The Modern Maze of Cultural Identity | Mashaal Hijazi | TEDxIdahoFalls

Defining one's cultural identity in a generation of instant gratification, illogical racism, and influence from the media filled with ethnocentrism isn't particularly easy. How do we define who we are when we live in a world which wants to take clues from our physical characteristics, accents, and dress and create an identity for us before we ever get a chance to? When do I get to be my own version of me?
As the child of Pakistani immigrants to a small city in Idaho, Mashaal has had a front row seat to society's rush to judgment. She is a
KISU FM Radio Host and Student at Idaho State University.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@mosa._.fantasy6869]

My teacher sent me this to watch

[@zaydenlennox7310]

i dont mean to be so offtopic but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@fynn6098]

Same

[@l4shewby340]

Same

[@cordrellgreen8072]

same

[@Haajjeerr]

Same here

[@alexmacatulad7274]

The way you delivered your message was so powerful with such command to internalize and feel your words. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

[@JamieGrubbcompassionchaplain]

Powerful. Thank you.

[@monicabertolini6442]

Such a soothing voice

[@moroccancooking7108]

So Powerful Thank you

[@briannasworld1560]

Great job! I wish everyone could see this video to expand their understanding on diversity amongst us.

[@Leto85]

You are in my opinion a very strong woman Mashaal. I had to pause the video at 8:03 because I fell your pain a bit too much. It is so sad how just a extremistic spintergroup of a otherwise peacefully religion can ruin so much. It demands bravery to stand up and speak like you did, and by the words you've chosen and the tone you've used plus what you've said I can see that you are a wonderful, smart, kind and beautiful person, and you happen to be Muslim. There, I placed the word Muslim last, because it is just part of your whole identity. Definition of a strong female character: Mashaal, because she doesn't just sit there and take it. Stay strong girl.

[@jeremycallaway4187]

Any monotheistic religion can not be based on peace. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all the same sickness. Their holy texts are filled with misogyny and violence. They also reinforce racism and conflict.

[@alexanderhampton-sharp94]

Thank-you for the your story, Most people who do are not white have a very difficult time in America which is sad because it has taken all of us to build this country but most whites feel America was built by them only!

[@Jojo-Coshscure]

I teared up at the accusation story of the flight attendant.

[@ct9914]

This was a very very powerful speech for sure.

[@toprecbot]

Very powerful.

[@hamzarehmankhattak]

She's my cousin and couldn't be more proud ❤️

[@letmesaythis666]

YES!

[@victoriakalaydjian2935]

Hi. Edit your captions please!

[@ninaokali8085]

great opinion ... I felt your pain.

[@alonsusremix6104]

Like quien lo este viendo en clase

[@fynn6098]

Fynn has arrived

[@mrtartar5015]

W speech

[@silent738]

Ms burns class dubs

[@mrtartar5015]

8:10

[@ArabianStallion]

I dub care what this vid is abt I just want to say you are insanely beautiful ,, تجننين 🌹

[@luckyu-boot9448]

School sucks

[@alex444000]

Well some people are encouraged to have a soft skin and be all touchy feely. You are not supposed to feel teary when hearing a national anthem and nor die of shame is being pushed around a bit by the security. It will be easier for both you and people around you.

[@thegoodlydragon7452]

Great. Now address the rampant bigotry Pashtuns have for Hazaras and other ethnic minorities in Pakistan, as well as the religious bigotry in that country where a Christian woman was almost executed for having a religious debate. If Islamophobia is a legitimate concept, then it's absolute peanuts compared to Christianophobia and Zoroastrianophobia and atheistophobia (not to mention antisemitism) in the Islamic world. There's simply no comparison.

[@contrafax]

Psst, she was NOT talking about Pakistan. She was talking about the U.S.A.

[@contrafax]

Further she is am American with Pakistan roots. I am Irish descent, does that make me responsible for the IRA?

[@geekychannel2543]

In the US people harass muslims. In Pakistan christians get stoned under sharia law. Then muslims dont understand why theyre hated.

[@liamoore5581]

no6 everything is about you my god. shes telling her story not someone elses

[@chinmay1421]

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind - Mahatma Gandhi

[@Ulrna]

Humans are hierarchical for good or bad. It is how we socialize. Forcing people to act differently and not be hierarchical is a crime against humanity.