What I am learning from my white grandchildren -- truths about race | Anthony Peterson | TEDxAntioch

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Are we in a post-racial society? Do we want to be? Anthony Peterson, an African American, draws from current research and from conversations with his Anglo American grandchildren to address truths about race in 21st century America.
Anthony Peterson is an African American Army brat who calls Hawaii home. He has lived, studied, written about, and taught about cultural and racial realities. He has developed and facilitated diversity training for corporate and church leaders. His degrees in psychology and religious education add to his perspective. Anthony continues work as an educator, writer and editor in Nashville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, Laura. They count six children and nine grandchildren.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@ChristaFree]

My grandmother explained the differences to me when I was very young. She told me to look at all of the birds flying around. Some were red, some blue, some brown, etc. She told me they were all birds, even though they were different colors. Told me that's how people are. They come in many colors but they're all people. That satisfied me and seemed fair to my young mind. It still does. 45 years later.

[@samsox69]

Christa Lorenz Free perfect I love this summation!!

[@ChristaFree]

@Clyde 1066 it was an explanation to a young child. I didn't even understand reproduction. And .. you're missing the point.

[@InstiGator805]

@S Robin Noah & his wife?

[@InstiGator805]

@S Robin no I believe that the whole ecosystem on earth was created 5000 years ago in just 7 days. & that the whole human race came from the incestuous line of Adam & Eve.

[@nakedpnkmolerat]

@Clyde 1066 - Always a naysayer amoungst the bunch, a thumbs-downer. That's a beautiful parable her grandmother told her, and just because it doesn't fit every scientific requirement, doesn't change its meaning.

[@libbyashmore2940]

When my niece was younger she was in a trolly being pushed around Aldi when she asked my mum “why is that ladies face so dark” my mum literally didn’t know what to say she was so took back by the question and the lady tapped on my mums holder and just said “don’t worry my son has asked why some people are so pale” my mums never forgotten that, I think that women’s words made my mum realise it wasn’t an awkward question it was an inquisitive one and i think it helped her speak about race a lot more openly in the future.

[@melodyvernon]

libby ashmore Yes. This is a treasure of a story. So grateful your mom shared it.

[@Rocky-vj5uv]

Lol great story have a blessed one 🙏✌️

[@patrickdevitt1789]

You made tears well up.

[@nicholasbrandonsorianosmit210]

Thank u for sharing this

[@RayFChung]

Great post and I hope more people see this and realize what your mother did

[@sharonemmons1005]

One of my 4 year old students sat next to me , placed her hand on my hand and massaged it gently. She smiled, looked into my eyes and said, "Miss S, what colour is your skin?". I replied, " what colour do you think my skin is?" My student replied, " brown, chocolate brown;and then she gave me a hug. (Out of the mouth of babes) What are you teaching your children? In my classroom I believe in not giving answers right away to children, but to ask them their views and answer accordingly .

[@MeMyselfAndEyeTeeth]

A true *teacher* ~ you know, I had a few teachers in my youth whom I still adore over 40 years later! You do make a difference, Miss S. Never doubt that.

[@siyandankhosi6856]

@@MeMyselfAndEyeTeeth Hey, how are you and the weather there?

[@MeMyselfAndEyeTeeth]

@@siyandankhosi6856 Hello my friend! All is well here, thank you. How are you?

[@jcbulldog533]

That was a lovely answer from the 4 year old

[@siyandankhosi6856]

Hey, how are you and the weather over there?

[@djamar7091]

Such a brave man 😊 One of my favourite Ted talks so far. You can tell that speaking in public comes not so easy to him, but he knows that the message he has to deliver is more important than his own discomfort.

[@karenikker8691]

Why don't you all start being like jesus and become the light he said I am gbe light

[@gRaCi3La89]

"When we talk openly with our children about race, we don't burden them, we free them."

[@GravityGrave]

@Zeek Banistor That's very condescending.

[@smgour2609]

I liked that also - powerful

[@dat_bois1966]

@@smgour2609 same

[@jamberry8026]

I think you are the only one in this thread who gets it.

[@jamberry8026]

@@christophern762 It means exactly what it says.

[@flipkicker22]

From one black man to another, thank you for giving this talk. I more progressive minded. I'm studying race relations and have lived in places such as rural Alabama, Berlin Germany and New York City. I've noticed that White people have became very recently over-censored in the mainstream media. Over censoring them has not improved race relations but actually worsened them. We need an open dialogue in the USA. I'm a proud black man, you can be a proud white man. We're not going to kill each other over it. Let's talk, maybe get to know each and figure out how our communities can peacefully coexist. and all be proud of ourselves as well as appreciative and respectful of others. I think the USA needs to bring back Archie Bunker and George Jefferson !

[@BenjaminEsposti]

I (a white male) agree as well! I'm just tired of hearing "white this" and "white that". And yes, you're right, there does seem to be a lot of censoring going on. I just hope that it doesn't escalate. Seriously, the anti-white, anti-male agenda gets really annoying, and even disheartening. Blaming someone for something that someone else (even if they are related via family) did is just plain disrespectful. And that goes for anyone, regardless of race or gender. I was BORN in a certain way, and so was everyone else! I don't hold much of anything against any particular race, but rather, against society. (Since society itself can actually be far from ideal, and is only a concept. And in that way, I also avoid bringing all the innocent people into the mix, which I think is a good thing to _avoid_ doing. I for one am innocent in certain ways, and we all really are innocent to some degree. As such, lumping everyone together just doesn't work very well at all ... life is multi-faceted.)

[@emilianogaspard6935]

Benjamin Esposti :: dear sir, you may not recognize it but, you are a classic RACIST. my classmates call it the new "nouveau racist". I'll make 3 short points after I tell you I'm a mentally emancipated person. 1). The TED talk guy is an idiot; & not talking about Race does not diminish it. Fidel Castro tried it in Cuba for 50 years, and all it did like a virus was lay low, and now that he is dead, it is on the upswing. 2). Your rationale suggest there is no need for judicial systems, bc it's basis is for equity for wrongful actions. The bible says the sins of the father shall follow his son, even to the 3rd or 4th generation. Therefore if you don't want to share in the burden of "white guilt" that we all carry, then pack up your bags and move to a country that did not benefited from White global pilferage and privilege. Every day you wake up to look out your window, the infrastructure that you see /benefit, allows you to live your life in a comfortable country is the result of disgusting dirty deeds of the past. 3). Us whites of any significant authority will never, ever, have any serious discussion of race or racial equity. Because eventually that will lead to reparations, on a national or global scale. Giving back all or some of what we have collected over the millennium is never up for negotiations. Would we have to re-write the glorious story we tell our children and grandchildren?! ...that we are thieves, murderers and rapists (never).

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

emiliano gaspard.....Actually "Dear Sir", your lengthy admonishment to Benjamin Esposti's simple statement makes YOU the "nouveau racist". Your self obvious loathing and extremely hard Progressive (apparently by rote) narration of talking points makes that apparent, and not very helpful in the current racial climate.

[@pwilki8631]

That is the best comment I have seen on KZbin in a while. (Im a white guy born in Jamaica to missionary parents). George and Archie....they were the greatest. I learned how not to be from Archie, and laughed all the way through my education.

[@pwilki8631]

You Sir, and I doubt your over 20, have a serious case of self loathing.

[@whitflores8160]

“We tell children that race is real but that race doesn’t matter and the opposite is actually true.” 👏🏼👏🏼 that’s when I knew this was going to be an exceptional talk

[@josephcelestine3656]

Wow! You are so wrong. This is exactly what the Nazis taught their people. That race was not real because only one race was, and that race does matter. Typical brainwashing... it’s rhetoric like this that forms similar groups like the KKK and BLM.

[@AM-bc1fi]

Joseph Celestine Huh? I'm confused. You seem to literally be saying that race does matter because *a* race *does* exist.

[@KimberlyBishh]

@@josephcelestine3656 well calm down , I do not think anyone's got it right yet. Too much emphasis is put on race when it comes to children. If science was applied to the answer maybe all this ideology and philosophy wouldn't be the first answers we get to.

[@josephcelestine3656]

@@AM-bc1fi No, I stated the opposite of what this guy is stating. Race is real, it exists. There are different races and cultures throughout the world. So it’s very real. However, I’m also saying the opposite. Which is that race doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter what race you are. So let me guess, you agree with CRT? Cause that’s exactly what it means, which is race is not real but it matters. You cannot void the facts or the truth. The Nazis did it to get away and turn a blind eye to the war crimes they were committing. So yeah, you are being beguiled and that’s why you are confused.

[@josephcelestine3656]

@@KimberlyBishh I’m calm why would you assume otherwise? 🤣. This post is trying to sell the CRT BS! Not buying it.

[@clewismessina6630]

When I hear speakers like this, I am filled with genuine hope for the future of our country. By the same token, the topic of race is exhausting. I truly wish this country could just embrace everyone (brown, peach, tan, pale, rich, poor, smart, slow, capable, incapable) already. How hard is it to respect your fellow person?

[@FOCHS5]

We use to until 2020 riots

[@kakel536]

I think our country very much embraces everyone! Not sure what more you're wanting? I think there's a lot of talk about needing to do this and change that! What about we all just do our best and be our best and get on with living? I'm weary of the same conversation going on year after year.

[@beckiewert5782]

It is a fact in all countries

[@carolinepercy1216]

@@FOCHS5 ✌\m/✌

[@carolinepercy1216]

@@kakel536 ✌\m/✌

[@kittimcconnell2633]

When my sister Judi was little, other kids told her she couldn't be friends with her best friend Angela because Angela was black and Judi was white. Judi was furious. "They are wrong! Angela is brown and I am pink!!"

[@annmariebusu9924]

Kitti McConnell 😂

[@benjamincabreraaparicio8684]

Actually pink is a better description than white.

[@KattReen]

That's cute, and true! Still sad that those kids would say that, I hope the adults around them nipped that in the bud!

[@leonardomarquez8298]

AWWW

[@Soreign_]

That's sweet

[@MeMoshRocks]

Thanks for that intro TEDx I didnt need my ears anyway.

[@An_excellent_YouTube_account]

WHAT!? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!

[@kekistansupreme7171]

I switched from another TED talk. My headphones got ripped off real quick..

[@Stoneysilence]

The outro wasn't any better either!

[@ChantGod]

Wth was this about child

[@lisathomas5719]

I am deaf in my right ear. Arrrrg ! You got that right, MeMosh !

[@lsieu]

Having real, and age appropriate, conversations, is a lost art in general. Talking about real topics in an inquisitive non-judgemental conversation. Thanks for calling out that the goal is to get to post racism as opposed to post racial.

[@salumbre365]

"We tell children that race is real, but that race doesn't matter. And the opposite is actually true." These are truly wise words. Scientifically and factually accurate, yet so many people seem tripped by this.

[@JOHN----DOE]

Another way to put it is, "race is not biologically real but is a cultural construction that matters--and it can matter in good or bad ways, depending on what people make it."

[@sgjdsyevkfhao]

Race is not real, rasism is.Even though othet humanraces has existed There are only homosapiens left.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Marcus Garvey supported separate development . If you suggest it now you are hounded from your job / career . ? If you're White I mean obviously..

[@sherryhunter503]

we are at level now, no discrimination

[@sdarling6518]

Which makes it real, just as real as any other social construct or group. Are adopted families not real because of the lack of biological ties?

[@kathygause7849]

“When we ignore differences, it diminishes us all” Amen!

[@summoora]

I believe he said that he was gray because black and white make gray, not because he was actually confused. He wanted to incorporate black into his identity.

[@TonyPeterson94]

+Summer, That's possible, but he doesn't come from anyone black. I don't think he has a sense of racial identity. I still think we confuse children when we call brown skin black and pinkish skin white.

[@summoora]

+Tony Peterson his Grandfather is black. I don't think what we call the color matters. All languages have different ways of referring to skin colors. What confuses kids is when they hear one thing from their parents, like race doesn't matter, but then observe that it does. Or when they hear about "black culture." black is not a country or civilization. Sure, there is inner city culture or deep south culture. And there are differences between black and white groups within each due to long-term separation of the two. Explaining these things would probably clear up a lot more confusion than just calling poor little white boys pinkish.

[@sunmisolaojo6447]

I believe so too. I am African and my 5 year old says our skin is brown. it's confusing to children when we call brown skin black.

[@sunmisolaojo6447]

I believe so too. I am African and my 5 year old says our skin is brown. it's confusing to children when we call brown skin black.

[@sunmisolaojo6447]

I believe so too. I am African and my 5 year old says our skin is brown. it's confusing to children when we call brown skin black.

[@Sonny-rd6nq]

I appreciate his patience, love and understanding with his grandchildren; in their conversations and learning experiences together.

[@softtrain-1550]

What a great speaker. Was engaged the whole time. What a gem to find.

[@JohnScargall1]

I agree. Very authentic delivery with a great message.

[@jahipalmer8782]

My friend discribed race to her daughter by saying, "sometimes people are different colors..." and that was it. Best description ever.

[@jahipalmer8782]

The daughter called all brown things "Jahi" for the next year, cause she hadn't learned the names for colors. (I'm Jahi.)

[@arthurevans2029]

Nice

[@furrystep]

You know what Jahi, I see everything as almost always totally different, only sharing semblance of similarity superficially. I find it a good way to get kids to go deeper into things.. people.. characters. Even stupidity varies.. in degree I guess ;)

[@stanbabyphotostheslither-p8815]

Amen!!!

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@jahipalmer8782 How lovely (and she loves you!)

[@DeadMarine1980]

When people ask me my skin color I say "peach color." They look dumbfounded and they say "Don't you mean white?" And I say "No, if I'm white I'm dead."

[@j.m9189]

You're funny

[@joshuamatthews8326]

I'm weak 😂

[@Morgan24_7]

😂😂😂

[@rawinthutmose9556]

Pink-beige

[@ujutheghost]

Hahaha🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@mindycanales1180]

How boring would the world be if we all look the same, talked, and acted the same. We’re all human with different shades of color. That’s what makes the world so pretty. All the differences. A shorter version of my previous comment.

[@jffry24]

We are not talking about the world we’re talking about one country

[@saffronwetter7944]

Mindy Everyone has the same names. Only a few has unique names. Million Mary's Million Jame's Million Sarah's Million Joe's Million Elizabeth's Million Jason's Million Jasmine's But that's people for you God seen things differently. I'm glad he did. People say God knows our names before we are born. And I'll always belive that. And I thank God I'm one of a few that has a Beautiful unique name. Because here in NC we have small towns. And everyone has the same names Robert's Wanda's Billy. In my neighborhood everyone has the same name but me. Thank the almighty God if he name me. Because I wouldn't want to have the same name as everyone else. So I know what you're saying. Sweet ❤

[@josephcelestine3656]

Exactly! That is why this video is so misleading. It pushes on the notion of CRT

[@frankmoyer4519]

@@josephcelestine3656 How is that possible my misguided poster? This video was recorded at a TED conference in 2014, CRT was not even thought of until this year.

[@mirandaalexander3978]

Mindy Canales, that is what I say.

[@christinechandler4261]

My grandfather came from Ghana to the UK after the 1st WW, married a white women and my family has been bi-racial for a long time. We were lucky no conversation was ever out of bounds about our colour and we had many discussions about dual consciousness. I have always been very proud of my dual heritage and confident in my own skin (no pun intended). I believe that talking about race in a positive and transparent way provides a safe environment for people to ask questions.

[@jeanettecrosier8893]

If you want to know about a person, Go to the Source. But, Go in a respectful manner. That's what I was taught.

[@JohnDoe-fv3vs]

I am white, raised by black man, hard worker all his life 80 hours per week is normal. Good Christmas, birthdays, always there when I need him. USA has way to many stereotypes...

[@gracerenee8481]

John Doe...just curious, why are fearful of using first name. You seem to love/cared about him and vice versa.

[@JohnDoe-fv3vs]

His first name is Andre. Not fearful, I just don't really like my business being out there for people to see... I know a lot of nosy people.

[@deepm0e]

80 hour work weeks yet always there when you needed him? Guess you didn't need him very much then?? :P :D

[@JohnDoe-fv3vs]

He works shift work. He works 12 hour days for 7 days, then he is off 7 days paid... I had mother as well of course.

[@Khyiah2012]

John Doe there's no need to explain your life story in a comment section. People get sucked in everyday, raising your blood pressure over strangers that don't have anything better to do in their daily activity. You can be an honorary anytime you want lol. It's nothing you can do about the complexion of your parents, and the same goes for you.

[@jcoronet2000]

there are 3 pure races!!! foot races, horse races, and car races.

[@JohnBrooking4]

You forgot bike races! 😉

[@zeek9697]

jcoronet2000 😂😂😂

[@Com3tcandi]

WHAT ABOU NASCAR?!

[@julieenslow5915]

Chloe Hampton That is cute. Last I checked, NASCAR still uses cars to race, so it was included in what jcoronet2000 stated. The fact that they are not street legal does not make them less than a car.

[@lmoral222]

Race to the bathroom when you gotta take a sh*t

[@1stDoNoHarm63]

We live in a predominately Anglo American area of the country so my children don't have much opportunity to be around different colors of people. 🙁 However, we had Thai neighbors that had a son a year older than my 4 yr old daughter that would pick on her and was just a stinker. One day, my neighbor and I were sitting on my front porch visiting while the kids played. I brought out snacks for my daughter to share and she didn't give anything to the neighbors son. I asked her why and she explained that "brown boys were mean and she wasn't going to share". This is not something she learned in our home because I tell your what, she unlearned that idea very quickly. I then asked her again why she didn't share with the neighbor boy. She then explained it was because he was being mean. Ok. That's a reason I can accept and make sense of. We talked about what was going on. We talked about forgiveness. We talked with the little boy about teasing and being kind to others. My daughter had never had an issue with skin color to this day. People are people. Color is beautiful but it doesn't change personal responsibility. I'm grateful for this Tedx. 💖

[@KubotaKid]

As a child raised at the NM boys ranch I use to see a water color painting in the bathroom. It was a child sitting on a wood fence so well painted you could not tell what mix of color he was. The caption still sticks with me over 40 years later. “I know I’m somebody because God don’t make no junk.”

[@swiftWord]

If we were all one race there would still be discrimination-- selfishness, greed, covetousness, violence are demons we must consciously battle.

[@rattrapsupervisor4886]

God divided us for a reason not to mix so we wouldnt become one and think you could do better than God read the bible the truth is there

[@factsoverfeelings1776]

swiftWord Species not race

[@CheesyNivs]

God did that as a punishment, not a blessing.

[@CRUISERJ1]

@@CheesyNivs ,Possibly, but it is apparent that we must overcome these differences through the light of the world for which has been revealed to us. Our Faith in the one and only truth synonymous with Faith, Love, Hope.

[@jam5533]

@@factsoverfeelings1776 They were talking about race not really species.

[@dylswife8048]

I always told my kids skin is just the "wrapping" we are born with that comes in all kinds of colors. Kids are born pure. Opinions they acquire are learned.

[@CosmicWatermeln]

@Ralph ok

[@dylswife8048]

@I’m A Robot my girls are grown women with children of their own. They can determine their own views at this stage.

[@deedebdoo]

People have cultures.

[@ashleycrystal9719]

Ralph true

[@TegridyGenetics]

@Ralph or just plain assholes lol

[@heatherkingston1445]

Understanding only comes from conversation. No matter how uncomfortable a conversation is, you can still learn something about someone you didn't know before.

[@nahrenrogers6319]

My grandson asked me why Iam darker than his mum. I just answered God made us different colour outside but inside we all the same.

[@Janeknowsuwell]

I love how the comedian Sam Adams said that he figured out, that his skin color is a shade called "Chocolate Indulgence" (after comparing between different painting-colors). I think that's a wonderful sense of humor!

[@whitneyangelie3682]

Aww I want this man to be MY Grandpa 😫 he seems so kind, gentle and intelligent.

[@Powdrilla]

Love my own grandpa but I'd love him as mine too Haha

[@lapeaches8006]

😫💕

[@asuncionsignorelli6182]

Every child in America should have a gentle soul like this man as their grandfather....🤗♥️

[@ddlfspaff3097]

Well said. I see skin color it's a blessing from God that my eyes see the beauty and creativity He created. It must be heartbreaking for God to be watching us tear into each other as we are.

[@DavidS_Tan]

No, it's not a blessing, neither a curse. It doesn't matter, it just is.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@@DavidS_Tan Skin Color is determined by geographical location. In Northern Europe where you dont get much Sun the skin has to be fair to get adequate amount of Vitamin D. In hot countries skin has to be dark

[@chriswarburtonbrown1566]

'Race isn't real, but race does matter'. Nailed it right there. I'm gonna be quoting that a lot!

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

White people only like docile blacks. It makes you feel safe huh?

[@truthstands4ever]

How many are watching this in 2020?

[@Shermanbay]

I am. It's a very good presentation.

[@tuckerbutter]

I am watching this and many more. Listening and absorbing.

[@olawalemayomikun1547]

Very good one

[@olawalemayomikun1547]

Check out Megan Ming France's Ted talk from 2016. She's a professor of law from the university of Washington.

[@tuckerbutter]

olawale mayomikun That was a good one too! Saw it right after this one

[@yaacovba]

What was it Martin Luther King said so well: "It is not the color of the skin but rather the content of the heart". In one sentence we have racial bias wiped out. We need to see how to put it into practice. We will.

[@smgour2609]

The content of our character - but close enough.

[@66wow99]

@@smgour2609 The "content of their character" - but close enough.

[@nemontoure1543]

Content of their character

[@fountunes4495]

M B agreed, but sounds like his heart was in the right place. And, that is where character comes from isn’t it?

[@mackhomie6]

@@fountunes4495 no, but that's ok.

[@alanmartin6268]

This talk must be shared with everyone. Explains the concept of race devoid of any bias.

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

White people only like docile blacks. It makes you feel safe huh?

[@ashbysanderson4247]

Thank you for the talk Anthony Peterson. What a loving & caring, understanding ,wise grandfather you are.

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

White people only like docile blacks. It makes you feel safe huh?

[@ashbysanderson4247]

@@kahmaarwiley6903 We all shouldn't care what color someone's skin is when you are judging their character anymore than you would care what color their eyes are... & that is a really strange reaction to my comment to Anthony Peterson.

[@terrazasvictim5441]

I'm a very light skinned black person and I can recall asking questions like this all the time when I was a child. It was so overwhelming to me to the point I disregarded race going forward. Whether it's in my relationships, friendships, or self image, I refuse to make race a predominating issue in my life. 'Race" is everyone else's problem, but I refuse to make it mine.

[@rickkoleyahoocom]

Thank you, image if, at least, the majority of people did that oh how much better the world would be

[@camman6912]

If only everyone thought like you I agree

[@Historian212]

I don't think it's possible to disregard race as a social reality. We're all treated certain ways because of how we look -- and in some societies, visual racial identity plays a major role based on how we are perceived, whether we acknowledge it or not. You acquired feelings and scripts about race before you were even aware of it -- as the speaker notes of five-year-old children. It's the air we breathe. You don't have to *make* it a predominating issue. When it permeates your environment, it's already there.

[@harrymills2770]

Just refuse to be categorized on the basis of anything but your good actions. AND find good people who treat you according to how you act. Don't chase approval from asshats.

[@Justaguywithtruth]

Truth!!!

[@juneevans2413]

From a Caucasian grandmother with mixed race grandchildren thank you very much.

[@sarahmacdonald1143]

you forgot the quotation marks, he just said, it's not race so, "mixed race", "bi racial", mixed colour or mixed pigmentation but probably most accurate, mixed ethnicity.

[@ellen9352]

3

[@JustJae210]

@@Tarteh My grandbaby, grand nieces, & nephews ALL look like my mother, who my sister and I both look just like, and they're ALL mixed ethnicities. They look like us with a tan. 🤷‍♀️

[@jouthman131]

You need to research the origin of the word “Caucasian” it will open your eyes.

[@williammiller5129]

@@Tarteh That is an assumption that should not be made.

[@rebeccahedges8240]

This man was very well-spoken and this comment section given me hope. Such a beautiful thing to see the unity here. Stay blessed, y'all.

[@jay-hv9yy]

‘well-spoken’ lol

[@rebeccahedges8240]

yes? articulate. You're free to write your own video comment to express your view. Stop reaching.

[@LonnieBhi]

@@rebeccahedges8240 how often do you refer to white people as "well spoken"?

[@rebeccahedges8240]

@@LonnieBhi how often do you take things out of context to make it about something it’s not?

[@Madhatter-op3pv]

I love how he looked at the audience and kindly said “you can clap“. like damn that calmness and confidence 🙌

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

White people only like docile blacks. It makes you feel safe huh?

[@MaricaAmbrosius]

Don't you think your grandkid was thinking "well, I'm part black and part white, so that's grey"?

[@destroya3303]

+Sith'ari Probably smarter than you too

[@matrix23225]

Sith'ari Azithoth : Your comment most certainly makes it obvious that the kid is smarter than you.

[@wadesheckles5420]

I think he likely married a white women who already had white children, so those white step-children he thinks of as his. meaning he has some actual white grandkids and some mixed race just my guess on that one

[@alfienykabutler5919]

ohhhhhh

[@melitajay]

I'm mixed and call myself grey half jokingly lol

[@thefnaffan2]

I'm a white grandfather of two beautiful mixed grand daughters. They've actually taught me a lot and the oldest isn't even 3 yet. Watching this video helped me on what to say and what not to say. When the question of why they look different then me comes up... Thank you very much, this helped ...

[@mariparader]

No he said it right. Race is not real!!

[@Lea-ep1bi]

marcus24000 It actually isn't real. If I as a "white" person go to a warm and hot country my body will start to produce more melanin. Skin colour evolved to protect our skin from the sun and from skin cancer, that is directly caused by the sun. This is why most animals who generally live in the dark have a light skin colour and the other way around. This also counts for the eyes of a stereotypical Asian person. This eye shape is actually very common in people of different "races as well. We all originate from the continent that is now Africa and we all have a common ancestor. The existence of "race" is thus just an idea or social construct. We all are humans who just have a few differences thanks to evolution. Just because the sparrows on the Galápagos Islands have different beaks depending on which part of the island they live on, doesn't make them a different race, they are still the same specimen.

[@Lea-ep1bi]

marcus24000 Okay, so because everyone says Santa is real, he suddenly is real? Just because some people believe it, doesn't mean it's true. It's called "social prove" it's a logical fallacy and one reason stereotypes and misconceptions exist.

[@fascistnationalistmovement8055]

You must be proud of your granddaughter being ethnically cleansed.

[@georgeboehringer5530]

You should be ashamed of those Mongrel bastards

[@bettywilder3739]

My son had never seen anyone with different skin color as we live in a predominantly white area. He was about 4 years old when we were at a doctors office and a African-American family was there waiting to see the doctor. I didn’t say anything to my son at all. I smiled at the children playing together. Made small talk with the parents. Later that evening, my son was talking about his day and he referred to the little boy he played with as ‘the boy with brown skin’ because he didn’t know his name. I was thrilled that he didn’t see the boy negatively. He never heard us talk about people by their skin color so he didn’t have any preconceived ideas. He enjoyed playing with that boy. That was all that mattered.

[@rachaeladeline]

This man is amazing!!! He wrote my resume for me and I got to speak briefly with him on the phone... He is so genuine...

[@karischwarz6535]

I’m white “Caucasian” whatever that means, When I was about 6 years old I asked my Irish mother “Why do I have these brown freckles all over my face.” Her answer” Because you are so beautiful God couldn’t decide which color you should be, so he sprinkled some of the best color he could find on you and that’s how you came to be!!! PERFECT

[@marymurdock4519]

I am shedding tears of joy at such a beautiful explanation ❤

[@Sobreira4]

So Irish, always poetic

[@karischwarz6535]

Sobreira4 🇺🇸☘️🍀 God bless you

[@karischwarz6535]

Mary Murdock Tears are from the soul and the soul is only given by god I’m so grateful god gave you the tears of your soul

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

I am white, but no roots from Russia or east, so I am white Anglo , i am technically not Caucasian

[@angelaroberts7041]

When I worked with an autistic teenager, one day he blurted out “Your skin is brown” with much enthusiasm.

[@smgour2609]

I once worked at a school for children at risk, autism etc. and you're right they see the world in a different yet fascinating and pleasant way.

[@SidewaysY]

How fun! :-) I'm glad you got a smile that day!

[@brandystephens3112]

I love this Ted talk .... 2020 needs to hear this again

[@suzannefinne7170]

And 2021

[@susanlbk]

2021 definitely needs to hear this especially in our schools.

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

White people only like docile blacks. It makes you feel safe huh?

[@brandystephens3112]

@@kahmaarwiley6903 wtf 😳 you need help

[@dsims5457]

And 2022!

[@ericthompson3982]

I grew up in a very culturally diverse environment. What we as kids learned was to really enjoy and embrace those cultural differences. It was wonderful. I wish we still shared that idea, because I value it very highly.

[@carrieh4711]

"When we talk openly about race with our children, we don't burden them. We free them." Great stuff, Tony!

[@tdadpete]

Thank you, Carrie! I really believe that.

[@ubichung]

Thank you so much for this talk, Tony! As a yellow (brown) grandmother with a two-year-old white (pinkish) grandchild, I was really inspired by your insights and great love. Bless you!

[@TonyPeterson94]

Ann, Thank you for your comment here. I'd love to hear your stories.

[@xerxesb5232]

Your grandchild is not White. He or she is mixed race, just like the speaker's grandchildren.

[@SonniQuick]

You didn't get it. You can be mixed race and be either white or black. Skin color and race are two different things. I have three mixed white/black grandchildren. But my grandchildren's skin color is definitely black and no one will ever confuse them with being white

[@tanyareda9698]

Ann Chung my grandchild is blonde and blue eyed, yet her mother is mixed race. It's all good.

[@GailBecker-MSED-CM-Author]

Sonni Quick true, that's me, but people think my daughter is white though.

[@danarzechula3769]

"There is no culture in color." Incredibly freeing...

[@clarenehunte9520]

I totally agree with this comment.let us stop seeing the skin colour and see the person.

[@VariantAEC]

Such a confusing stance to me. And one of my parents is dark brown. (That is me in the profile pic for reference) There's nothing freeing about knowing color isn't linked to culture its just a simple fact. The thought that you were freed by hearing this... It tells me some very important people in your life lied to you for your whole life. I'm glad you don't believe color is linked to culture anymore though. That's a win.

[@conorstewart2214]

@@VariantAEC The problem is that even if you dont believe it when everyone else around you does, it can be easy to just accept it. In my limited opinion culture is linked almost solely to where you are from. Different regions or countries have different traditions but that has nothing to do with colour. Anyone of any colour can grow up in an area and participate and be a part of the culture.

[@nadadebraga7981]

It is just a talk - people will go in feeling hate

[@danielmeb84]

@@jmh1080 nope

[@kwaintraub2]

I grew up in Utah as a Mormon. As I grew, I would seek out friends who were different than the typical white Mormon girl and make friends with them. My friends were a Hopi Native American girl and a girl from Thailand that had a big Buddha in her house. One day in college, I made friends with a student from Somalia. He was awesome and we'd have great talks! Then one day I introduced my parents to my African friend. My mother asked me a very shocking question, "Why do your boyfriends keep getting darker and darker?" I vowed then and there to find out where those teachings had come from. After 50 years, I left the Mormon faith. I could no longer subscribe to an organization which taught discrimination, towards blacks, gays, and non-members of that religion/cult. I decided I'd raise my kids to accept all types of people and love them. Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you." It's that simple...

[@sixfootdworf9545]

As a Ladder Day Saint, I can say that that kind of thinking is from the individual, not the religious texts. You said so yourself. Jesus said to love your neighbor as he has loved you.

[@faymitchell3309]

I am so happy that you sought out friends that didn’t look like you. But just think for a moment Jesus was not white and certainly did not come from Europe or America. Yes, “love one another as I have loved you”, that means everyone no matter what colour you are or where you were born.

[@americanpatriot7247]

@@sixfootdworf9545 Those great words.... "Love thy neighbor as I have loved you.... were left in God's life manual for us all to read and learn from.... the Bible.

[@americanpatriot7247]

Kimberly Thorne- Ma'am, yes Jesus' words ARE that simple.... but they are also some of the hardest to do, purely and consistently, for most people. We have to keep on keeping on. Jesus... Everything and All.

[@kwaintraub2]

@@americanpatriot7247 Agreed.

[@NoName-fc3xe]

When my daughter was very little, I picked her up from daycare and she was crying. I asked her why she was so sad. She said she wanted to be brown like her best friend.

[@MiSaLiAnW]

@Jason Heilinger or maybe she just liked the brown skin colour. Like some prefer blond or brown hair.

[@ashleycrystal9719]

Jason Heilinger 🙄

[@bigsiskrishere]

Cali Gal Lets not create another Ariana Grande 😅

[@backtoyou2648]

@Nicole Jessica 💞Great point 💞 I've recently started a KZbin Channel, maybe someday you'd join me on a panel to talk about this subject💌

[@backtoyou2648]

It amazes me that we are still responding to people's comments on this one! Maybe we are getting better? Are we communicating more and/or better about subjects like this? @No Name did you ask why? How did you (or did you) deal with the subject?

[@abiahbrown6295]

Reminds me of when a preschooler asked me why my son and I are different colors ( He was adopted and is browner.) I explained it to him briefly and added "Isn't he handsome! " but his expression remained wrinkled, and he said "But did you paint him?"!

[@keepkalm823]

‘No sweetheart, but God did’ would be my response. Stay blessed

[@funkyfranx]

Keep Kalm god doesn’t exist

[@pikep29]

@@funkyfranx that is YOUR opinion, and you are entitled to it. Don't diss another for having faith. You may need it some day.................

[@whatsinaname2423]

@@funkyfranx Lots of people DO think God exists so if you don't believe you don't have to prove your point to other people. You could just read the comment and accept that people have different beliefs than you, and move on. We don't always need to start a fight over nothing.

[@t.j.7789]

hahah you should have said, "God, did!"

[@amandaince4201]

Thank you for this! How is anyone supposed to overcome their unearned thoughts of others if we can’t talk about it? “Sit down and shut up and never question what I’m telling you” isn’t learning, it is indoctrination. I am meaning this to apply to more than just race.

[@vibesmom]

Over and over I am so glad for the way I was raised. Even though I was teased for discussing race, playing with dolls of all colors, trying to explain melanin to my friends in exasperation, it was worth it in the end to have been told the truth. I feel so thankful for this talk, and strangely validated. Not because I have nothing to learn, I have lifetime and more to learn. But because we are finally talking about difference. Once we lose difference we lose learning, and just become a mass of the same.

[@aislinnsmith9935]

This guy does a great job (he also had some solid Dad jokes)

[@xTheJackofBladesx]

He did alright, not a strong example. We should treat individuals as equals. We should understand their are different colored individuals. But the system in place ruins this. Why on a job or any other application we put race? Why does it matter? Me knowing someone is a certain race is nice in person and provides conversation. On paper for some company... Completely useless.

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

This guy has an identity disorder

[@carolinepercy1216]

@@xTheJackofBladesx ✌\m/✌

[@carolinepercy1216]

@@kahmaarwiley6903 ✌\m/✌

[@jenk6895]

This man seems quite nervous and is stuttering a lot...I found it made him more relatable and likeable. Great talk, I really enjoyed it.

[@alisealexander1136]

speech impediment ... perhaps. His speech was awesome.

[@kittkattgo]

A common problem with giving a Public Speach. Also, when trying to remember everything that you want to say.

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

I don't believe he is nervous. Imagine trying to memorize a long talk with no notes, no PPT, no index cards. He is just trying to remember his script

[@dopedonshortyg6967]

I agree, had a funny effect. I empathized with him more. Well said.

[@dopedonshortyg6967]

Kelp Farming what was he lying about ?

[@marcmckenzie5110]

This was fantastic because he not only informs, but equips us for the change our society needs. 🙏🏼🌿

[@benttwisted210]

Born in 1965 & 56 years old...I grew up in a major city where schools were segregated and I didn't even know it! Around 1976 & 11 years old, my parents moved our family to a smaller town, to a nicer house, and I thought that was the reason. 1979 & 14 years old, I see brown skinned people, live & in person, aside from books, for the first time in my life! I made friends with 2 kids my age & discover a whole new life style while doing so. It's at this time in my life that I discovered racism, not because of me, because of other people judging me for my new friends! I didn't care, I liked my new friends, but, I fought a few battles. Sometime before graduating high school in 1983 at 18 years old, I found out the real reason for our move to the small town with a nicer house, it was the desegregation of schools in the major city and one parent's views on that subject, that made me uncomfortable, to say the least. 1983 & 18 years old, graduate high school and immediately getting my freedom and run full throttle into adulthood! Racism is apparently fluid here and there, but, I watch it dissipate exponentially through the 80s and into the 90s with near irrelevance in the early 2000s! Higher learning, evolution, understanding, empathy, &, even laws had people elevated & continuing to further elevate from the lunacy of racism. I firmly believe that propaganda, mainstream media and unseen forces has pushed us backwards for no real apparent or threatening reason! A wise man once said, "there's only one race, the human race".

[@tylerchick2440]

You firmly believe racism has "dissipated?" I'm sorry, but your personal experience doesn't negate what's happening right now. Racism is alive and well in our systems and in people's hearts.

[@benttwisted210]

@@tylerchick2440 I see you overlooked a key point that made you reply in the way you did. "has pushed us backwards". Also, this has nothing to do with my personal experience, it has to do with the experience of 80% of the people that grew up and lived during the times I spoke of. Please stop looking past what people really say and do yourself a big favor, go speak with 5 or 10 people that are above the age of 45 about what I wrote. You know, if you look for speeches, conversations or interviews, right here on KZbin, you'll find the same points of view that draw the same conclusions.

[@tylerchick2440]

@@benttwisted210 "There's one race, the human race" is an outdated sentiment. Please go talk to a few people under 45 and stop looking down on the work of the next generation. The affects of race in society are real, and cannot be addressed by being "colorblind."

[@itsLia13]

wow when he said there are not virtues, vices, values etc connected to skin color 👏🏻👏🏽👏🏿 a man

[@orphanedhanyou]

Connected to the individual genes that cause melanin perhaps... but different ethnicities most definitely have differing biology, genetics, likelihood of having disease etc.

[@sunshineshortcake4222]

I found this talk to be enlightening. Thank you, Mr. Peterson for sharing your experiences.

[@TonyPeterson94]

Thank you, Sunshine!

[@billwilson5341]

"Enlightening" would not be the word for me but I did enjoy what Mr. Peterson had to say. I thought it was going to be another "Whitey = Hatred" speech but it wasn't. We are all mutts with different shades of melanin. How can one mutt judge another mutt simply by its outward color? I was taught by my mother to judge by character and not by skin color. Mr. Peterson would have liked my mom and visa-versa.

[@Raider2Pac]

I found this comment to be drier than a dinosaur turd. Thank you, Ms. Shortcake for sharing it.

[@cabooseabs6864]

Sunshine Shortcake this guy is just completely ignoring reality. Certain groups from Africa can run faster, on average than certain groups from Asia(and everywhere else.) Caucasians have a higher IQ on average than sub Saharan Africans. Asians have higher IQs on average than Caucasians. These studies have been replicated over and over. People try to claim a cultural bias is responsible for the differences, but if that were the case, why would Asians score better than Caucasians on a test invented by Caucasians? Groups of humans were separated for periods of time long enough to develop radically different physical appearances. Why would we think there wouldn't be mental differences as well. When man left Africa he was confronted with new harsh climates/environments. The smart ones were able to use team work and technological innovations to over come these new challenges. The not so smart ones died and therefore didn't pass down their less intelligent genes. This is most likely why some races are smarter(on average) than other races.

[@jasonatkins6111]

Ta ta ta ta today, junior!

[@bevie29]

When I was 4 yrs old (1952) my mother and I went to see our house under construction. She cautioned me ahead of time, Don't comment about the "colored men" working on the roof when we get there. I thought to myself, "Colored People," oh boy , that sounds wonderful,and I started imagining my crayon 8 color box. When we got there I was looking everywhere for the "colored" people, I thought, these people look just like my dad (Sicilian,Jewish). I was so disappointed, and thought, boy, did Mom ever get it wrong.

[@taltalim18]

🤣🤣 אהבתי

[@Ethan-cz8xq]

If only we could all be like your 4 year old self and love the variety.

[@mydogiscrazy13]

That’s so damn cute!

[@kenyakalex]

🤣🤣🤣

[@outaboutouuut9244]

What a WONDERFUL and freeing talk from Nashville, TN

[@SevenRiderAirForce]

The solution has been simple and clear for a very long team. Treat people equally and as individuals. Otherwise you're stereotyping people into groups. And that's the problem to begin with.

[@theghadghad2520]

SevenRiderAirForce TELL THAT TO POLICE IN MOST COUNTRIES.

[@andydetweiler766]

SevenRiderAirForce stereotypical decisions come from a repetitive lesson,and is completely natural as a social tool. I'm racist,I prefer my own. which is also completely natural

[@JR-rk3hs]

the ghad ghad you apparently misunderstood the dont stereotype part

[@shitlordflytrap1078]

The issue is the human condition. No matter how hard we try, we still put people into boxes. We do stereotype. We do it because our brain has only so much processing power for social relations, that's why create deities and concepts such as money and nationality, to simplify things. We aren't orcas, we can't be bothered by interhuman relationships too much, because of course, we still need to devote some brain to survival. It's sad but true. I think about it every day, how no matter how objective and tolerant someone is, they will still do it. TL;DR our primate brain made it so that discrimination makes it easier to focus on survival.

[@Vaijykone]

If you treat people individually you can't treat them equally, because no two persons are the same.

[@elizabethhoover4672]

Wow. This Ted talk was hands down one of the best I've ever seen. So powerful, intelligent, honest, insightful.

[@lennylanclos]

Acceptance of one’s own reality is very important . I remember asking my teacher which crayon to use in class when coloring an art assignment. White didn’t match my skin nor did any other in my crayon box. She told me I could use the peach crayon. Grey/gray certainly wouldn’t have been a choice. Embrace the truth and love yourself. Accept where you came from and make wise choices to get you where you want to be. We’re all a part of the human race. Wouldn’t it be boring if we’re all looked exactly the same! It’s okay to love who you are. My skin tans easily so if I spend lots of time in the sun sometimes I can look a little brown too. It’s okay. That’s reality. Love God and love people. Keep it real. 😢👍🏼🧐

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

White people only like docile blacks. It makes you feel safe huh?

[@cuda260]

@@kahmaarwiley6903 Your anger won't set you free.

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

@@cuda260 anger set white people free

[@erinhansen614]

This is one of the greatest TED Talks I've ever seen. Spoken so eloquently, so openly and truthful to the cause. I saved this and you should too. I just hope it is available for viewing when my children are old enough to understand these things. I studied anthropology in college and it is great to say the actual color of one's skin, and let your children ask the questions, giving them truthful unbias and honest answers. This is one of the things in life that no parent is perfect at explaining, so it's so helpful to have this man tell us how he feels, and what children in his life have taught him about humanity and being human. ❤️

[@carissajb2955]

I come from a multiracial, multicultural family and I could listen to you all day💗

[@jerichomills5162]

Never gave a damn what color anyone's skin is or what country they came from. All depends on how you act

[@nairabee245]

There’s lots of people that do tho.

[@gostavoadolfos2023]

You can't remove tribalism from human nature. Even if you make people with one color they would still find something else to connect with some and exclude some.

[@stanbabyphotostheslither-p8815]

Same. Good for you!

[@simonkeller9796]

Yep!

[@sarahtn912]

As in knowing one's place?

[@charity7773]

Being mixed I am so hurt by all the hurt and separation. People are going to live and die in their hate for themselves and each other.

[@youngsuit]

Wow I study race all the time and he had approaches here I never heard of before.

[@mrsraquel]

Can’t wait to teach my children that. Thanks for giving me the rights words. “Race isn’t real, but it does matter.”

[@cardboardu6019]

I've seen a ton of tedx talks, this was definitely one of the best and very well delivered, great job Mr. Peterson

[@kristinabc1143]

I don’t see races, but I do celebrate cultures ... I thank God everyday for different cultures, cuz even though I love southern cooking, there are days I’m feening for sushi, or fajitas, or Kung pao, or gyros; and I also love different cultural looks and products, such as Navajo blankets, Spanish leather, Japanese silks, Chinese herbs, Indian saris, etc. Lord, the world would be so boring without so many choices 😉😁

[@JensVanDeAarde]

of course but seems like everything has to become so mixed to get homogenic and boring

[@minag1887]

I come from a mixed back ground and this was well said... ONELOVE

[@loveamerica3426]

I think we need to listen to each other, stay calm and patient and really listen. We can all win together if we stop being so combative.

[@ernestdayne6711]

I never agreed with anything more

[@tiwil7064]

And be able to receive and share cultures with each other. It’s the easiest way to bond is with food.

[@brandyglenn5999]

When my first son asked me why people were different colors, I told him because God wanted the world to be beautiful. I asked him to look outside and tell me all the colors he saw. Once he did, I asked what it would be like if everything outside was green. He said that it would be boring. And, there’s your answer.

[@kindnessfirst9670]

Every human has brown skin. Different shades of brown. However race is not about skin color. If it were one's race would remain the same as long as their skin tone did not change and different people with the same skin tone would be the same race. Both of those are untrue. This is because race is subjective and cultural. The same person can be different races depending on where they are and when.

[@brandyglenn5999]

@@kindnessfirst9670 Love your internet name! Also, just a reminder… the comment I made was an explanation I gave to a four year old 16 years ago.

[@RachelRamey]

"We tell children that race is real, and race doesn't matter, but the opposite is true."

[@TJ-kk5zf]

doesn't have tp be

[@marinaquinn7205]

Absolutely spot on, thank you for having the courage to talk about actual science and reality . Why it’s not common knowledge, public school is supposed to teach basic biological science. ( Never mind families who may or may not have learned about it. )

[@TheGreatAlan75]

Racism is learned. That's the point of this

[@helenhallbi8880]

Ray hagin

[@paytonblake3318]

A better question, who is teaching?

[@alis9492]

@payton blake The society. Both leftists with victim-mentality and rightist who hate non-whites.

[@zososldier]

Semi sort of true. Fear of "different" is a natural thing. Back in uncivilized tribal days, someone different often meant danger because they don't belong and your tribe could be attacked. Acting on that fear past that initial exposure is taught. It doesn't even have to be race or color. Different ideas, food, activities, sports team, etc can cause the "different" fear reaction.

[@bonniejunk]

@@zososldier And it's incredibly simple to teach that you shouldn't be afraid of the "different" when you know that they're people just like you. Racism is still learned.

[@estevezcollins]

He is a thoughtful guy and poses interesting questions. No doubt these can be complicated conversations to have with children. I’d be interested to see the results of a similar survey of what non-white kids have learnt about race.

[@jonathanhawk5163]

Steve Collins people are not white.

[@imbologna]

I don't think the conversations are complicated at all. It's adults' experience with race that makes them anxious about saying the wrong thing. Kids just want the truth.

[@nairabee245]

imbologna the truth is that race shouldn’t matter and we all agree on that but we do live in a world where looks matter...a lot. And you can get treated differently because of your skin color

[@tayloreverard2039]

damn I've had a lot of cutting conversations about race, but it's never been as simple as, "there is no physical difference attributed to melanin". Well played sir, well played. I hope people listen

[@Rippypoo]

I wonder what kids, and adults for that matter, think when they see that there is much LESS difference between people’s skin color on the insides of their hands and the bottoms of their feet.

[@kahmaarwiley6903]

White people only like docile blacks. It makes you feel safe huh?

[@elahrairahz]

Yes, I haven't heard anyone ever say anything of the sort but it is an excellent point. I have always looked at people as human, no matter where they are from and how dark or light skinned they are. You are either a good human or you are not. End of.

[@jeanglaze3817]

This was inspiring. What you have stated is what should be taught.

[@kenzie9501]

On another note, imagine how asians feel when they're referred to as "yellow" lol. When they range from pale with pink undertones to super tanned (phillipinos).

[@gostavoadolfos2023]

Never understood the yellow thing.

[@mskeakitty]

Filipinos (F) are from the Philippines (Ph).

[@nickiseb8910]

That's because they're Pacific islanders. A pale Indian girl is Asian :-) and Europe is a peninsula of Eurasia which is...Asia.

[@oldishandwoke-ish1181]

The Chinese describe themselves as yellow!

[@alexhess1163]

It's not bright yellow. But there is a tinge there. It's more apparent when a white person stands next to a "yellow" one, like when my parents stand next to each other.

[@sovandeprins2663]

Im from sweden and Im 'white'. When I watched tv, theres a lot of american shows and what not. One day, I asked my mom why Mr. Moseby from Zach and Cody was 'black'. Without hesitation she told me "he is better adapted to the sun and hot weather." THAT IS LITERALLY WHAT SKIN COLOUR IS. I HAVE KNOWN THIS SINCE I WAS 6. and I thought it made sense, because it does. Generally, the closer to the equator (idk if thats not the name of it in english-), the darker your skin gets bc its hotter at that point of the world. The closer you get to the North and south, the colder it gets. Which means theres less sunlight so people have lighter skin to be able to gather as much sunlight as possible. It has nOTHING to do with your brain or muscles or anything we are the same people we are all just humans who are better or worse adapted to the sun. Thank you.

[@marialevkovytska3606]

Erik Petersson lol amen

[@The_Sigillite]

You do find some minor racial differences on the muscular and cognitive levels, but these are almost ways down to an average and rarely the rule over all. Myself I don’t see anything wrong with these kinds minor differences, I find them fascinating, they’re just another way we’ve adapted and it makes us more interesting as a species.

[@2Banarne2]

i bet his mom loves em

[@someguy3263]

Jason Fauch How is that a bad thing?

[@Dragonwing16]

sometimes the scientific explanation is oddly the simpler one

[@1badsteed]

7 years later. 2021, mid COVID pandemic. I see love and truth. Great talk on racism, color, identity and honesty.

[@clarajones7646]

Thank you so much.. This needs to be spoken of over and over.....................

[@JanetIvey]

This talk was so humbly and heart-fully rendered. As I sat in the audience, Tony Peterson touched my soul as he bravely spoke about what we so rarely dare...race. The beauty of this speech is the way in which he has so lovingly allowed space for his grandchildren's questions and musings and met them with such mindfulness and love. As a person with mixed ancestry, this is a worthy, worthy talk that hopefully will spark mindful communication between all people.

[@TonyPeterson94]

Thank you for your kind words, Janet. My hope is your hope!

[@thegrandmommy6616]

How do you account for the ability for forensic persons to be able to determine the race of a person from their remains? Maybe the difference is nationality rather than skin color? Need clarity.

[@laurenchristman3671]

Hi Grandmommy -- the forensic identification you see on TV shows is based on very VERY generalized skeletal characteristics (more theater than science). Like saying women are smaller than men: you can easily find many women who are larger than men.

[@robtherub]

The reason a five year old told he is white says he wants to be black when he grows up is obviously the all day every day antiwhite racism in America. Not noticing this and not alluding to it while spouting spurious intellectual fraud is a sign of brainwashing. You cannot see the truth because you are part of the agenda. This is a very nice guy selling you someone else's very evil agenda. Watch out!

[@robertstephens7400]

An excellent analogy . Ty, Great Rob's think alike!

[@mazayashah213]

I have things that make me, me. My love for singing, my KZbin feed, my favorite shoes, my brown eyes, my brown skin. People sometimes aren't nice to me but are nice to other strangers because my skin looks one way and their skin looks another. My great grandfather was treated very badly because he didn't look like the people in charge of the country. Nowadays some people are nice and some people aren't. There were some nice boys recently who were killed just because they were a darker brown. Just because a group of people share the same skin color doesn't mean they share the same beliefs. Just because we're the same color doesn't mean we think the same about different things or feel the same about different things. Be kind to others. Don't make assumptions about anyone. Let people tell you about themselves and listen when they do. If they don't want to talk about their skin color then don't ask them, but you can say "You are beautiful."

[@carolynworthington8996]

Mazaya Shah Well said.

[@danarzechula3769]

Kindness is so important

[@larracollins2499]

I feel this is the best response I have read so far in these comments. Well said

[@bboop25]

KISS: Keep It Simple, Sweetie 😘 works in *so* many aspects of life 💜

[@mazayashah213]

@@bboop25 I read a lot of the comments under this video and what I wrote in my comment is all the things that I wish those people understood. The only part that is redundant is the part explaining what "beliefs" means because I wrote it for educating children specifically.

[@snowytyler3793]

I love how he explained it - it isn’t real, but it does matter. This is such an excellent piece that really should be in classes.

[@DoverBoy20]

The kind of real communication the world can benefit from. Good on you!

[@siyandankhosi6856]

Hey, how are you and the weather there?

[@KekoaManleyOhana]

Well done Tony. Growing up in Hawaii did give us a different and privileged perspective on race and skin color. Yet even being a local and of Hawaiian blood I was the minority and discriminated against because of my skin color and had to fight for my place in the pecking order. My brother Keoki felt he was born the wrong color which created issues in his life. Morgan Freeman said in an interview with Mike Wallace: WALLACE: How are we going to get rid of racism until ...? FREEMAN: Stop talking about it. I'm going to stop calling you a white man. And I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man. I know you as Mike Wallace. You know me as Morgan Freeman. You're not going to say, "I know this white guy named Mike Wallace." Hear what I'm saying? Thank God for diversity! What is your color? The color of skin.

[@TonyPeterson94]

Thanks Kekoa. And thanks for chiming in on FB!

[@moyegodbronzemozart7956]

In Puerto Rico we don't talk about it, but it's there. So is the closet hate and pain

[@playstore1133]

Kekoa Manley wow, what mind-numbing neo-marxist double-speak !

[@alexcarter8807]

He probably went to Punahou. Try going to Kahuku brah.

[@lorimcadoo5143]

Well too bad in our society and in the eyes of the justice system we aren't judged or treated the same that's why ignoring racial issues is not doing anything but silencing a problem that causes the loss of many lives

[@pjj9491]

people should not be judged by the color of their skin...but by the color of their hearts

[@Chrystal_Green]

Absolutely!

[@volusiasorange]

pink/red

[@DD-gl3gx]

Lol I hope you mean character, otherwise it’s between dead people and living people

[@user-ui2db4nc8r]

My child was about 5 when they were telling me about a new student in class. To make conversation, I asked what the new kid looked like? "She's brown like (family friend's daughter) not peach like you and me." My friend and I were really surprised and impressed with this description.

[@Scalelord.Gaming]

Embrace the differences that make us unique.

[@ashleymadera2790]

Agreed, which is more than just the color of our skin. Yes, it's beautiful, but we are more than that.

[@intrepidtomato]

This is a brilliant talk. I loved this so much. There was so much humour and kindness in how you presented what you said. Thank you.

[@thra-x1855]

when are people going to learn the difference between race and culture?

[@nickpop4649]

Exactly. Race is not really what makes us different, it is culture. Ignorance among people is the main reason why racism still exists today.

[@ModemMage]

Never

[@themoleman6806]

Thank you! It’s weird how they keep confusing them.

[@thebenc1537]

The premise is false. African culture and Chinese culture grew from different sources. Race (which is not just skin color) and culture are very similar. All Filipinos have a similar race and culture. All Americans have varying races but (hopefully) similar culture.

[@thra-x1855]

The BenC i have trouble making sense of your comment. Is stating that race and culture are very similar not blurring the lines between race, culture and nationality due to associated ideas about what those things constitute? In a word; stereotyping. Race is a person's genetic makeup which they may share with others arbitrarily, culture is the ideas that a person has about life which they share with others by choice (or forced as some cultures might have it).

[@danstory4286]

My mom taught me that our bodies are just shells, in which we exist and live our lives, and no matter what one's shell looks like, there is still a person inside.

[@kellyburton4222]

What a powerful and compassionate talk. Thank you.