Separateness left behind | Furugh Switzer | TEDxDanubia

What can we do to facilitate a change and encourage integration of the populations living on the fringes of society all over the world? It is sometimes simpler than you would ever think! These peoples are left behind, the majority of them live in poverty and are, by and large, despised by society. This creates a cycle that is difficult to escape from. Is this really the case? "Our separateness is an illusion, we are interconnected parts of the whole." (Ervin László)
A Hungary-based Persian-Canadian sociologist, trainer and life-skills educator, she has conducted workshops all over Europe and Canada and led seminars for individuals on relationships, parenting, early childhood development and inter-cultural challenges. A firm believer in integration, she is the director of the Unity in Diversity Foundation, supporting minorities and the disadvantaged and, aware that mothers are the first educators and mentors of their children, in 2003 she launched the Meséd (Your Story) Project, working mostly with Roma women to improve their literacy and life skills. She has co-authored a book on marriage called "Mindful Matrimony".
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

[@kathleenvargas9499]

This is a beautiful program to help mothers and children become literate and lovers of books and learning. The success of this program is one to be appreciated, applauded, and copied. However, as an educator of minorities and immigrants (who truly are no longer minorities, they are now the majority), I see that many parents are unwilling to become involved in various programs that offer them help to further their own educations and the education of their children. Those who do take advantage of the programs we offer and the advice we give, do advance. And we are always trying to bring everyone in, constantly thinking what could entice them. And I resent wholeheartedly the notion that the so-called majority, who are now the real minority, are the cause of these people being treated with discrimination and injustice. I believe that these so-called minorities choose separateness. They choose to not step out of their comfort zone and do not wish to be friends with people who are different from them. These people have chips on their shoulders, a real anger towards the perceived majority. It is this anger that holds them back and brings them a lack of opportunity and possibilities. People must be loving and kind to all and see all as one. However, to blame the so-called majority is in itself discrimination and a grave injustice.

[@RRudolphMD]

This is how to make a difference!! Mankind is one