TEDxHampshireCollege - Jay Smooth - How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race

Jay Smooth is host of New York's longest running hip-hop radio show, the Underground Railroad on WBAI 99.5 FM in NY, and is an acclaimed commentator on politics and culture.

In this talk, he discusses the sometimes thorny territory of how we discuss issues of race and racism, offering insightful and humorous suggestions for expanding our perception of the subject.

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)

[SamsarahMorgan]

Since the discussion remains so necessary - let's  keep it going!  Thank you!

[simone]

I literally love this video! As a Black female, professional living in NY city and in general a lover of people, I find these awkward conversations happen so often. I love this new platform and way to discuss and consider race talks! Thank you Jay!

[TCspecs]

Amazing! His wisdom and comical delivery kept causing explosions of "Ah-ha!" and "Wow!" moments for me. Thank you, Jay!

[honestwanderings]

This video literally changed my life. I'm writing a blog about it right now. I'll share it here when it's done, if anyone's interested. Thank you Jay Smooth! You're awesome. You're Incredibly patient and empathic toward people who are not empathic toward you.

[bravebird]

Jay Smooth is asking us to address racist comments by focusing on what the person SAID... not what the person is. well intentioned ppl make mistakes... lets talk about (and not avoid) these conversations... it will help us reach common ground and build understanding/awareness.

this is constructive, thoughtful advice... thanks Jay Smooth.

[redmoonxstudios]

You are my go-to person for all things dealing with race issues in America and furthering the discussion on how to have said discussion with civility. You're awesome and I love you for it. Keep it up, Jay!

[crimeny]

This is literally the best response to this sort of blithering nonsense I have ever seen. I am going to save this and quote you forever.

[anuaddanki]

Refreshing and relevant to the current conversation. Thank you for this perspective!

[DennkifromRingstreet]

Being "good" is unreachable. You only can be better than you were yesterday.

[jnyerere]

Please, Jay Smooth for president. I won't have it any other way.

[andyan]

such an honest and refreshing talk with a kick-ass name...need to get this thing more views.

[afropana]

"The belief you must be perfect in order to be good is an obstacle to being the best you be." wow

[jessgee]

Has taught me so much, and with humour and compassion! BEST. MAN. ONLINE.

[genevieve]

wow, blew me away by the depth and the simplicity of the explanation at the same time.

[IkedaHakubi]

Thank you Mr. Smooth. I learned something from this. So even if someone doesn't get it now, they may get it the next, or the time after that. Never give up.

[nolan]

A cogent case for negotiating such a social, political and emotional morass as race relations with more introspective caution and mutual understanding. Kudos Jay Smooth!

[Tebigong]

I watch this and thoughts start to take shape. That while the systemic structural issues that Jay Smooth speaks of towards the end of the video will always require our efforts and labor it is these social mines that he talked about in his videos that can teach us all something about ourselves and our work towards dismantling the larger structures. 

Conversations about things that are seemingly insignificant or ephemeral like John Mayer's racial preference, Colton Haynes blackface, or Justin Bieber and One Directions use of the n-word. These moments can provide us insight into nuanced, ingrained, unconscious racism and privilege we can study. How these individuals perform acts of subtle anti-blackness, not motivated by hate but sometimes ignorance and how our own prejudices can affect how or if we respond to them.

[nativesun]

This man is SO fucking brilliant I don't have the proper words to describe how fucking brilliant this man is.

[strmchild]

Beautiful, brilliant talk. Refreshingly insightful. So good. Thanks Jay.

[JosephBlackett]

very good speech. It's one thing to post an edited video and it's another to speak candidly in front of a room of people.

I've always enjoyed your videos and respect your opinions and this just added a bit more to that.

Very good job.