I’m Mexican. Does that change your assumptions about me? | Vanessa Vancour | TEDxUniversityofNevada

[@camilom2752]

Loved the fact that she talked both languages and shared the stigma many of us have when we see someone. I know i deal with it.

[@NiCaNaMex]

Me too...but it is cool, not negative!! It is awesome to have two languages (or more, I wish), and two cultures and be like a bridge. I do not live offended! I love being able to connect with double the people! It is so wonderful!

[@BriLoveMusic]

If you're commenting about how she does or doesn't LOOK Mexican, you totally missed her point. This video is about NOT judging based on looks or assuming based on accents and background. You wasted 12 minutes and 42 seconds watching an incredibly intelligent woman speak about one of America's greatest problems right now. This is why America is what it is in terms of unity. It's not unified at all. God bless you all and may we wake up.

[@pebbles92able]

Mexican are not white..ever.

[@mysticqro950]

Most of the people being mad and obsessing over her “looks” are the same Mexicans who cry about people stereotyping them… do they not see the point of the video? It’s not about looking Mexicans or not. She’s not saying she doesn’t look mexican. Rather, she’s stating other people don’t perceive her as such due to their assumptions. Funny, how it’s most of the Mexicans arguing with themselves because the point went over their heads.

[@JohnSmith-im5di]

What a beautiful, articulate,Well spoken , good hearted young woman.. Well done Vanessa you are a blessing.

[@martincito1662]

What are you talking about Vanessa?!?! YOU DO LOOK MEXICAN AND HISPANIC. My grandmother is a blond, blue eyed woman born, raised, and living in San Miguel del Alto, Jalisco. 30% of Mexico's population is white.

[@bernardoblanchetramirez6032]

Martin Brizuela ahhh, Los Altos de Jalisco, where stereotypes about Mexicans die

[@frankserratos5022]

Martin Brizuela in Los Altos Jalisco there's lots of white people mi mamá es de Arandas

[@ImDougDimmadome]

But the thing is, if she hadn't said she was mexican, would you have still thought that she was? Thats basically the entire point of her ted talk.

[@lamingtongirl123]

Can confirm my dad is from a small village outside of Jalisco but he was like 3rd or fourth generation because of my great great grandparents immigrated from Spain... I didn't receive the blue eyes myself but I have cousins with green eyes and some with hazel. We all have big Spanish noses from the Mediterranean...

[@SilverLakeify]

lamingtongirl123 what's a Spanish nose? Strange, because when I lived in Spain there were all types of noses.

[@arielrotman]

most people I know from Mexico looks like her, even whiter

[@lala-cp5ct]

Ariel Roemer depends on where in mexico.

[@valuecalc]

Ariel, I doubt it.

[@lala-cp5ct]

Nichole Hastings theres all types of mexicans.

[@valuecalc]

She's still right. Most are NOT white, but many claim to have "blond, blue-eyed, and tall" relatives. All lies.

[@lala-cp5ct]

sandinyourshoes never said she was wrong.

[@jackie-pq8xy]

I'm Mexican and I'm a legal citizen but my mom wasn't in the 1993 but got her citizenship in 2000. Sometimes I visit my grandma in mexico and in the airport I've had people look at me like "what are Mexicans doing on this plane?" "Are they getting deported" no I'm not getting deported I'm just visiting my grandma and I hate that they assume that I'm an illegal Mexican.

[@whisperingsage]

I had a Mexican best friend in the 1980's , I worked with the wife in a nursing home, she had her parents and husband and 5 kids. (all kids born here, her father also born here but lived in Mexico for years). They had green cards. Every once in awhile the hubby had to go see family in Mexico and when he tried to come home, the Mexican police at the border would demand bribes. The Wife would ask me for like $200 to get him back into the states even though he was legal.

[@OLYNasian]

LOOOL

[@williamsullivan1173]

Just remember that you are not a descendant of a snowflake.

[@rosariotorres5324]

I like how you use the term illegal Mexican. It sounds so matchy with your mother’s past battle towards citizenship. I also like how your start your paragraph with, “I’m Mexican”.

[@thatgui88]

Or th y assume you do not speak English lmao it's all good though. Majority of the time it stems from ignorance. When younger to know these people they are not that educated lol.

[@jackandblaze5956]

Lynda Carter is Mexican - now THAT should be a mind-bender to you if you have preconceived notions about what a Mexican is. Baseball great Ted Williams was Mexican. The original Daisy Duke, Catherine Bach - Mexican-descent. Also Joanna Kerns, Demi Lovato, Linda Christian, Sara Paxton, Vanessa Marcil, Kat Von D, Louis CK, and Vikki Carr - all Mexicans. Raquel Welch and Vanna White are Hispanic BTW.

[@alonzomartii]

Jack Andblaze No she is not. In that case I'm Aztec. Having just blood doesn't make her Mexican. Just man left his partner knowing she was pregnant. She's US citizen, or Stateless of she losses the US one, but I highly dought she'll renounce. Is not just about blood. And grandchildren of Spaniard living Philippines are not consider Spanish but Philippino.

[@comphysync9084]

Is mexican a nationality or a mixed race?

[@vpu2]

Alonso Martii I thought if at least one granparent is a Spaniard then one could apply for Spanish citizenship.

[@alonzomartii]

ivonne pena You're allowed but must live in Spain for one year. And possibly to loose your current citizenship, and is not guarantee 💯% if mom or dad are Spanish then apply but be ready to leave your citizenship if requested. I would not recommend it. Not unless you plan to live there for life.

[@vpu2]

Alonso Martii Oh, thanks for the info. I was thinking of applying for double nationality, my parents are Mexican and I was born in the US. Idk if that would cause any problems with my American citizenship?

[@peachteatina]

I am Mexican, born and raised in US. But there have been people that don’t believe I’m Mexican or that I am Mexican enough. I understand Spanish, but I don’t speak it very well and I get judged for it even by my own relatives. I grew up in a very white dominate town. At 37 years old now, I am trying to learn how to speak Spanish and getting to know my heritage. When I was younger, I just didn’t care about these things. Took me this long to finally get inspired to get to know more about my family and ancestors. And I’m excited about learning all I can.

[@dancingcolibri3159]

Good for you. Embrace your culture. Being Mexican is awesome!

[@valuecalc]

Peach 🍑, if you're Mexican, then other Mexicans will hold you to the responsibility of learning Spanish.

[@realistic1038]

You should try to learn Nahua, Zapotec, Maya or area where you family originally origin from. To learn your real Mexican natives language. It was never Spanish.

[@marcocisneros5988]

@@realistic1038 Yes but we speak Spanish so it's part of our culture

[@realistic1038]

@@marcocisneros5988 We speak Mexican spanish. Not spain spanish. We mixed our native words nahua(language spoken by Aztecs, and most spoken native tongue in mexico) with Spanish. Im so glad mexico didnt forget its native roots. Thats why mexicans call themselves mexican and not spanish.

[@DanielSanchez-ss9bs]

There are thousands of Mexicans that look like her or whiter in my family there is lots of member with green eyes and real light brown hair it's pretty common there

[@valuecalc]

Daniel, the Indian element is screaming to the skies. It doesn't get erased so easily. The problem is that natives rarely hold any power in society or government.

[@mathewcruz2184]

I think she knows that as well but to make her point about not judging based off of appearances she played on the idea to support her speech.

[@antoniocantu2622]

My mother was born in Puerto Rico. She came here when she was 17. Several years back my Mother moved to a half million dollar home in Hartland Michigan. Very nice sub-division so nice that few women who lived in the sub brought over a cake to welcome the new owners of this expensive home. When my mom answered the door the nice women form this sub asked, " is the woman of the house home"? My mother answered, "yes". So one of they lady's said, Can you please fetch her"? My mother said, "ok". She left and came back said to the ladies, "Can I help you in the lady of the house"? My mother told me thoes women were so embarrassed and kept apologizing. They thought she was the Maid. Lol

[@rgdssd]

Antonio Cantu that's horrible! But not surprising, unfortunately.

[@Australopitecuz2]

She looks pretty mexican. What is she talking about?

[@Daiseehead]

I don't know. I think she'd fit right in with Mexican people. Only the thick Southern California accent and constant vocal fry might throw some people off, though. Most Mexican Americans won't speak that way.

[@rarereckon1759]

Australopitecuz2 If she was talking in perfect english, never mentioning she was of Mexican decent, you wouldn't tell, trust me.

[@Australopitecuz2]

r r yeah, cause you can't know a person's nationality just by looking at them. But if she was in Mexico speaking spanish, she wouldn't stand out for her looks and nobody would think shes not mexican. Trust me, I'm mexican

[@Australopitecuz2]

r r yeah, cause you can't know a person's nationality just by looking at them. But if she was in Mexico speaking spanish, she wouldn't stand out for her looks and nobody would think shes not mexican. Trust me, I'm mexican

[@SilverLakeify]

because there is a stereotype of what Mexicans look like in the US. Also, because there are literally people from all over the world in the US, so people may assume she is some other nationality. She is speaking of her experience in the US, not in Mexico or other countries.

[@marig4674]

Can't believe most people only concentrated on her Mexican or American looks. Can u listen to the content of her message? She is refering on how other people persive her based on how she looks. She is proud of her background and her roots and that says a lot to me!!

[@kikiriki8742]

Exactly!

[@IsraelCervantes-le4gf]

Americans be like: I'm Italian ( their great grandfather had a cousin who once visited Australia).

[@IsraelCervantes-le4gf]

All seriousness idc if your entire family tree stems from Mexico, if you don't speak Spanish you aren't Mexican.

[@soniaquintanilla3280]

Never judge a book by it's cover! I have been asked by strangers oh your Hindi or you must be Filipino or Samoan or Native American....uhm NO! I'm American with Mexican descent. I've been called names for not properly speaking Spanish. I'm proud to be the daughter of a Immigrant father and a Tejano Mother. People have always made assumptions and I guess I have so myself. You're right taking a moment to soak in the situation and turn it around into something more Positive. Thank you for Sharing!!!!

[@valuecalc]

Racial identity cannot be concealed.

[@hombresalvadoamerica]

Hearing you speaking Spanish is not surprising to me and I believe it will not be surprising if you lived or visited Spain or if you worked on Mexican TV in Mexico

[@Verntallat7]

spain?? you must be high

[@nohzazu3395]

That was a really nice lecture! I admire her courage and humbleness through her speech. Why do we care about skin color or language? Todos somos seres humanos.

[@GenXatwork]

This was really a great talk - gave me some feels and brought up some tears and I honestly don't know why but being an empath I guess I felt some of the strong emotions she was not showing. I am sharing this one with my group. Very nice.

[@chromehome2441]

Thank you! 💙

[@gilmamartinez8313]

gente como vanessa es lo unico que "makes america great again"

[@americanforce4710]

Gilma Martinez No. DONALD TRUMP AND WHITE PEOPLE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN CAUSE MEXICANS AIN'T AMERICANS

[@luisalejandrodavalosaguila9761]

AMERICAN force You must not know shit about geography... You're just as ignorant as the "Cheeto" for a president that you have we are North America (Canada + United States and Mexico) Central America (Guatemala, Bolivia and Honduras to name a few...) South America (Chile, Argentina, Peru and more...) All of these are Continental America... So we are all Americans

[@luisalejandrodavalosaguila9761]

AMERICAN force that's alright... Just hope he can remember what he's doing. Tell me... Is Orange ass Donnie the next grand wizard for the KKK just hope he can remember what he's doing because the punk has Alzheimer's #AmericaWillBeOrangeAgain #IMPEACHTHECHEETO

[@luisalejandrodavalosaguila9761]

mazzobara ... Cool... I gotta eat dinner anyways... Thanks for the heads up pal

[@andreaguajardo3961]

America is a Continent.

[@Meandgenevieve]

I love your talk Vanessa, I'm hooked and i am a fan, i have watched your talk many times over. The more i listen, the more deeply i consider your words. Yes, we are all the same, we are all one. Thanks my friend for your fine TED talk.

[@TRIPLESIXSICCNESS]

The name Mexico comes from the world Meshika/Mexica aka the Aztecs who spoke nahuatl, Mexico had dozens of nations and empires, with over 200 indigenous languages, which of 68 are still alive and well. Do a little research, Mexico doesn't even have an official language it has 69 including Spanish.

[@valuecalc]

Leo. Villicaña, Spanish seems rather official. I never heard of anyone who'd have trouble getting around Mexico knowing Spanish.

[@pmenchaca22]

sandinyourshoes. Spanish is the 'lingua franca', which is different than 'official language' Officially, Mexico does not have an Official language, but sadly in the practice, there are not too many options other than spanish if you want to deal with the government. Personally, I wouldn't like it to be the official language, as it would "harm" the other languages in Mx. There seems to be some efforts to be more inclusive on native languages, but if you ask me, It would be great for us mexicans if we devote some time to know at least an indigenous language, that way we keep them alive, and for our mexican brothers who either do not speak spanish or are embarrased to speak their native language.

[@valuecalc]

pm, maybe they feel embarrassed of native tongues because being reminded of ancestral defeat is a bit annoying.

[@edgarhernandez4529]

That's right Spanish is not Mexican language. We were forced to speak the language spanish by the Spaniards. If there us a truly proud mexican who speak the native language nahuatl, then that's the definition of a true mexican

[@SouthSacIraq14]

@@edgarhernandez4529 ✊🏾💯💯

[@lindabeal5353]

EXCELLENT PRESENTATION!!!!.. I AM A VERY PROUD MEXICAN WOMAN. I SPEAK TWO LANGUAGUES. MY HUSBAND, WHO I MET IN MEXICO CITY 36 YEARS AGO SPEAKS 4, AS WELL AS MY 3 CHILDREN (33, 31 AND 29) WHAT A GIFT!!!!

[@reubenz1480]

Well Mexican is simply a nationality. She fits in Mexico with no problem. There are millions (20 million aprox.) of whites in Mexico many of them are even blue eyed blondes. The reason why u don't see too many white Mexicans in the US is because most white Mexicans are educated and financially well established in their home land so there's no need to immigrate. Any well travelled person will tell u that.

[@missliz7627]

AMEN 🙏 a este comentario

[@valuecalc]

Why must the Indians be so poor?

[@reubenz1480]

sandinyourshoes what?! I dont know. Who says they must be poor? Anyone can be poor really and there are a million reasons why they can be poor.

[@valuecalc]

The natives are never on top. And no one wants to be one if he rises in society.

[@reubenz1480]

sandinyourshoes yeah racism is not good. I agree. Its a never ending issue unfortunately.

[@ecsellvideos]

Vanessa, this is so well done. Such an honor to share the stage with you.

[@valuecalc]

Nothing special here.

[@baghaei90]

I disagree 100% I think she did a bad job.

[@valuecalc]

The Truth B, I know. I thought people would walk out.

[@princeofthestars5558]

great job.i came to the usa 22 years ago.i want my 2 kids to be like that smart bilingual and great people..

[@danielcervantes9743]

Aren't we all American? I thought this continent is composed of North and South America. We are all American.

[@elysium76]

Ignorant

[@davidcervantes9336]

Itztáni Melahuac take your lefty, indigenous ass somewhere else.

[@valuecalc]

David, aren't you native, too?

[@erickpeculiar823]

Well I think is because in English u can't call someone Estadounidence. Like you can't crunch United States and make it adjective in English. I mean you can call somone one a United States citizen but that too long and ppl don't really like to do extra work. For example, you wouldn't say I'm a Mexican citizen. Also English tends the be the international language so people from other countries tend to follow the English dialect.

[@yamifonseca2993]

Mexico is north america

[@ricardogonzalez8278]

When people asked me where I am from? I always say: " From planet earth, son of God like you! we are brothers".

[@Esmeraldaacuna]

Ricardo Gonzalez lmao! Im atheist but this is a good one...

[@Batman_Fan-i6i]

Amen sir I'm Christian

[@sandracrump]

This is so beautiful she’s so intelligent and helping encourage others who come from a non full American documented household! What’s a bright or intelligent woman

[@eduardobatasuna8398]

I wonder why is so important the color of the skin or ethnic background? I noticed that US and Argentina really care about it. My preliminary conclusions: rampant racism and low esteem. We are all humans after all, please wake up!

[@valuecalc]

Eduardo, no, not quite. Sadly, the natives keep getting the short end of the stick.

[@LuenMiranda]

Amazing TED Talk Vanessa!!! Bravo! Increíble! Muchas gracias por tener la fuerza y el cometido de hablar tu historia! 🙏🏽☀️

[@perlap.3374]

What a Beautiful woman!!! I’m glad she gave this Authentic, Raw conversation 🤗 There are so many misinformed, Uncultured Americans that believe are Superior to people from different Countries. We are All Gods kids

[@javiergaona3208]

Vanessa...mi corazón está siempre contigo..soy mexicano del estado de Michoacán.

[@zz2121]

Thank you for taking the time to speak up and trying to open every one's eyes .

[@JuanTorres-ly1rq]

This has been the most amazing video about the points from both side. this is so freaking on point she is the speaking the mind of millions of people.

[@ingrid44556]

She looks like she can be from ANY country in the world!

[@supermonk3y07]

Even Nigeria or Korea

[@comphysync9084]

Except

[@supermonk3y07]

Ingrid P She looks Mediterranean or Latin American. When I say Mediterranean I would include the North Africa, the Levant, maybe Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Persia.

[@rickymaldo7363]

That’s the best way to put it lol

[@thecatlady3501]

Yes! I literally look just like her and I’ve even been asked if I was Asian and by an Asian man! My mom thinks we are Arabic. And I have been told I look white or Italian are the most common.

[@AHPSC]

You're talking as if Mexican and White were opposite things. Mexican is a nationality whereas "White" refers to ethnicity. That's an obvious trait of being raised in the United States where race based and cultural labels are like a car's license plates: everyone must have one.

[@valuecalc]

Most Mexicans I see definitely look native, not white.

[@alexcorralgarcia]

sandinyourshoes because you only see the “Mexicans” in the US. Most Mexicans in the US are from southern Mexico where most people are indigenous. Go to northern Mexican states and you’ll see. Get out of your little bubble.

[@19ars92]

Carlo De Alba Northern Mexico isn’t white Is a more mixed part of the country but no where as European as most of the USA To me the woman it’s not a real Mexican She is just another US citizen But in the US people tend to label others by heritage or color Mexican it’s a nationality She was born in the US How is she Mexican? Can I be born in mexico and be Canadian? I don’t think so

[@alexcorralgarcia]

YAR-YAR DRINKS I never said northern Mexico is white.

[@edgarsanchez6187]

mexico is multy diverse and also white people like in. at less 40 % in the wotld not only in usa. it sound very ridiculous when you say white people you automatically referred to at less 20 countries in tbe world included Mexico .the problem its. your ignorance.

[@TheRealBizWiz]

*I can absolutely relate to her.* _Peace and love to everyone from Houston, TX._

[@TheRealBizWiz]

@Johnny Michoacan *12:09*

[@cavernariogalindo7792]

You do look mexican.

[@valuecalc]

Agreed.

[@valuecalc]

Riley llan, I bet that many guys are after her.

[@luciaaragon3294]

To Mexicans she does, I bet to non Mexicans she looks "white"

[@rascal211]

Chunky

[@jaymontange8260]

You look like you

[@alexc.3032]

We come in all colors in Mexico my sisters look straight Irish red hair pale skin color and I’m real light skin looks like I have been tanning all year long but I’m Mexican American but both parents are from Mexico n we Hispanics Latinos whatever you want to call us our heritage n language is beautiful just like any other beautiful race and thank you for making this video

[@limitslines9896]

Red headed Mexican right here from veracruz. My son is half Filipino too , from Tijuana

[@valuecalc]

Alex, Viktoria, Freddy, but you guys likely have native backgrounds. Mexicans often never say they do. It's always about "a blonde cousin, etc."

[@damnmuggle]

Same both of my parents are from jalisco and I'm so white 😆

[@valuecalc]

na g, yes, but do you list yourself as white/Caucasian?

[@mikecastro1239]

Every Mexican is white online😂😂

[@arlinegeorge6967]

When desperate you don't even know that fear exist. Beautiful impressive amazing soul. Inspiring. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@Z123aba]

Si pareces mexicana, mucho

[@sofas8003]

you did not understand the video, my friend

[@Z123aba]

sofas I guess you didn’t, what’s your point?

[@valuecalc]

@@Z123aba , sofas doesn't have one.

[@clemejuan5296]

Grasias Vanes por compartir tu testimonio DIOS te bendiga eres un ejemplo para los que como yo que todavia no tienen una carrera esto me ayuda después de mirar tu testimonio esto me ayuda a esforzarme a luchar para seguir adelante...🙅‍♂️

[@BretSimmons]

Great job, Vanessa!

[@valuecalc]

Not really.

[@valuecalc]

Ray, some folks act like the law doesn't apply to them.

[@valuecalc]

Ray Milligan, I don't know why people cross the borders illegally and get so defensive when they're called out on it.

[@jaguarpaw5]

sandinyourshoes I bet you lie in your taxes.

[@josevalladares3084]

Wtf

[@daisymartinez8564]

I’ve honestly never related to something so deeply and in such a meaningful way in my whole life

[@tjeanav]

Mexican-Americans all look differently. Vanessa not all Mexican-Americans look the same. I never once doubt you being Mexican-American by the way you look. I am 5'5", with light colored skin, with freckles, I speak Spanish fluently and I speak English fluently. Both of my parents are from Mexico. And one last thing, Mexicans also are Americans.

[@kikiriki8742]

@Tiffany, she's not saying she doesn't look Mexican. Rather, she's stating other people don't perceive her as such due to their assumptions.

[@hummingbirb]

All the people commenting: 'You do look Mexican'. Bruh, you are the reason the video exists. Try watching a few more times.

[@sylviamcintosh7378]

Minute 10 is priceless, imagine how things would change and tensions could ease over the next 5-20 years if this became our standard response to our kids and ourselves.

[@alambert3640]

Inadequate response that won't help eradicate bias and prejudice. If you study the African Diaspora, you will know that the woman in the grocery store may identify as Latina, even Mexican, or a myriad of other identifiers. Skin color doesn’t designate race or ethnicity. Skin color isn't like food. As someone who had my kindergarten student smell me and tell me I smell like chocolate, I recognize there was a deeper conversation to have beyond "yes, isn't she beautiful". That experience is dehumanizing... think intent vs. impact. Also consider whether children routinely point out people who look like mayonnaise to them. Children can learn the word melanin as easily as chocolate. A sample revised response-- I think I see the lady you see. We all have melanin in our skin. Some of us have more, which makes us more brown in skin color, but her skin isn't like chocolate sweetheart. Isn't she beautiful. Would you like to introduce yourself?

[@ronl1968]

one of the best youtube videos i've ever seen. period. no exceptions.

[@tamaraweber3296]

Wonderful story and Great Speaker. You Rock!

[@ghazikutbi3206]

she rocks and she is really really gorgeous.

[@vicenteguerrerogallardo3811]

Thank you, this is my story and that of my family as well. I was also raised in Colima and how you explained how your mom crossed the border in Tijuana, it's almost like you are describing my life. wow. Thank you. I now live in a great country above the USA and only because as Hispanic, I never felt welcome, where as in my country now, I am respected and welcomed. Thank you and truly appreciate you.

[@JesusMendoza-we4xd]

she's beautiful..

[@joseesquivel642]

Mil gracias por tan necesitada conferencia y además tan magistralmente dicha, usted es verdaderamente un ejemplo a seguir y espero mas y mas gente la atienda, yo por mi parte le digo y deseo que Dios (cualquiera que sea su idea de el) la bendiga y mucho y a toda su familia empezando por sus padres y hasta su última generación. Respetuosamente el que suscribe.

[@jamesallen5591]

"I'm Mexican. Does that change your assumptions about me?" No. I just saved myself almost 12 minutes.

[@malenaqueteimporta5729]

I have three other sibblings and we all have college degrees. I look very Mexican. My mom crossed with my older sister in the late 70's. My father was here on an over stayed student visa. I've known their story since I remember anything else. I have an MSW, and a clinical LCSW. Most people think that I'm the receptionist at my office or the cleaning lady. I'm actually the Clinical Lead. People assume so much about me. I feel like my presence in my space educates people both Latino and others as to what a Latina can be.

[@kfrankpr]

Great story, thank you for sharing

[@mannymedina8946]

My parents are both Mexican. I am a US NAVY veteran. Dad had green eyes (got smuggled in the dashboard of a car at 17) Mom is more tan beautiful woman with perfect smile (no braces)…I also spoke Spanish first. Now “I speak so well.” MOTIVATION. Anyone who feels different (not race) just different should feel INSPIRED by this video. Thank you Ma’am.

[@donshilo2024]

Your parents make a strong proud beautiful women!

[@jpisilva7912]

Excellent presentation! Proud. Keep opening eyes and hearts. The world needs more like you.

[@PedroMartinez-sf3ze]

Most people commenting here don't realize she is not talking about herself not looking mexican but the assumption of people that determine some aspects of their personality by the way the other person looks or their name or something else with out knowing that person like she said we all do it sometimes

[@robramir51]

Que suerte tienes aver nacido aqui en estados unidos, que suerte tienes aver estudiado pero es una Fortuna la tuya tener a tu madre que lucho por ti y toda tu familia

[@taopanda98]

I am Mexican living in the USA. Oddly, I speak perfect English and Spanish. I am not here illegally and I crossed the border by car with passport and visa. People assume I am Mexican-American when they find out I am Mexican typically when they ask the question that everybody ask at a "non-Caucasian without offending because could be American born". That question is "Where are your parents from?" It is funny that I am 19 years old in I WORKED hard to obtain my scholarship and grades and I say "I am an immigrant" but I do not like that as soon as I say this, people say "Oh I understand. I support DACA/undocumented" I feel bad, because I am lucky that I have hard working middle class parents that as united we arrive to the USA legally, and I do not share the same story that many Hispanics living with an undocumented parent. It is not my story yet I have to pretend/clarify due to the media and the people around us. It is also bit misleading because after people find out I do not share the same story as other immigrants- they do not know how to act around me or start thinking that I might be "some rich kid" which in reality I don't. My mom is a small business owner and my dad is retired. I just work as hard as everyone else yet these stereotypes, media among immigrants, statistics about undocumented stories, and children of my generation in the US having growing up in these household does affect on how people view me including my own Mexican community.

[@antoniot.6594]

taopanda98 Such a long-winded post that can be summed up with the uninteresting statement: People stereotype lmao

[@nuclearwessels2078]

Due to our media and politicians, people seem to think Mexicans cannot speak English, are poor, and only come to the US illegally. Pretty much all of the Mexicans I know shatter this stereotype. They speak English with less of an accent than I do (I'm a native speaker), are part of the middle class, and are proud citizens of the USA. It's best for people not to comment until they know someody' s story.

[@taopanda98]

I totally agree with you.. people may comment once they know the story :)

[@DM-mn8nr]

Because your situation is not too common in the US... so don't get offended.

[@taopanda98]

I am not offended, it is just misleading that many Mexicans in this situation have to categorized in the larger common group. I know it is hard to visualize my situation than the other common one, but we do exist and deserve representation as well.

[@thecatlady3501]

When she said she identifies as a woman of color I literally teared up. She literally is me. I look just like her and I also have some small freckles and slight red pigmentation in my hair but just because I have certain features doesn’t mean I see myself white. I am literally torn about how people judge me when Spanish was my first language. My family is Mexican and I am second generation in the US and bc I speak and act a certain way I am viewed as white around certain people and I get the “hablas espanol?” in other situations. And to boot, I would get the “you speak Spanish like a gringa”...I could never make anyone happy and it’s the struggle of the first generations here in the US that you can’t fit in to any culture correctly.

[@MariaCastro-xo2ls]

Bravo!! Very articulate and honest. You go girl!! Keep it going Missy.

[@ginacool9207]

I love this.... people talk Spanish to my son and he just looks at him and says I don't speak Spanish and then comes up to me and says hey Mom and that confuses the heck out of people it's so cute and such a cute way he's grown up I always laugh when that happens he does too I love the story thank you

[@bridget1138]

Omg I can’t believe people found a reason to hate on this. I loved it and she does look like a white girl and is half white, her dad is white.

[@elnarwilliamk.4405]

Filipinos were once Latinos. Our ancestors hablan español muy bien not until americans colonized Philippines. Now Filipinos are just remembered as the people who has spanish last names, who counts in spanish, who's days in a week are in spanish, who has thousands of spanish loan words pero no hablan español.

[@marys2382]

I love this. I frequently get calls and mail from utility type services in Spanish. I was married. Then widowed. I still have the name. It's hard to believe such assumptions are made by such big name companies.

[@Natearound]

Beautiful words Vanessa! This video is amazing, thanks for sharing your history with us. Also I’m using this TED video to improve/learn my English. Well done 👍🏻

[@alohania125]

Yesss I’m sooo glad you shared your story 😭😊😊🙏🏼

[@valuecalc]

Nia Espinosa, it sounds fake.

[@xoang9480]

My mom is Norwegian and my dad is Mexican, and they meet in California when my mom was there for a trip aha, I am so proud of my roots. And yet everyone is so mind blown about my background.

[@babysharkcrew1905]

I love and respect your point of view your emotional intelligence is out of this world I respect you so much do this Ted talk my dream is to have a Ted talk of my own one day and to know that you open up the gates for me is amazing ( I'm also Mexican American) and I thank you for being so brave and amazing !

[@susanamontiel6476]

Felicidades eres muy bonita y muy inteligente, que bueno que eres orgullosa de tus raíces mexicana , y no te avergüenzan como otros que no le quieren hablar en español y lo humillan a uno ... Que eres luchadora por tener tu valor para hablar en frente de la gente .... 🇲🇽🇱🇷🇦🇷👏👏👏👏

[@kikiriki8742]

Deberias considerar el hecho que muchos latinos nacidos y criados en Estados Unidos no aprendieron castellano y no pueden hablarlo. Eso no significa que se "avergüencen" de su origen. Si te das cuenta, una gran mayoria de Asiaticos nacidos y criados en EE.UU. tampoco hablan el idioma de sus padres. Me parece absurdo que esa carga solo se la pongan a los latinos.

[@fernandoescobar4387]

En vez de escuchar y enorgullecerse de ella, la crítica la misma gente de su raza. Que decepción de algunos y pena frente a otras personas inteligentes que le aplauden. Me da orgullo saber de personas como ella.

[@joelrangel8617]

Fernando Escobar Esque se cre chingona porque la gente piensa que es guera pero tiene el nopalote en la frente lol I wouldn’t be surprise to see she speaks Spanish, I would be more surprised when I hear her speak English

[@elizavillatoro6063]

@@joelrangel8617 No es que se cree chingona. Tan solo cuenta su experiencia y lo que muchos asumen por su color de piel.

[@kikiriki8742]

@@elizavillatoro6063 Asi es, Eliza. Tambien sus razgos no encajan con lo que las personas asocian con mexicano o latino. Por supuesto que hay latinos de todos los colores y razas ni Venessa ni nadie a dicho lo contrario. Es increible leer los comentarios ignorantes de muchos que le reclaman cosas que ella no ha dicho.

[@coldestpeanutbutter8926]

she is absolutely gorgeous

[@mexicanusrex9418]

Only foreigners ask, "You don't look Mexican" which to us is offensive. We come in different shapes and colors.

[@urbugnmetoday3183]

Answer to question; no...but having to draw attention to yourself because of it ; yes...

[@Danny883YT]

There’s this kid in my school who’s Mexican and has blond hair and blue eyes.

[@speakingrealcommunications4417]

Well done -- loved this talk. The play of language and the important lessons and questions raised....

[@adminuser5810]

Assumptions are a very efficient way to take decisions when you don't have enough information about a particular situation, our ability to correct and be more accurate is what makes the difference. if I'm walking on the sidewalk in a statistically more dangerous neighborhood by night alone and a guy dress like rapper comes across me, it's wise to assume he can rob me and better to take a couple of meters of distance.

[@Buck0338]

I completely agree and the example I use is, "Would you go swimming with sharks?" Why not? Are you profiling sharks as being dangerous?

[@ernieruiz3966]

Thank you for doing this TEDx Talk

[@adrianajimenez4342]

You are a beautiful woman, proud of you girl!!!

[@estradaj777]

The truth be told , all the way thru Mexico to Colombia you see this mixture , I work as an interpreter and love Spanish and see this all the time , people from Cuba, and Colombia have the greatest diversity that I have seen.

[@bull419]

The truth of the matter is people who look like her (light skin) is that they have their own hangups about being Latino, I hear this all the time from Latinos who are light skin, " Oh omg people are always so surprised I speak Spanish," the only people who are surprised by this nonsense is people who for the most part have preconceived notions of what a person should look like if they are of Hispanic descent and don't have much contact with Spanish speaking peoples. Otherwise for those of us who are Latinos all we say is get over yourself because we already did.

[@NiCaNaMex]

Right. They just don't know! And that is fine. If they wanted to, they would!

[@lindarivera4174]

You go girl. I’m white from Puerto Rican Parents. I have gone through discrimination. I grew up in an African American Community so that’s what I sound like. I learned to be Proud of all that I am. It’s a Great combination. I enjoy it all except the discrimination I have endured at the hands of some not all White Americans. Which always baffled me because they’re immigrants themselves

[@mialynnrivera3700]

Wow, this was an amazing TED Talk! This is so true!

[@Santixdz]

I really admire this woman for been bilingual and proud of her heritage like myself I'm a native Mexican came to the United States my wife and my children are bilingual but to be honest I feel bad when I see youngsters with their Mexican parents and they do not speak Spanish and their Parents their English is very poor why do they do that not teaching their children Spanish language it is so rewarding knowing two languages instead of just one.

[@cmnweb]

Wait, she looks like a regular Mexican for me!! mmm no wait again Mexican can look like Africans, Europeans, Asians or Indigenas, i have Italian roots and i look like european but i'm 100% Mexican

[@fabrageorange6818]

cmnweb de repente te consigues chamba en una telenovela de TV Azteca/Telemundo con los otros famosos "italo-descendientes:" Ana Silvetti, Monica Dossetti, Fernando Ciangherotti, Maite Perroni, Ana Luisa Peluffo, Victoria Ruffo, Nicky Mondellini, Ricardo Dalmacci. Hasta el apellido de Thalía es de origen italiano (genovés). Auguri! No olvidemos de la otrora italo- peruana radicada en México, Laura Bozzo.

[@rubenperez6754]

me too I took that DNA and came out %75 European and the rest middle-eastern, Jewish and native - American and I am 100% Mexican, but have natural blonde hair green eyes and golden tanned skin😈

[@valuecalc]

cmnweb, are you serious?

[@NiCaNaMex]

Como yo lo veo: Esta plática o charla está muy bien hecha, pero la historia no es algo nuevo - es parte de la vida de todos los países que tienen fronteras con otras tierras. Tal vez sea que lo vea así porque nos criamos en California. Mis padres eran inmigrantes legales. Eso no significaba que lo tuviéramos mundos más fácil. Ser de otro lugar es difícil. Pero lo superamos. Yo también aprendí inglés más tarde, de Sesame Street, jaja, pero en todo eso me ha hecho un alumno mucho más alerta. Yo también tengo una madre que vivió cosas increíbles... pero de nuevo, no es tan raro, si no es inmigración, es debido a cáncer, o perder a los padres o no tenerlos jamás, o perder una extremidad, y así sucesivamente. No estamos parados sintiendo lástima por nosotros mismos. Mis padres, tíos y tías aprendieron el inglés, mantuvieron el español, y han trabajado duro y han alcanzado algo del sueño esperado y, aunque hechandole falta la vieja cultura, enarbolando/volando la bandera de Los EE.UU. Yo también tengo tíos y primos en Sudamérica que son rubios y de ojos claros/azules o de piel muy clara, tengo un hijo bien rubio con ojos azules, y otros no tanto. La gente SÓLO puede saber lo que sabe. No se les debe hacer sentir mal por no saberlo. La ignorancia no se hace por ser malo. Es simplemente usar experiencias anteriores cuando ve uno algo nuevo y hacer una llamada del juicio. Está bien hacer eso. Todos lo hacemos. Debemos relajarnos y disfrutar de la vida y gente nuestra y ajena, no estar tan preocupados por ser perfectos, no sucederá. Ah, una cosa más , a veces REALMENTE conseguimos un trabajo sólo porque tenemos la herencia latina. Si somos dignos del trabajo, el tiempo lo dirá. ¡Vivo agradecida no ofendida!!! ¡Adelante!

[@yurfavoriteahmed]

ahh you look Mexican. It would be my first question.."Are you Mexican or Hispanic?" idk how others cant tell.

[@valuecalc]

It looks obvious to me.

[@valuecalc]

Donald Smith, she also looks very native.

[@JohnSmith-im5di]

She just looks beautiful to me. What does a mexican look like, ? Sombrero, and burrow ?

[@valuecalc]

er lo, but Mexico has a big native population in its southern regions, too.

[@ArielleVicMaxim]

sandinyourshoes and they keep to themselves, meaning they don’t like white Mexicans or Mestizos (mixed race Mexicans) they see us a threat not different from the ones here or everywhere you go in the Americas, there’s some places in Mexico where they live (natives)where white Mexicans are not allowed

[@alexc.3032]

Thank you so so much for this video you are so right in many different ways hermana

[@joey5330]

Privileged to have heard her speak, as my parents are 20 min. from Colima Mexico.

[@juanmanuelortizdiaz7252]

justin bobby am from Colima am here in USA like 10 year and I proud Mexican pride but I love 🇺🇸

[@valuecalc]

Juan, does it mean that you wouldn't marry a girl who wasn't Mexican like you?

[@lisadamianbenedict4307]

What does it matter if others have assumptions of you? What they think doesn't define you. What matters is what you think of yourself, stay positive and confident in your own skin. You put to much emphasis on what others think. So who cares what they think. Be proud of who you are and the culture you carry.

[@arielrotman]

she says shes both white and mexican, as in if she was both diferent races. Mexican is not a race, but a nationality, I wonder if she knows the difference. Ethnicity is something based on culture and not genetics. Shes something else far from mexican. Americans have a really vague idea of what a Mexican looks like based on the immigrants that arrive to the US.

[@valuecalc]

In that case, it is easier to say "white and native Indian." There is nothing else.

[@19ars92]

Mexico is a melting pot You know she’s fake Mexican when she thinks she is special because her family heritage originated in Europe then moved to Mexico She’s confused and has a very americanized vision of Mexico

[@valuecalc]

YAR-YAR DRINKS, "fake Mexican," you say? Who's the real one? The native one?

[@armingonzalez2436]

you are correct, there were no Mexicans in this continent, THEY WERE NATIVES, NICARAGUANS,HONDURAN, COLOMBIAN, THOSE ARE COUNTRIES GIVEN NAMES BY THE SPANIARDS, THEY ARE NOT ETHNIC, MEXICAN & THE REST ARE NATIONALITIES, THEY WERE DUPED & STILL THINK THEY ARE ETHNIC BY THE NAME GIVEN TO THEIR COUNTRIES NAME., ITS ALL FAKLSE PRIDE.

[@valuecalc]

armin gonzalez, it's why mixing the races generally doesn't work.

[@ricardogomez7672]

Awesome miss, strong mind,I say this with all of my heart.

[@adamromero]

People in the US seem to forget that the Spanish language came from Spain, a European country. It would be expected that a Spanish speaker would look like her back in the old days.

[@gigatec916]

Anyone can get a TED talk now? I cant believe she's Mexican she is so unique!

[@dickhertz9585]

She is gorgeous!

[@dubalinh6248]

I like the story and it sheds light on a reality that everybody knows and people neglect to admit. I am Mexican descendant of indigenous parents she's Mexican descendant of Europeans and probably indigenous, yet if she was walking to a high-end restaurant in Mexico and in United States people would not see her as if she didn't belong in any of these places. On the other hand if I am to walk into a high-end restaurant in Mexico people do look at me like I don't belong there and if I am to walk into a high-end restaurant in the United States people look at me the same way. And people assume that I am Mexican they don't question that. I have visit some of the Native American land and I find people that look very much like me I've been to Peru I've been to Guatemala and Columbia and I found people that look like me being treated just the way I get treated sometimes. I think The Real Americans or rather the descendant of the original Americans are looked at as foreigners anywhere they stand in this continent. Our culture has been destroyed and replace with European ideas and religions and I don't know how we can get that recognition or respect from the society we live in.

[@kr4806]

"Have the courage to admit what you don't know." 👏👏

[@jorgegonzales9815]

You are right there are 12 million undocumented residents in the country but ONLY 6 million are from Mexico. The other 6 million are from arround the world and came here on a student, vacation or business visa and never went home. And the vast majority of Mexican undocumneted are located in the western United States or in the area previously owed by Mexico just 170 years ago.

[@elalamedagto]

DEAR VANESSA YOU ARE NOT MEXICAN AMERICAN, YOU ARE AMERICAN. ALSO YOUR PARENTS AND BROTHER THAT WERE BORN IN MEXICO, ARE ALSO AMERICANS BECAUSE YOU ALL WERE BORN IN THE AMERICAN CONTINENT.

[@ruvaruvita6518]

elalamedagto ....muy sensato tu comentario.👍👍

[@limitslines9896]

elalamedagto , that isn't exactly how it's done , people in Africa just don't say they are african they say their Kenyan or their Ethiopian or whatever

[@limitslines9896]

I was born in Mexico and I'm Mexican. By the way .

[@polloc3]

elalamedagto you just made an ASSUMPTION that she didn't go to Mexico and apply for dual citizenship therefore being Mexican-American.

[@elalamedagto]

Edwin, please read my comment again and then reply base on the point that I wanted to make.

[@CanalSDR]

When she said " my favorite way to reveal I speak a language though" she looked like being another person, her pitch lowered and you can tell, these two languages sound so distant in terms of intonation. As a Latino(Brazilian), I can say that it's tricky for us to pronounce " way to reveal I.." like she, as a native English Speaker, did.