The importance of being uncomfortable: Stacy-Marie Ishmael at TEDxPortofSpain

In this talk, Stacy-Marie Ishmael asks us to reflect on how we connect with others. She reminds us that when we are trying to connect with others, it is not about you, it is about us. It is about the connection. In her talk, she provides compelling examples in which she and others have been guilty of projecting their own worldviews, experiences, or language onto those they are trying connect with. She argues that instead of connecting with this stranger, we try to shape them in an image that we are comfortable with, notions we are comfortable with.

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)