Taiye Selasi: Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local | TED

[@SakinaAlamina]

I like the way she speaks. Very nice tonal and inflection as well as just a beautiful voice.

[@hammadsiddiqui4259]

My parents live in Ohio. I live in the moment. - Ted Mosby

[@tierra314]

😂😂😂😂😂 hahahaha

[@jimmimcnulty2402]

Quite literally the smartest Ted talk I've watched/heard ever. It had everything, creativity, delivery, pace, content and most importantly - truth.

[@AsSheLikesIt]

I get it. Not everyone's identity is simple. And judging from these comments, a lot of simple-minded people don't care to understand/appreciate/respect that.

[@henkgerritsen1444]

its not that. We understand that some people might have multiple identities and feel anxious about that. The problem I have with all of this is that these people dont combat this by attacking their anxiety, but instead the idea of a core identity. because most of us (the world) do have a ''simple'' national identity we can be proud of and feel confortable about. people like this are not trying to strenghten themselfs but weaken everyone equaly about their identities.

[@cloudydays6277]

So annoying when people ask that where are your grandparents from so bloody annoying. What about people who had to flee due to violence, asking dumb questions

[@iluvmobiles]

Henrik, even if you have a national identity of being - say- American.. aren’t you more a New Yorker or a mid westerners? Identity does come from local rather than national. And there are always more than 1 locales for most of us

[@jennarentz]

As an immigrant family, with kids born locally, this makes so much sense. My husband is an Italian citizen but has never lived there. My kids aren't allowed to be Spanish citizens, although born here in Spain. They are both Italian and American. They've never lived in either! It'd be ridiculous to call them either because they are culturally Spanish.

[@dovahgwyn_]

Why did not the Spanish government give your kids the Spanish citizenship?

[@PabloVeyrat]

Legally, those born in Spain have the right to citizenship after just a year residing there.

[@popoff2116]

Where you are from is where your culture speaks and where your genes belong I was born somewhere I don’t belong I don’t know much about the people there other than stereotypes I don’t look like them Therefore I don’t belong there It’s not rocket science nor quantum physics

[@harisadu8998]

@@dovahgwyn_ Because European countries follow jus sanguinis not jus soli.

[@dovahgwyn_]

@@harisadu8998 nice. Thank you

[@Phl-5]

what a beautiful way of addressing the issue of tribalism/nationalism/patriotism.

[@iknowtheansa]

+realnarutoboy HAHAHAHAHAHHAHJAHJJSHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHJAJAHHAHAA, LOL.

[@iknowtheansa]

the small percentage of muslims who are members of "radical islamic groups" are not representative of the entirety of islam. just like the small percentage of "white supremasists groups" are not representative of all white people. Yes the world has a lot of problems religious extremist groups being one of them but just because you hear news about boko haram and ISIL doing absolutely despicable things does not mean that the entirety of Islam and all muslims are like that. Also, you mentioned that Islam was responsible for countless murders and genocides throughout it's 14 century history. yes countless people have killed in the name of islam. but no more so than Christians in the Crusades or the Romans in their persecution of Christians or the Spanish in the 15th century Spanish inquisition. My point is Islam is not unique in the sense that many have killed in it's name. the overwhelming message of all of the major world religions is one of peace and love. and don't go quoting psalm xyz. I'm talking about things like the Ten Commandments. Laws in peoples religions that people can abide by. I really think.you should really try to unhook yourself from all your preconcieved notions and experience the world a little more Objectivly.

[@iknowtheansa]

+realnarutoboy you're very articulate. Really good at arguing your point. I'm going to concede here and say you know WAY more about this than me. But i still don't agree that Islam, is "the problem" problem. Religions in general are a bit iffy. They can unite people groups (fuedal Europe in the middle ages) but are often a cause for conflict as well. (I think you know plenty about that.) :)

[@iknowtheansa]

if only more KZbin comment wars could end like this. lol :)

[@john_titor1]

+iknowtheansa But the issue is ideologies. It just so happens that Islam is one where such horrible atrocities are condoned, and in fact, forced. Most mainstream religions do not do this today, and any and all that do are just as bad. I also will argue that 100% of muslims are bad. It's just that most people who consider themselves to be muslim, actually aren't because they do not follow the teachings in the koran and of Muhammad, which explicitly command them to perform such atrocities.

[@BenRangel]

Still think it's perfectly valid to ask which Nation someone grew up in. Sometimes you're just interested in the journey which they or their parents could've taken to get where they are now. Sometimes you're interested in what their childhood could've been like. Other times you just wanna check if they grew up in similar conditions to you and have the same references when it comes to stuff like childhood tv shows.

[@bobbyfelton915]

+BenRangel the ladies point is that a person's nationality is not a reliable indicator of a persons experiences in the globalised world of today, especially in multi ethnic countries. Culture has evolved beyond geographical restrictions. (E.g your childhood tv show could be spongebob and that has been aired all over the world). Social class is a more reliable indicator of experiences, according to her. So ask someone what occupation they have, or their parents had.

[@daddyleon]

+BenRangel Yeah, but strangely, that's always asked to people that don't have the 'skin colour' of the nation they live in, regardless of how long they and their families live there. It really places you out of the idea of the nation. And really, given the massive variation of the those things you mentioned (parenting styles, tv-show) within a nation's cohort... would it really matter? Also, if you want to know what some-one's life or childhood was like... what does there place of birth (or the place of birth of their grandparents) have to do with that... if it's not *made* into a topic by these frequent "where are you from"-questions? Do you not see any merit to it?

[@BenRangel]

Gerald Boon *Sure, lots of culture is globalized. Local culture is still huge though. And I'd say in a world of shared global culture, finding differences in local cultures become more interesting. Whenever I'm on holiday and meet someone knew the first thing that comes up is the similiarities/differences of our local cultures. *gotta disagree. I think location is more interesting than class. For instance: wouldn't you get more out of knowing I grew up in Sweden, compared to the fact that I was middle class with parents working in engineering & social work? If we were in a conversation, hearing the latter I bet you just figure I had a decent 'normal' upbringing. Doesn't really spark any questions. But I bet you'd be more interested in talking about Sweden.

[@bobbyfelton915]

Yes I agree with you that the majority of the global population will have a local culture. What the lady is referring to up there is the ''global elite''. The small but steadily increasing group of people who have migrated to find jobs in different countries and have been exposed to multiple cultures. International citizens. People like us can not really be classified by a single country because our personalities/experiences have been shaped by more than one nation. Asking us where we're from will not give you an accurate depiction of who we are. I repeated what she said about using social class as an indicator of who you are because in multi-ethnic communities like that university mentioned in her video; you can have more in common with a student of a different ethnic background/nationality than someone of your own ethnic background/nationality, of a different social class. According to her, this is because your social class will have a larger influence on your ''rituals, relationships and restrictions''. I would say using social class as an indicator applies to my environment more because I grew up in international communities and a multi-ethnic country in a metropolitan. It would apply less to citizens who live in rural areas as I presume they'd be less likely to migrate and adopt the cultures of other countries. In that environment/culture and (similar) circumstance, it's more reliable to ask people where they're from, because their local culture should attribute to a larger aspect of their experiences.

[@queenkizkurt]

Obviously you've never been asked that. I'm mixed race but grew up in Scotland which I see as my home. When someone asks me where I'm from, I immediately feel like an outsider and separate from society. That's why it's annoying, and you'll never understand that unless you experience it. It's not the same as when you're a tourist or temporarily living somewhere and you're asked that

[@SophLaugh]

Taiya Selasi delivers a beautiful deeply resonating talk for those of us who live between borders. In our family the question “Where are you from?” has been one of the most difficult for us to answer, perplexing my children on how to respond as they grew up and we continued traveling and living in other nations … where lines of demarcation were blurred by the comfort foods we eagerly anticipated, depending on where we were, and the comfort foods we missed, when we were far away from the environments we also called home. I love this speech for so many reasons. Does Dorothy ever return to Kansas when Kansas evolved while she was in Oz, and Oz impacted her to the point Oz was with her henceforth. We are not the countries we represent, we are our experiences. The more experiences we have, the more relatable we become and the more we relate to others.

[@huuhuu2011]

As someone who can relate to this, I think she provided insightful ideas about a simple question that has been troubling me for most of my life. As someone who does not fit the stereotype of a typical 'white' or 'black' American, I struggled with answering this question when I was in Europe. On one hand I looked Asian so people expected me to name some Asian country and fit into my Asian stereotypes, while on the other hand, I do not fully relate to the Asian experience, having grown up in America. It's simply a question I do not enjoy answering since I feel like none of my answers really justify my full experience. But now I will take some tips from Taiye and instead describe my local experiences. :)

[@kohinoorchoudhury9185]

She sums it up beautifully. Experience of your local area, relationships, rituals and restrictions show more of who you are. And when people ask where are you from, really it’s a question to do with power.

[@brucehunter8235]

This reminds me of when I was at university, and I met this girl from my physics class getting off the train. She said "I keep seeing you, we always seem to be late", I said "I know! Where do you come from?", and she looked all shocked and said "London!". I said "I know that, I meant what tube station!". She was so embarrassed! LOL. She was a local girl alright

[@daddyleon]

+Ross Balmer Yeah, that can be embarrassing :P

[@brucehunter8235]

***** Apparently I am not "people" then because it doesn't sound at all incongruous to me.

[@sharaxxvable]

Lol... That's cute. 😜

[@Imthatdude2005]

@@brucehunter8235 huh?

[@weefeatures]

What a *_strong and powerful_* woman. Beautiful too. Shame so many little _boys_ here can't stand to see an empowered lady. *Real men* appreciate everything about her. Kind Regards, Wyatt Nite

[@Miranox2]

+Wyatt Nite Sounds like that South Park episode about Bruce (Caitlyn) Jenner.

[@florzinnha]

+Wyatt Nite Well said. Now get back in the shed with the rest of the tools.

[@ArvMC]

no one gets it? Wyatt Nite? White Knight? Male SJWs? No..? Alright

[@richardtaylor3331]

+ArvidiusMC Haha that is actually pretty good.

[@andystevenson7175]

+Wyatt Nite Yep you're your name lol

[@davidrepoley4372]

I watched this talk for my Diversity in Multicultural Organizations class. I am American, born in Reading, Pennsylvania.My mother is Italian and my Father is Ukrainian. I have lived in several different states. I now live in Palm Springs CA. On the surface assumptions have already made. I am always interested in knowing about people and "where their from". This talked has shown me how to adjust the words to gain what it is we are really seeking, getting to know another human being, with their own experiences. I'll be the first to admit that what we see on the surface of any individual already creates false assumptions, and perceptions, and it is not until further interaction that we can get the whole picture.

[@AnEagle1900]

True

[@panushalimbu]

this is relatable for people who are born in a different country to where their parents are from

[@rsmcd5672]

Not only that. People who grew up in a different country that their parents are from. Myself, born in the same country where my mom comes from (Philippines), but raised in Germany. Do I feel like a Filipina? Not really? I feel more as a German. I love visiting the Phils, but even if I blend in with the locals (by looks), I feel like a stranger, also because I speak the language. In Germany, I feel like a local, but look like a stranger. Btw, I hate the question "Where are you from?" As she says, it implies the question: Why are you here? Why are you not where you "come from"? Always reminding me that I am not a local. The thing is, people keep asking me until they get the answer they want me to say: That I'm not German! I know they don't want to insult me and they ask out of interest, but still it's really annoying!

[@rsmcd5672]

Sorry, for the long reply.

[@GigaNietzsche]

@@rsmcd5672 you will never be German. You are not German. To put a polar bear in a grizzly bear exhibit and teach it to be a grizzly bear is a cruel act.

[@katrin6388]

@@GigaNietzsche thats harsh

[@guelsuen1987]

I can relate to this! Who else does?

[@obsideonyx7604]

I can.

[@psyk2642]

+ChielScape REKT

[@DirtBlockHouse]

+ChielScape I can feel the heat through my screen. That was savage.

[@Rayhuntter]

+ChielScape just what people called Copernicus when he told them the Earth revolves around the Sun.(funny enough she looks a bit like a black Copernicus)

[@daddyleon]

+SL75 Rekt?? really? Jeez, grow up

[@Smiles5s5s]

I love the idea of recognizing our individual experiences over some big label that we only see through stereotypes or power levels. This was so well said!

[@CaseyMeeko]

Your comment is the summary of 16 minutes talk! :D

[@titanilla.arnoth]

One of the most genius TED talk, very true points. I myself experienced this transformation.

[@sharaxxvable]

I relate so much on this. I born in Mexico, I live in USA, my parents are from Lebanon, I look like Russian, I speak English with European accent, I speak Spanglish , I love hip-hop and american pop, I have American rituals, I eat healthy Californian diet and futuristic liquid food, and I'm attracted to blue eyes and African dark skin. I'm a 21C lovely mess. 😊 🇺🇸 🌍

[@Atilla_the_Fun]

+sharaxxvable European accent?

[@reichplatz]

+sharaxxvable 'i look like Russian' lmao

[@miaa7097]

im just like her a global citizen .. my mom from Somali, my dad is from Yemen, i was born and grow up in Saudi.. Immigrated to Canada about ~ 14 years ago !! my background makes me relate to a lot of ppl .. i cant have it any other way

[@jacquelinejohal4344]

Yes. This is so important. Asking someone where they grew up is very different from asking someone “where are you from?” Some of the comments seem to be confusing the two. I do feel that most people ask where someone is from as a way to understand one’s physical appearance far more than trying to understand their life experiences. I am born and raised in Toronto, with indian ethnic roots, that I am proud of. Sadly, I have yet to travel to India, but I still get described or introduced as indian before anything else. I have lived in multiple cities (Toronto, Athens, Paris)... asking me where I am a local or have local experiences would tell you far more about my life than simply asking “where are you from?” When you ask me that, I will say Toronto and I will also notice the look of disappointment when you don’t get the answer you were looking for. I am also surprised by the comments on this video, considering this is a topic many university courses focus on, nationalism, transnationalism etc. yet some are dismissing it as pointless.

[@elep4043]

Jacqueline agree. “Where are from?” immediately pointing that you are not one of them, not local. When you say you are originally from another country they ask “are you planning to go back”. Like you are not welcomed here, because it’s their place, and they expect you to leave eventually.

[@popoff2116]

@@elep4043 thats a very insecure assumption... have people told you that?!

[@elep4043]

@@popoff2116 not at all. I have no time to explain. But polite and well educated people understand the delicacy of the question and simply never ask it that bluntly. Hope you’ll learn to be one of them some day.

[@popoff2116]

@@elep4043 no baby darling. I’ve emigrated a lot and I never felt that way I’m well educated, and if you are a traveler and well educated you will understand that this question is very common amongst people of all races and nationality. From my experience these type of questions helped me a lot with ignorance and biases Because we learn a lot from those who come from other realities We also teach a lot and most importantly we create international bonds From that simple question you can assume many things You chose to assume the worst, you are limiting yourself... why can’t you just assume that the person is actually interested in where you are from?! Are you ashamed of your nationality?! A lot of Africans go study in Europe it’s a normal thing to ask “do you intend to go back?!” It’s very common and people give interesting responses Whenever I feel lost in a place I feel comfortable that people ask me where I’m from because I feel recognized and somewhat safer. I believe we carry flags with us, it’s part of our identity, sometimes we find people that share our culture just by asking that simple question. Things only negatively affect you if you see them negatively I recommend you to be more stoic Because the world is not going to change because you feel some sort of way

[@elep4043]

@@popoff2116 let’s start from not calling unfamiliar people “baby darling”. It shows your lack of manners and education. The rest of your monologue just underlining it. A person could speak with an accent and be a citizen of the same country just like the enquirer. No need to assume Someone is a foreigner just because He mispronounces words. Listen to what the speaker above said. “Where are you from” is usually means why are you here. And yes things are changing in this world just because some small group of people find something unpleasant. Google for the historical examples, should not be too hard.

[@ductuslupus87]

Basically, what I think she's saying is "Home is where you lay your hat".

[@BlackNarcissus9]

I was born and raised Vietnamese until 17. Spent my young adult years in France and been living in the US for 8 years. My hybrid accent is not the easiest to detect. “Where are you really from?” is a question I hear on a daily basis and my familiarity with it does not reduce how it bothers me. Thanks to this video, now I know I’m not alone

[@fernandamccormack]

What a beautiful speech! Explain a lot how we feel after being in another country for so long. Thanks

[@tagkwon3022]

I think the point of this talk is not that suggestion we should ask where you're a local rather than where you're from, but the fragility of our conception on nation in understanding other people. And it's worth enough to think about it. We might, however, keep asking people where you are from, to express our interest in other people or just because of the convenience to get some information about others. But we could know that cognitive limit of the conceptions at least so that we might not make any horrible mistakes, if we bear the question in mind. In that extent we can take this talk valuable.

[@PrettyTruths]

exactly

[@husniya12345]

Oh man, when she said "Countries represent power." and went on to explain it, that hit home! And when people ask "Where are you from" they do actually mean "Why are you here?".

[@thomasdudro9458]

I think that’s a big assumption on your part

[@sugarpump]

Food for thought..... especially having lived in many places and constantly being asked, "where am I from?" Thanks!

[@liamdebeaufort440]

Blown away by this. Literally speechless.

[@charlenemncube3114]

The video I never thought I needed... gosh she articulated everything that I have been trying to comprehend for the longest time... everything she said made so much sense ... thank you for this...!

[@danielenaujokas1458]

I haven’t seen any comments about this yet, but I thought it was interesting. I really like this TED talk because I don’t normally introduce myself with “where I’m from” but with what languages I speak. Both my parents were raised in Kaunas in Lithuania and with them they brought a lot of rituals that have been incorporated into how me and my younger brother were raised. We were taught that embracing and trying new cultures is important, and whenever we travel they told us we weren’t allowed to order anything “American” or local to us. When I introduce myself with these rituals I start with “I speak French, English and Lithuanian, and I’m learning Japanese.” This raises a lot of questions for people. I went to a completely French school for most of my early education so most of my educational rituals are French. I’ve been to France and most rituals there I felt accustomed to and at home with. Most people who don’t know Lithuanian “exists” will pass over it and set it in their minds that I’am French. My roots and most of my culture is Lithuanian. On the other hand though people who live in Europe automatically get attached to the fact that I speak English. Lastly my interest in Japan. I am not from Japan but I’ve immersed myself in the culture and have started following some Japanese rituals. I am not local to Japan but I aspire to be to some extent.

[@DrHome-jo7vo]

Taiye Selasi is gorgeous in so many ways, in presence and in thoughts and in speech. Thank you for this thoughtful talk.

[@poetryslammeltdown456]

what a beautiful concept

[@kurapikakurta3863]

I feel for her. I always get flustered when people ask me where I'm from. You see my dad is from Ghana and my mom is from the Philippines. I was born in New York, USA and I grew up in Manila. Now how in the world do I answer this question. And what's the point for asking this question anyways. It doesn't really hold much substance, well at least for me it doesn't. It's just one very confusing question that I don't know how to answer. I think I'm not the only one who has this dilemma. Now the question where I'm a local, I think it would be easier for me to answer that question.

[@TheButtonSmasher]

+Andrea Mariano Same thing for me . I was born in Montreal , Canada and lived all my life here but my parents are from south america. When someone ask me where are you from it realy bothers me because its like if he was saying that I am not from Canada even thot its the only place that I know.

[@cloudydays6277]

So annoying when people ask that where are your grandparents from so bloody annoying. What about people who had to flee due to violence, asking dumb questions

[@Aramazdkhatcherian]

The comment section is full of inconsiderate people not willing to understand that there are people who leave their nests.

[@Aramazdkhatcherian]

Ghost Banned first of all, I'm a white person myself. Second, all those whites who think like you, are nothing but ignorant xenophobic people. Your generalization shows your capacity of thinking. Thanks for clarifying that one for me. Speaking of leaving the nest for profit, read a little bit of history, the ones going to foreign places for profit have been the whites throughout the centuries, and it's still going on under the name of "democracy"!

[@Aramazdkhatcherian]

Ghost Banned first of all, I didn't say that I'm an ethnic European, but that still doesn't stop me from being white. I don't how you came to that conclusion that I am an Arab. Just because I don't have blue eyes and blonde hair, doesn't mean I'm not white. I am from Armenia (wouldn't be surprised if you had no clue where Armenia is). Also I didn't say that there aren't any foreigners coming to Europe JUST FOR THE PROFIT. I'm not in denial of that. There are unfortunately a lot of people coming to Europe for the financial benefits. But don't be so damn prejudiced and so ignorant. The mass immigration of middle eastern people to Europe is the very result of invasion and interference of the international political community into the local issues of those countries. And as for learning some history and leaving the nest for profit wasn't meant for middle eastern countries, my friend. I was referring to Latin America, North and South Africa, Australia and South East Asian countries. You DEFINITELY need to read some books, because you're clearly delusional!!!! Pity.

[@Aramazdkhatcherian]

Ghost Banned ok. Stick to your standards. I'm done

[@akinyinyangoma3241]

A lot of people here don't get, that she's VERY politely addressing issues of; nationalism, tribalism & patriotism. As an African she has a right to question what countries really are, we never had them. They were imposed on us. The richness of borderless nations, is really what made our experience rich. For exchange of cultures is necessary for personal growth.

[@LittleWalrus]

Thank you!!! This is now my favourite Ted Talk. Selasi talks about exactly what I've been trying to explain every time someone asks where I'm from. My answer to that used to be "it's complicated, I'm from many places"

[@CaseyMeeko]

Great answer thou

[@Kassidar]

It depends on what they want to know when they ask 'where are you from?'. Very often they are asking where your DNA is from, not where you grew up; than much is obvious enough from the way one speaks and their accent. As a 'foreigner' who grew up in New Zealand since he was 2 if another New Zealander asks me where im from i say Egypt because they can already tell by my accent that i've been here long enough to be a kiwi, but if someone who is not from new Zealand asks then I say NZ because that's the culture I bring with me to my interaction with them.

[@VimboVivien]

I can TOTALLY relate to this talk! As an African growing up in the midwest, and now living in the south, this speaks to my experience. Definitely a bit of a complex issue with many nuances, but I appreciate the way the speaker approaches the topic so honestly. Definitely refreshing.

[@playwaters]

Wow what an amazing voice.

[@followingtheroe1952]

This is why its called existential "angst": You rebel against the system but you ultimately become the system. In all this time she's rebelling against what she is "not", she is spending all of her time focusing on it, it is all she knows.

[@CanadianTobs]

Amin recommended this video and I'm so so glad that she did. It's so good!

[@abouttime837]

being of very mixed background I found this very appealing

[@hisqueenmsroyalty9890]

I named my daughter after her🤗 she's an inspiration and I love her unique name

[@zemirahkoiki7886]

The name 'Taiye' is from the yoruba tribe of Nigeria, primarily given to the first of a twin. It literally means "the first twin to taste the world" or the one who comes before Kehinde. Kehinde is the name given to other twin; that comes after Taiye (or Taiwo). If your daughter is not a twin, it would be very weird to explain the actual meaning of her name.

[@dr.apollo4226]

Zee K. The name has a new meaning. Most people are named after other people nowadays, not necessarily based on the original meaning of the name.

[@missabyssinia2293]

Beautiful name! Taiye/Taye also means one to be seen in Amharic(one of the Ethiopian languages)

[@hisqueenmsroyalty9890]

@@zemirahkoiki7886 And you know the strangest thing, I didn't know the meaning of the name however my daughter has a brother who was born the same year, month and day as her only minutes apart by a different mother😮😮😮Is that crazy or what?!!!

[@xkdavid1451]

I rest my case. Finally someone who echoes what I have been saying, thinking, and feeling for years. Well said Taiye, and thank you for saying it.

[@KiwiLovingKindness]

Thank you for capturing a multilayered truth!

[@caraann6198]

What an interesting perspective. I see a lot of negative comments, but I think this is a really nice viewpoint and really got me thinking about the experiences that really shape me as a person. I think this speaks to who I am more so than where I am from.

[@m_waaka]

I have no problem in answering this question and asking it. I'm inquisitive. I love finding out what countries they're from and then greeting them in their native tongue. I love to hear stories as to what and why bought them here. I'm happy to share my story if asked. If someone does not want to reply or share a tale, no worries. I've met hundreds of wonderful and interesting people by asking where are they from. Many are my closest friends. I'll continue to ask.

[@Cathyzhao2222]

I am with you.

[@chanjanie2229]

this is by far one of the best Ted talks out there, addressing a lot of the ethnic tensions within a country and how to see a person as an embodiment of experiences and identities which is, pluralistic by nature.

[@flo-dd5sw]

I love this articulate expression of where I am from...

[@naomiahaile]

Wow this is simply breathtaking. Everything about it -- delivery, pace, energy is masterful and brilliant.

[@dananabread6632]

What an incredibly thoughtful talk!

[@samcroninmusic]

Incredible talk Taiye ✊ As a local of Nigeria, Qatar & the Netherlands I can't express enough how much I connect with your conceptualisation of nationality. The expression of the thoughts and feelings of many of us, I'm sure, as a collection of localised experiences rather than concrete members of a state entity is a wonderful way of words, and a valuable psychological progression of the human experience. Thank you for your message and your talk, and look forward to more of your work. 🙏🏼✊🏽💙🤍💚 🌎

[@AkpoSiekpe]

This Ted talk lived up to the hype. Maybe it's because the content is in agreement with my own thoughts on the matters i.e. countries being concepts and essentially transient. If we avoided using the social shorthand of trying to use labels like countries and race it'd be great. Such labels are a means to avoid putting the earnest effort required to get to know someone because we're genuinely interested in them. I'll always insist on explaining where I'm currently local. My 3Rs will always be my shadow but they enhance my flavour.

[@Kat_travel]

She's so beautiful!!!!!!!

[@-aestheticlyrics-6441]

Yeah!!!!

[@mathewsfamilymadness]

People who don't get this, look up "Third Culture Kid"...

[@pom3222]

+Ghanaperu Oh, finally, thank you! I was going to bring this up but thought I'd scroll down the comment section first to see if there's anyone else who's self aware enough to know this!! ;-) The book, Third Culture Kids, Growing Up Among Worlds, is an amazing book, if you haven't read it already. :-)

[@gleipnirrr]

here's another ted talk in the sidebar: "how too many rules at work keep you from getting things done" - sounds very fitting

[@iPsilocybin]

I can totally relate. I was born in South Africa to "South African" parents whose parents emigrated there from Portugal. After I turned one, we returned to Portugal. I'm currently studying in the Czech Republic. Where am I from? My town and the city where I study in Portugal, as well as this particular Moravian city I'm living in at the moment. Throw some South African dishes on Sundays and the English and Portuguese language and there you go.

[@EdIAHR]

This resonates somewhere with me. Experiences do say a lot about where we are from.

[@1natVson1NATIVESON]

I really enjoyed this presentation ✊🏾❣️✨

[@theafropolitansproject38]

Home is where your heart is..where your passion lies.

[@claudiaubedajimenez820]

Absolutely awesome. I love it. A perfect way, under my point of view, to see that we are all the same. Finally, experience is the thing which really define us.

[@Bonusdoc]

I hate answering the question "where are you from" not because I get offended, but because it takes me 5 minutes to answer it. I was born in China, raised in Canada, went to college in the US, stayed and worked there till now (in my 4th US city). I have spent an equal number of years living in all 3 countries. I can't just give people an one word answer because it does not describe my cultural, ethnic, and national identity.

[@obie4366]

I'm similar. dad's nigerian, mom's brazilian, born and raised in the uk and now live in the usa!

[@zonismith9367]

Thank you for such well said introduction Taiye Selasi. I appreciate you for breaking down what is usually hidden. I have always felt that I was more than american especially with my multi-background. I believe it is a gift to be able to speak more in depth on experience as opposed to where a person is from. It's kinda of shackling down who you are by judgement. Thank you again this touched me a lot.

[@Lorien6h]

> Indeed!! Very nice! I never feel comfortable when some asks the all too common question "Where are you from?". But I am always interested in a persons knowledge and experience of a particular culture I have not been part of. So for me the question "Where are you local?" that she suggested makes much more sense..

[@Emma-jz7cd]

I'm so glad I found this talk!

[@BrendaETobar]

I love this! Absolutely love this.

[@ChielScape]

You know Taiye, if you put it like that, I can see where you're coming from.

[@sylviahshares]

Wow this would make such an amazing book. I love her confidence and eloquence.

[@dsgarland]

I feel bad for anyone asking her where she's from just to start a conversation.

[@74Benedict]

Yeah, they aren't looking for a sixteen minute sermon, just "I'm from Boston".

[@matt681]

Lolololollllol

[@richardtaylor3331]

She is very well spoken. I thought the title was silly but I found that I kept watching just to hear her talk.

[@Rapha5019]

I think what she is saying is a bit rediculous but I did keep watching because she has an interesting way of talking

[@daddyleon]

+MineTipping Time Have you heard of... ASMR? It might be the thing for you ;)

[@daddyleon]

+Richard Taylor Have you heard of... ASMR? It might be the thing for you ;)

[@Marzzzzb]

I can so relate! Loved this

[@mariamaly8176]

This is so powerful. Thank you for this❤❤❤❤

[@APR944]

I really Enjoyed this. Beautiful Intelligent Eloquent Enlightening. I needed this today.

[@beingbemsi]

brilliant and validating.

[@ThuyLe-qk8tl]

Such a good video! Thank you for uploading TED :)

[@inder19852000]

I am an Indian in Germany and a German in India. I was born in Germany, but brought up to a part in India and Germany. I can fully relate to her!

[@lutzwalther2885]

Don't ask where I'm from, don't ask where I'm a local. Ask me about the books I read, ask me about the music I like. Ask me who I am.

[@aristotebikino7318]

I love TED , Taiye Selasi she so wiser story teller

[@drbharatj]

A great master , an enlightened being " Ramana Maharshi " in India , used to teach his disciples ask your self again and again who am I , not where am I from.

[@eastdragon42]

Wow, that hit the head on so many nails at the same time. Very insightful, enlightening, beautiful, & eye-opening! Thank you, Taiye Selasi! :-D

[@babymerman]

thank you for expressing your sense of self so beautifully. i can totally relate and it makes perfect sense to me as an immigrant

[@Moonstreamfeline]

Love her and love that she quoted Adichie!!! So many truths here that I want to share with everyone I know, and very moving as well. Many thanks from a Third Culture Kid

[@rasfele1]

When a stranger ask me where I’m from my answer is always the planet earth 🌍

[@DirtBlockHouse]

"History was real, cultures were real but countries were invented." Ah yes because things that are invented aren't actually real. Makes perfect sense

[@derciolichucha5864]

Oh, you hahaha.

[@ryancraig607]

history and culture were invented to

[@Vero-hm7il]

+DirtBlockHouse you completely missed the point...

[@omegasrevenge]

The history of people is naturally occurring. Cultures are naturally occurring. Countries are merely a human invention.

[@DirtBlockHouse]

abschussrampe Not true. Countries arise from similar people identifying and unifying with each other.

[@zoralinman]

Guess i'm gonna have to keep it real, that was 100.

[@prairiehorse6168]

Wow. Mind blow and all the feels😱 😢.

[@shiwhang]

So lucky lady to experience diverse culture!

[@daughterofhis9600]

Beautifully spoken

[@user-ee2qq4hp3z]

That was amazing.

[@lawsonashley3310]

Sometimes people forgot that not every is the same as them and that everyone has a different background. I think that someone should not be based on where they were born, but what kind of person they actually are.

[@BecauseItsMe]

I can see how it would be annoying to be asked where you're from when you've been so many places. I have many places to name as well and I will most likely have more as the years go by. We should ask people where they are local, I fully agree. If we want to know their entire bio then we should ask but if not asking "where are you local" sounds appropriate to me.

[@Funnysterste]

I am from planet earth.

[@samajahn]

Eventually we need to go to the idea of us as citizens of the world, and change the intentions of our questions, this will help us be more specific with our questions, and ask better questions

[@Red_Proton]

Reminds me of Hawaii. Many of my Polynesian friends would ask questions about where you're local.

[@aidenb2237]

We not gonna talk about how Udo's grandparents were probably Nazis? Literally said they migrated to Argentina from "Germany, what is now Poland after the war".

[@cassieberyl3469]

Wonderful...As an immigrant i totally relate

[@Latexlaila]

Yeah! I'm local at mcdonalds

[@rahelxo7083]

So Impact full

[@tinyandada]

Simply amazing

[@DanishDelight77]

Totally relate to this ...❤❤❤