrace the differences, and have those differences reflected in media. And I don't see a millionaire complaining. I see someone with a different point of view sharing her experience with an industry she knows about more than the rest of us.

[@amedic2312]

Alaina Elysse your point is actually ver valid and this is what people miss because of your looks

[@alainaelysse9920]

@@amedic2312 Thank you 🙏 I was actually expecting a lot more hate for that comment. Or at least one person calling me a snowflake. 😂

[@amedic2312]

Alaina ma'am, could we spread such positive vibes. Why bother about myopic thinking

[@amedic2312]

Alaina Elysse ma'am we must form a support group and spread such positive stories of struggle and inner success.

[@DaKoopaKing]

Actually, she's not acknowledging the reality she lives in. Her mother worked as a director at Hilton Hotels. She grew up in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, a high-class neighborhood. Her mother was so financially secure she decided to give birth to 5 other kids. She did not grow up poor by any margin, she was born into one of the richest families in the world and faced no roadblocks on her way to stardom. Especially when you consider Los Angeles is majority hispanic - 48% according to the most recent census. She was by no means at an unfair disadvantage at any time in her life.

[@jeremiahrandle3043]

Me watching this after Ryan gosling said he did, in a Barbie interview and America was so happy about it

[@Unk.B.]

Me too

[@renataselby]

I have loved America since I was a little girl. It was so special for me to see someone who looked like me on a screen. What a gift it is to see her in Barbie. ♥️

[@Jay-Zech]

And now she’s nominated for an Oscar. It makes me very happy to see that America’s childhood dream came true. An inspiring speech from an inspiring woman 👏

[@nlmfilms6641]

Fun Fact: If anyone has seen "How To Train Your Dragon", you might not know that America Ferrera did the voice-over for Astrid Hofferson in the movie, its sequels, and the spin-off shows. Every time I hear her talk, Astrid Hofferson is the first thing I picture.

[@jtlovescodelyoko]

Same

[@user-ti4us7uk9i]

Same

[@watasidesune7009]

She is amazing!!!!

[@SmthnPretty]

FINALLY FOUND THE COMMENT HAHA

[@amandamarievandenburg-gilm9753]

I saw a skit from a Barbie interview where Ryan Gosling mention this, and I have her book but I had no idea that she had a TEDTalk. 😊 This was amazing and beautiful and inspiring and I can't wait to share with my students!!!

[@dianakostermans5945]

“My identity is my super power.” I love that! Thank you America Ferrera ❤️

[@alejandromolinac]

Soooo…. She a grifter….

[@joycedominguez8997]

@@alejandromolinac she a complainer

[@IsabelaGadelha]

This is amazing, America. You shine! You're so talented. I'm gonna miss you so much in Superstore. I had never cried before because of a TV show, but knowing you're leaving made me sad because you're amazing as Amy. I wish you the best in all your projects! Thank you for everything you do!

[@AlexZ-lc6nl]

As a STEM student I can relate. From the start all I’ve seen is white. White walls, white faces. Even now in college, not many Latinos in biochemistry...being a trailblazer is lonesome at times, but I’m damn proud of my Latino prowess. Coming from a underrepresented area (the hood), I understand the vibes she’s saying. Si se puede. Somos fuertes. Nosotros somos america.

[@carlozofjuan]

Keep it up @Alex Z. You’re not alone in the way you feel in STEM! I am also Latino and have experienced that. And biochem? Much respect for you! I took a couple Grad classes in mechanobiology and genetics. They definitely made me grow even though it was uncomfortable. Kudos!

[@caramela4830]

So proud of you! Keep going!

[@tipsyredrooster1269]

She is a phenomenal female I could listen to and learn from for hours! I'd love to see her on her own talk show as a platform to educate and motivate the world to do better and move positively beyond society barriers.

[@sebastianargueta4687]

this online school man

[@lle333]

Tru lmao

[@wh0srusty]

LMAO

[@jackpanozzo6004]

indeed

[@samuelmendoza447]

fax

[@ianmccarthy1547]

@@samuelmendoza447 Yessir

[@laurieabraham5323]

Oh thank you so much for this talk on how to achieve your superpower. I have watched America for such a long time. I think she is a valued partner for all young women who are out there achieving their identity, their way in the world, looking for change and being successful because they are not willing to sacrifice any of this. This TED talk was inspirational for all young women.

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

Who we see thriving in the world teaches us how to see ourselves.” What an inspirational speech... I’ve liked America Ferrera ever since seeing her in the series “Ugly Betty.” It definitely inspires me when I feel down and even a bit hopeless I can watch the show over and over. Needed this tonight, thank you America for keeping it real...

[@isabellaheck7067]

"i wasnt asking them to change the system, just to let me in" love that

[@alejandradiaz7278]

As a Honduran myself, i have always admired her for representing Honduras very well. She is an inspiration for all hondurans

[@deejannemeiurffnicht1791]

i'm scottish, white, poor, and felt my emmotions pouring over the dam most of the way through that as it feels the same for me. you're too fat, too old, too young, too clever, too poor, too ugly, too beautiful, too this too that too the other.... the world we live in has developed so many ways to disqualify most of the world's population from truly taking part that it is no wonder it feels like it is run by a heartless machine.

[@Avo4929]

you can literally change how much you weight tho?

[@evelynlamptey9570]

@@Avo4929 Its not always easy for everyone

[@Bayo106]

@@Avo4929 that's not really the point. Especially when the person is not actually fat (models, actresses like America)

[@lindseyspigner4296]

I love her so much and what she stands for!!

[@jordan12118]

There was actually a Superstore episode inspired from this topic that America is speaking on. Powerful

[@hathawaycinema]

@Veronica Oregano the one where Glenn makes her put on a sombrero and speak in broken English to sell salsa

[@hathawaycinema]

@Veronica Oregano s1 ep 3

[@gillianmccolm657]

that episode pissed me off because there was no actual resolution and it was just kind of hard to watch. noone really accepted what Amy was trying to tell them and she ended up doing it anyway. it could have been done better.

[@mistermastermind528]

@@gillianmccolm657 I enjoyed that episode. And I like that a lot of the issues they tackled did not have any resolve (the union thing was noble but I really expected it to fail) because they are, even today, still an ongoing discussion. I think Amy telling people off about racial stereotypes wasn't the right solution, at the same time there are people who are not offended (Carmen), that others could see it as a role to play or a job to do (Mateo). You could even say that it was representation-gone-wrong but it sells-it's very much a reality. Heck, I'm Asian and that Chinese (though I'm not Chinese) moment was among the funniest for me that I just keep rewatching that scene. I appreciate shows that keep the discussions of the issues ongoing rather than provide solutions because story-wise, when you do the latter, most of the time you'll sound preachy.

[@matthewscott1091]

Wow, I just admire her so much. I recently (for the first time ever) watched all of Ugly Betty & then got into Superstore & America is great in both of them. I’ve never told a soul but I’ve always wanted to try acting (tv was my dream). I’m in Texas unfortunately, born & raised (no offense, I still like Texas) but I’ve always felt like an alien here. At 17 I was given a small role in a local film but I let an abusive ex talk me out of doing it. He said, “Who cares? Your part is small & pointless.” At 18, a modeling agency (a real one) showed some interest in me but I let my mom talk me out of that. “It’s a waste of time. That industry is shallow & full of bad people.” I had a close friend who after finishing high school, moved on her own from Texas to New York City to pursue acting on Broadway. Now, due to the high cost of living, illness & home sickness she came back within a year but at least she tried. That took courage! *Does anyone else reading this ever have that paralyzing fear that keeps you stuck?* I’ve been so stuck for years now. America Ferrera was & still is such a gutsy young woman & just a couple years older than me. I wish I could borrow just an ounce of her bravery. 👏🏻 #TedTalk #AmericaFerrera

[@joycedominguez8997]

Why would you put yourself down or feel like you can't do something. Hollywood or New York people are just that.... people. They don't have super powers. I hope that after all this time that you got up the courage to rock this world. Please text back

[@themortalriver565]

Here because Ryan Gosling gushed about it in an interview. 💚

[@aashnamansata296]

"It is possible to be the person who genuinely wants to see change, while also being the person whose actions keep things the way they are." Damn.

[@Muhrissa1001]

Wow, this was so empowering, emotional and such an important message. I loved every minute of this! ❤

[@joeyhernandez1427]

America , I know you will never read this , I love you and you are my dream . You are a true american .

[@redhood6525]

1 year later a reply

[@lle333]

ok

[@adrianalainez8499]

Of course because Honduras is in America. Along with 35 other independent American countries. The USA doesn't hold a patent on the word American. It's just one country in a continent. So everyone from America is American. Honduras is in the central part of America.

[@The01Ghost]

The best Ted X lecture ever!.. She dragged me into the conversation, had my full undivided attention.. That has never happened before!.. Great chat!..

[@sophialightfootramos2629]

so we all here for an assignment right now?

[@KingCapGaming]

Lol 😂 same here

[@cameroniscool4950]

real question: *you got the answers?*

[@trini_stephon773]

😂😭

[@davidswick8571]

Nope, I am here because I have respect for America Ferrera. I have no clue what she has gone though in her career, but I am glad she did not let her declined offers turn her down. Her roles in Ugly Betty and SuperStore were nothing short of amazing.

[@bunnygamer9806]

Yessir!

[@minimelissafr]

Every single time I have a hard time with my auditions as a latina woman, I come back to this video. Thank you so much America

[@sirtko]

Even as a straight male I absolutely loved and loved ugly Betty as a show and a whole and even more so her as an actress and so much more so admiration and respect for this well articulated and elaborated issues that we as Latinos definitely have struggles with and it goes so much more but those are definitely things that are on point and big majority of it and specially the end about realizing how we are the real way the world looks collectively no matter what shade of brown we are or not superb amazing grateful and proud to not just be a Latino but to be a human being in this world

[@artisann12]

This was superb. Superb! Just so well articulated and communicated with such a salient message for so many of us. Thank you, America!

[@katiebleile4593]

Someone chose this to present in a meeting yesterday, it hit me so hard with how much I personally resonated with this in my own unique life, I walked out of the meeting and worked from home the rest of the day. It’s wild, how In all aspects of my life I feel more seen by people I’ll never meet, by their words or lyrics just talking about life. People don’t always talk for attention, sometimes it’s for help, and sometimes it’s to help others. Some people find the most creative ways of expressing their pain and can turn it into a masterpiece, and sometimes people will do anything to keep you quiet from stopping you. Be super cautious who you let in, I learned that the hard way.

[@user-ny3jy3ko8r]

Unlike the others, i'm here by myself, and a college worksheet. BUT America ATE here. I'm thankful for my linguistics worksheet. America really spoke!

[@tiaturnbullchampionscoachi9587]

AWESOME! I am crying tears of recognition, relating and resonance.

[@parisyasmin8416]

I wish I could like this 1000x. I love America Ferrara even more now. 💛💛💛

[@cherylparaiso6589]

Absolutely moved and inspired as I am a Filipino-American that can relate to a desire to belong in country world we love, but isn't always reciprocated.

[@bernardoruiz5006]

Phenomenal & Brilliant!!! "Presence creates possibility!"

[@Checkersss]

This is great, one of the better Ted Talks

[@HulaHeart]

Who’s here after Ryan Gosling referenced America’s TED Talk in a Barbie Interview? 🎀💖💄🌸👙🌺🦩🩰

[@zezzrelramirez1033]

Me 😅🖐

[@lourdesgreen2213]

Me too

[@ambientgamesound]

America, To me you will always be my role model as I watched sisterhood over 100x throughout my high school and my pregnant life. 😍😍

[@galegreyson4196]

Wow. Vital message. I am a huge fan of your authentic self. You are leading the way for all of us.

[@justicegutierrez6847]

I didn’t even know how much I needed to see this, and hear what’s being said But I needed it, a lot

[@eunjuji1747]

This is so inspiring and gives me a new perspective. Thank you for existing and having courage to say this truth outloud to the world!

[@darwinrisdon7141]

This woman is beautiful just the way she is! And -apparently - very bright too! It's a pity that she was ever made to feel otherwise ...

[@funny3291]

The "Kenning" brought me here.

[@amishbee2879]

That standing ovation was VERY MUCH needed

[@ralphfizzkhan]

I went to middle school with her at Hale Middle School in Los Angeles. We were in drama class together at one point and you can tell early on that she was amazing!

[@amycooper2364]

she deserves that standing ovation.

[@zanettarose]

This is great. And so important. ❤❤❤ The honesty, the headless pursuit of authentic artistic expression. "Presence creates possibility". Keep changing the dialogue, keep pushing the narrative. We'll keep telling our stories and emboldening each other along the way.

[@besosdenyc]

Powerful and on point. Thank you America for sharing your experience and breaking down barriers in the entertainment sector. As a young Latina, I always wondered why I didn’t see any one like me or any diversity on screen. Back then, in the 70’s and 80’s no one talked about it. Your perseverance and tenacity is greatly appreciated and inspiring. Never stop!❤❤❤🔥

[@renatashp]

thank you Greta for introducing me to this woman ❤

[@megggmoggg]

youu should see her in superstore she's amazing!!!

[@vim-arie]

Who’s here after the Barbie Movie and Ryan mentioning America’s Ted Talk in an interview

[@pconstantino80]

Very powerful Ted talk, thank you for sharing your story America.

[@lynettekruk4675]

Truly one of the most powerful Ted talks!

[@alinagrusha2354]

In my view, this video has a very clear and nice idea. No matter how we look, or our gender, or race we shouldn't judge people only by there appearance. More important is, who u are inside.

[@karenlin-mahar3403]

Brava! 👏👏👏 so many beautifully written phrases with profound impact. Eloquently and yet reveals the harshness of the reality in many industries, but especially show business.

[@pearly2131]

Absolutely amazing! Blew me away 😍😍😍

[@lourdesgreen2213]

America you are one of kind! Beautiful inside and out. Keep on shining..your an incredible talent and wonderful person.

[@larissajanehume]

barbie brought me back for a second watch 🔥⭐️

[@tinononit8623]

Identity doesn't matter, character does, let's move beyond this and look at the individual

[@sohandesai4055]

I feel like it does play a slight role in social situations as people do subconsciously look at identity, But yes. Character matters far more than identity.

[@disruptivetimes8738]

When you have no individual traits to build upon, you pull the "muh identity" card.

[@louiscotteta566]

“Identity” only matters because we’re raised to identify ourselves based on our physical identity. What matters is what our little man in the control room tells us (the soul that is independent of our meat suit).

[@biggus6633]

TinononiT I’ve been saying this for years! Yet to leftists skin color and race matters more than character and merit.

[@parha123]

Identities and Memories together Make Character/Personality.

[@yanee_danial3719]

I was so amazed with every single words came out from her mouth... It was so beautiful amazing inspiring story... Love love love... ❤❤❤

[@BentonHess]

This is amazing! Thank you, America, and thank you Ryan Gosling for telling us about it.

[@marinamoncadaDVJMARINAHN]

Excelente mensaje de reflexión. Todos podemos y tenemos el derecho de triunfar en cualquier parte del mundo, sea en Hollywood o la China. Muchas felicidades desde #Honduras #DVJMARINAHN

[@AntoDesormeaux]

Wear your identity proudly like it's a fancyass Louis Vuitton bag or whatever, but don't let it define you! You and your life are whatever you can make of them, let your roots be roots instead of a flag.

[@felixfunk6816]

What a great talk! The TED talks this year have quite a diverse spectrum. It is refreshing to hear more opinions and thoughts than the ones that we already hear all day.

[@davidhall92]

Wow! Your inner/outer beauty shines thru.... an lights up the darkest ignorant attitudes of humanity with it's pure simple truth... of spirit. ❤ Thank you for your courage n strength thru such unneccessary adversity. ❤

[@smyrnasstory]

“Thinking ability will keep watch over you, and discernment will safeguard you.”

[@kirstinstrand6292]

She is so clear about the phony, artificial world we all inhabit, created by for us by the Entertainment Industry. Most, stupidly embrace it. She calls it out! This young woman is unusually wonderful.

[@hkfr5313]

respect.Just be yourself and live with the way you like.

[@darkram06]

Wow, I loved this. I relate to this on multiple levels.

[@peternewturkey]

Wow. This brought me to tears.

[@cancunale1]

"who we see thriving teaches us how we see ourselves" - I love this, and it makes sense why during award season there is a lot of controversy for these big award nominations and wins.

[@angelinebena9675]

this is just so amazing. I definitely feel this hard

[@Servidora08]

Definitivamente genial 😁 😁🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽🎉🎉 beautiful, intelligent, smart Latina!!!♥️🥰😍 just genius!!! God continue to bless you richly 🙏🏽

[@Oolel]

Watching from Senegal. 𞤌𞤲 𞤲𞤶𞤢𞥄𞤪𞤢𞥄𞤥𞤢⁦🇸🇳⁩

[@thatgirlinokc3975]

So meaningful and moving; I feel inspired and hopeful for a change that may not happen in my lifetime, but it will happen

[@RakhiGhoshBairagya]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. I love this way she connect the audience.

[@search620]

AMAZING WOMEN I LOVE IT I LOVE IT ALL. THANK YOU!!!

[@amycooper2364]

thank you for adding an image of the crazy rich asians cast america!! we see you, we relate!! thank you for being a voice.

[@carolinaherrera3199]

Thanks for this. I really needed it.

[@melissaviesca2299]

How does this not have millions of views

[@gogoremakes4567]

I don’t remember this episode of superstore...