Your identity is your superpower | America Ferrera

A clip from America Ferrera's TED Talk "My identity is a superpower -- not an obstacle" from TED2019

Hollywood needs to stop resisting what the world actually looks like, says actor, director and activist America Ferrera. Tracing the contours of her career, she calls for more authentic representation of different cultures in media -- and a shift in how we tell our stories. "Presence creates possibility," she says. "Who we see thriving in the world teaches us how to see ourselves, how to think about our own value, how to dream about our futures."

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You're welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know.

[creativityzero]

The best part is when she says about being yourself because your authentic identity is your biggest superpower. Sincerely, there are a lot of people who say that it's not something common to go through that kind of thing nowadays, but they're forgetting that it still happens.

[kausarzhandoskyzy]

The best part, in my opinion, is when she talks about being yourself because your true self is what the world needs. The world needs your voice, your ideas and your feelings.

[Jana_]

Sitting here crying. Gracias America por su fortaleza 🤗

[mikebasil]

You have given a new meaning to “God bless America”. Thank you for sharing your story. 💓

[NickNotas]

"When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves." - Viktor E. Frankl

Great talk, America! 👏 Thank you!

[roddcollege]

This TED Talk is about personal identity and the challenges faced by America Ferrera in the entertainment industry due to societal stereotypes and biases. The speaker shares experiences of being asked to conform to certain racial and ethnic stereotypes in auditions, and the limited roles that were available to them based on their appearance.

The speaker discusses their initial attempts to conform to the expectations placed upon them, such as changing their physical appearance and trying to fit into a predetermined mold. However, they eventually realize that accepting and embracing their true identity is more empowering than trying to conform to societal expectations.

The speaker highlights the systemic issues within the industry, where diversity and inclusivity are often secondary to financial considerations. They express their frustration with being made to believe that they are of lesser value due to their identity, and the realization that they have been complicit in perpetuating the status quo.

The speaker concludes by asserting that their identity is not a hindrance but a strength. They reject the notion that they have to resist their true self in order to achieve their dreams and make a positive contribution to the world. They express their readiness to embrace their authentic self and encourage others to question their own beliefs and actions in order to effect positive change.

Overall, the transcript explores themes of personal identity, societal expectations, systemic biases, and the empowerment that comes from embracing one's true self. It highlights the importance of challenging and changing the status quo to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

Here are the key takeaways from the TED Talk presented in a table, along with the corresponding power statements that embody the values they teach:
Key Statements
Society imposes stereotypes and biases | Challenge societal expectations and stereotypes
Conforming to expectations can be limiting | Embrace and celebrate your true identity
Limited roles based on identity is not a hindrance, but a source of power
Systemic issues in the entertainment industry | Advocate for diversity and inclusivity in all aspects
Financial considerations influence casting | Demand equal opportunities for diverse representation
Self-reflection leads to positive change | Question your own beliefs and actions for personal growth
Embrace authenticity and reject self-resistance | Be unapologetically yourself and exist authentically

[mistahraldz]

the most important is how our creator look at you by the way you are … just be yourself without changing a thing of how you look or changing your apperance just to be liked by people

[chrisleal]

Thank you America for this unapologetic real truth that you experienced 😢I relate 100%. You are a force to be reconned with and an inspiration to all Latinas!

[heidialfrey]

absolutely profound...she let us into her identity struggle so authentically and then makes it relevant for everyone..masterful America!!

[justinsjourney]

I've always been frustrated with Hollywood's unwillingness to just have auditions and pick the people that blow them away in the audition room the most. If it's a famous person, cool if it's someone you've never heard of and it just was a really cool audition so be it.

[ycebpne]

I have seen her in Barbie movie and I was impressed by her ability to stand against stereotypes and even break them. Latina- American women should be represented more

[ShinbrigTV]

Ngl, seeing her my first thought was "Si se puede, si se puede, si se puede!!"

[BARN]

If anything this is very simular to inside out 2

Its all about being yourself. the most beutiful and collest thing in my opinion is someone who is their authentic self

[AfsanaAmerica]

With a name like that "America" the expectations are really high and its not surprising if people feel disappointed or offended.

[a_person]

Truly Thank you for sharing this story

[game-changer-brand]

"Be A BRAND To Be GRAND" in Every Generation Forever ! 🎯👍👍

[alexiagames]

Your identity is your weakness! Is only important if you’re surrounded by people with the same identity. If you believe that your identity is everything you are, then, you’re only that.

[justinsjourney]

Isn't it funny how they talk about inclusivity and all of this nice language, but then when you get behind the scenes it's just a mean machine trying to crank money out and look like the current thing

[jazzyjswift]

You will never be an individual if your identity is tied to a collective.

You'll never be a leader if your identity is based on following others.

You'll never go against the current if your identity tells you that you need to go along with it.


You are you. That is your one and only true identity. All other things are merely parts of what makes you, you.

[sansudar]

Why did they change the titled of any alread existing video and reupload it ?