Why Representation Really Matters | Aisha Thomas | TEDxBristol

[@eken81]

Lovely talk. Love how she sets up how representation is multi-fasetted how people are multi-fasetted and could be under represented in different ways. "But now its different, right?". I come at this topic as a disabled man. But also someone who see other people not being represented who are outside of the norm in some way.

[@justshazza1772]

So proud to have raised a daughter who represents all the things I wish I was able to do when I was a teacher. Go girl ! I'm so proud of you for all that you do! Representation does matter!

[@mercedesUK85]

Two recent experiences I have had. 1. Work colleague “your hair looks a lot curlier (with disgust)”. Me” yep this is my natural hair”. Her “you must hate it” . That happened this month!! 2. Similar to you. Patients always come in and assume my nurse is the Hygienist even though I am speaking to them 🙈. I love this Aisha, it’s the story of so many of us! ♥️

[@keironmiller8332]

Its not normal to do extraordinary things and It is rare to stand up for what you believe and are willing to put yourself out there to make a difference on such a powerful platform too.

[@jeddbloom]

Thank you for this powerful presentation, Ms. Thomas.

[@mariacunningham8376]

Why am I just seeing this. Thanks for uploading. I used to have a similar accent growing up in Bristol, I have not lived there in 35 years but make frequent visits.

[@firadford6161]

Thank you Aisha. We all need to hear this.

[@carrie-annpalmer9737]

Thank you you sharing your experiences and opening everybody's eyes to what is still happening today.

[@zari5972]

I love her whole look. The outfit and hair. What she said was so true. Thank you for sharing

[@doctors_kitchen]

Awesome talk!!

[@LordWay]

this was a powerful message

[@consciousthought9293]

Past, present and future: The connectivity of representation enhances every aspect of a ‘civilized’ society

[@marilyngentle2777]

I love that she would accidently not know her own name and pick up the wrong badge - said so much more about the vision of who she was for that person that questioned her.

[@zbzb25]

💯 Great talk, very inspiring and powerful presentation. Thank you

[@kmar1s]

one of the best ted speeches till this date

[@RD31023]

This is fantastic! Thank you!

[@dr.quaidiqbal]

It's really a nice talk. Proud of you.

[@lizpemberton4821]

Truly amazing talk, I love this SO MUCH Aisha! Thank you for taking up this space and delivering this 🙌🏾

[@freeze4728]

We need a representation of blind and disabled person in military.

[@gamerpolice8235]

I can’t really tell if you’re serious sorry, are you?

[@GutHealthNurse]

Representation matters! Subconscious anxiety lurks and haunts our daily activities. Positive representation matters!

[@BradLad56]

Only to narcissists.

[@RyomenAyeni225]

@@BradLad56 representation doesnt matter to narcessists if you dont care about representation you have clearly been well represented

[@Duppy1985]

🙌🏼🙌🏼 so important

[@kikikeyz007]

Brilliant talk. Representation matters.

[@snakeboy1983]

This is amazing cuz. Thanks for telling your story.

[@comenetworkwithme]

It really really REALLY matters! Thank you Aisha for bringing this important issue to TEDxBristol and the world. You are amazing 💞

[@davidpalmer9104]

Wow, what an excellent presentation. Well done Aisha

[@derekedwards3789]

Represent, represent! What an amazing talk! Keep up the good work Aisha.

[@linglingjk8643]

Go mamma go

[@Tee1753]

❤❤❤❤ yes sis speak to them... I love this x

[@DrewBenvie]

So powerful Aisha 👍🏼

[@coletteogborne3304]

Powerful passionate speech!

[@snakusbs5]

Needed to be said. Needed to be heard.

[@azalee-z3u]

Let's play the important refund info game

[@stephaniehealey1640]

You’re wonderful Aisha!!! Representation truly matters! Xxx

[@psalmwaves3708]

Loved this!

[@mirabellaestella696]

this was beautiful

[@nombulelogumede5261]

Brilliantly articulated.

[@nuniezjorge]

Depends on the context what should be represented, why would i want to see my face in an Asian martial arts movie when I'm Mexican? What if race or gender is irrelevant for the context of the movie?

[@buster3041]

Obviously not every occurrence matters. When the world of the story presented specifically shows only certain races exist in it then only those races should appear.

[@lorrainespence8374]

Beautiful amazing speech keep doing what your doing 😊 it 💚🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@onehumanhistory]

Until college applications have an option that says quarter British, quarter Scottish, half Italian, I don’t feel represented

[@noelgibson5956]

As a white Australian, I usually judge people on their appearance. People of any race who are elderly, children, women or disabled are percieved by me, more favourably than people of any race who are males in the 20's or 30's who are muscular, have tattoos and act like they have a drug habit. I've personally met far more intimidating whites than non whites.

[@lukegreen3866]

Awsome!

[@DavesChaoticBrain]

Over 25,000 views (not enough!) but only 847 likes and, now, 46 comments? Sad. :-(

[@yumsanmei]

I want Affirmative Action for Asians in NFL and NBA. Too much of Blacks. We need Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Sports too.

[@OmulangiraJjemba]

Wow

[@StefanGabriel-90]

Because of frustration ??

[@joelburchell4]

I think that this talk did a good job of giving examples of modern racism. However, I feel it doesn't give a cohesive argument to support the claim that representation is the answer to discrimination. Simply repeating the claim that representation matters doesn't increase its logical validity.

[@mayf7097]

do you think representation matters

[@joelburchell4]

@@mayf7097 I have not done enough research to have an informed opinion about it.

[@quietcell]

She didn't say representation is the answer, she said it matters. And it does. I'm guessing you're already represented and you acknowledge you haven't researched, soooo.....

[@skeletonwar4445]

​@@quietcell No he's right. I came to this video to find an argument for *why* representation matters, not *that* it matters. She asserts that it matters (and she's right) and gives examples of everyday racism, but she does not explain how representation in media helps solve those problems.

[@drhadizakereabdulrahman8592]

Hmm! This is painful to listen to in parts

[@charlenelawrenceable]

👊🏾🙌🏾❤💯 speak life queen 👑

[@Andres64B]

It doesn't matter. All you need is empathy. I have been disabled my entire life and I am 57 now. I can't name one single disabled character or actor from any TV or movie I have ever seen. Does it bother me? No. I am able to look past my disability. I am more than my disability. I have empathy and can put myself in the shoes of others, even if my shoes certainly would not fit them.

[@Andres64B]

@Jane Nebe You are absolutely right. I do have enough empathy. The sad part is that others don't. I don't need to see someone that looks exactly like me. It's that kind of thinking that is dividing us. That is probably the biggest problem in the world today.

[@radish5101]

@@Andres64B there's nothing wrong with wanting some representation ? It may not apply to you but others do

[@ChristianJoyD]

It’s more than likely you have been represented in other ways. THAT’S why disability representation doesn’t matter to you.

[@Andres64B]

@@ChristianJoyD Everyone is represented in one way or another. I just don't whine and moan about it.

[@quietcell]

@@Andres64B No, you watch KZbin videos on subjects that you say don't matter to you so that you can make tiresome comments. Maybe a bit if representation would have made you less likely to seek out negative human contact through trolling.

[@oOSilverZackOo]

This logic is full of flaws. Inclusivity, by definition means integration. Not representation. Inclusive representation is an oxymoron. It has zero impact on actual integration and therefore works against any chance for genuine inclusivity. This obsession with “being represented” by looks and appearances only fills one’s sense of inferiority/minority complex.

[@layaxx1]

If only you were my teacher....

[@zombietotseater3894]

Stop being sheep. Think for yourself. Everyone is an individual responsible for themselves.

[@dannycoitus6738]

what

[@estherselvarani88]

This individualism in the western world is why y'all are lonely, depressed and struggling. Community matters, representation matters.

[@jimmoriarty6964]

This woman can always find a reason to make herself a victim lol

[@ivanaguilar3132]

What a bunch of BS