Sisonke Msimang: If a story moves you, act on it | TED

Stories are necessary, but they're not as magical as they seem, says writer Sisonke Msimang. In this funny and thoughtful talk, Msimang questions our emphasis on storytelling and spotlights the decline of facts. During a critical time when listening has been confused for action, Msimang asks us to switch off our phones, step away from our screens and step out into the real world to create a plan for justice.

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[akhilvijendra]

This story moved me so much, i got up and went away from my laptop.

[SGRODmaster]

I like this talk. Trash-talking the First Lady for plagiarism, highlighting the problem of people getting wrapped up in stories and narratives and blinding themselves to facts, and urging curiosity and skepticism. What I don't like is all the people getting triggered by the mere mention of social justice and gleefully pointing out where she says the words. Unsubscribe if you're going to be a baby.

[vanityfair]

I didn't think I'd like it or be interested enough to watch it all the way through but I loved every minute of her talk. This was awesome and very honest.

[stephanieroberts]

Haven't watched it yet, but just by the thumbnail alone i can tell that this Talk is about Social Justice.

[ElectricalStorm]

Pov: you had to compare her and Adichie's talks in your English GCSE mock today.

[archive]

Jesus christ, this was a good talk and she was spitting some truth. Why all the hate?

[proudsonofalgeria]

one of the best Ted videos I have ever seen... I can completely agree with you that our world needs justice more than anything else .

[neosomaliana]

" Look closely at the present you're constructing.It should look like the future you are dreaming."
- Alice Walker


If you spend your present deriding others and trollling, then you're only sacrificing your bright future.

[therecalcitrantmisanthrope]

listen and then make up your mind. i think "social justice" advocates, are good people (sometimes mis-guided) but that doesnt apply to this talented, funny, intelligent lady. thank you for your perspective Sisonke Msimang.

[neosomaliana]

Those vehemently against social justice are so deprived of empathy and compassion that they prefer sticking to their guns about what's right or wrong than connecting with humanity and validating their plight. I remind those that the annoying and whiny people associated with social justice aka social justice warriors don't own the concept. They aren't those who are truly in need of your open heart, your understanding and validation. The ones who truly do need that don't have a voice and go undetected. They can be your neighbour, your classmate, your father. Embracing social justice isn't restrictive to what teens online say it is. And like Sisonke says, the focus shouldn't be on the storytellers but the audience.

[ablanchi]

2:24 is where it actually starts. 2:34 is where the social justice starts. You're welcome.

[AquaGalaxyArt]

tbh although she mentioned feminism and social justice it was in no way the focus of her ted talk so I think most of the criticism is rather unwarranted.

[elenamartrod]

I don't know why all this surprise in the comments. You have a problem with social justice? Don't see a video that is titled "If a story moves you, act on it". Btw, advertising is always telling stories to us and we actually act on them, we buy stuff that they sell to us. You're fine with it and with spending money in the fucking last Iphone but not with this woman talking about a boy that can't afford food? You have a problem then.

[nyakechorobina]

If you like someone you care for them and the reverse is true.

[shevaunwang]

I'm super interested in the topic of justice .The opinion of the author should be considered.

[Magaboon]

Is like the SJW thing became just a meme, people see something about feminism or racism (wish are subject of interest) and automaticaly react saying they hate "that SJW bullshit". And all the people talking about the leftist feeling like "special snowflakes"...man you tilted only by a video spreading tolerance and acceptance of each other. It is totally normal to have different opinion on the subject but you don't have to constantly complain when a channel talks about social issues, human have evolved to this point by constantly talking about his problems and try finding solutions. Negating the debate by hiding behind the argument of "Its just another SJW bullshit meh" won't change things.

[dzidzo]

No one ever said "ideas worth sharing" are all scientific in nature.

[brideut]

Keep posting whatever you want, TED. Science vids and social justice stuff can both be available here.

[Frautcres]

Stories are necessary, but they're not as true as they seem.

[ZsXie]

Social justice, too complicated, justice don't exist.