TLDR;
Mariana Atencio's TEDx Talk explores the theme of embracing differences and recognizing the shared humanity that connects everyone. She shares personal anecdotes, from her childhood experiences as a Venezuelan immigrant in the United States to her career as a journalist, to illustrate how understanding and celebrating individual uniqueness can break down barriers and foster empathy. Atencio encourages the audience to acknowledge and value their own differences, as well as to be curious about the differences of others, in order to promote a more inclusive and understanding world.
- Embracing differences is key to personal growth and understanding others.
- Recognizing shared humanity can break down barriers and foster empathy.
- Curiosity about others' differences promotes inclusivity and understanding.
Childhood Experiences with Difference [0:26]
Mariana Atencio begins by sharing her childhood experiences growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, and how her parents wanted her to have a wider view of the world. At the age of seven, her father sent her and her sister to a summer camp in Brainerd, Minnesota, where they were immediately confronted with cultural differences. The other children, mostly blonde and blue-eyed, were unfamiliar with Venezuelan culture and asked them questions that highlighted their foreignness. Despite the initial discomfort and feeling of being different, Atencio decided to embrace the American way of life.
Navigating Identity in High School [3:45]
Atencio recounts her experience during her senior year of high school in Wallingford, Connecticut, where she was assigned a roommate named Fatima, a Muslim girl from Bahrain. Initially, Atencio was disappointed because she felt Fatima's shyness and strict dress code would hinder her own desire to fit in and be popular. She admits that she failed to empathize with Fatima, making her feel like an outsider. This experience taught Atencio a valuable lesson about recognizing her own blind spots and the importance of understanding what makes others special.
Finding Value in Uniqueness [5:52]
Atencio shares a turning point when she participated in a talent show for charity. She decided to offer a dance class featuring Shakira's music, which was a hit and made her feel special. This experience made her reflect on Fatima, realizing she had missed an opportunity to appreciate Fatima's unique background and potential to teach her about Middle Eastern culture. Atencio encourages the audience to identify and embrace their own unique qualities, as it is the first step in appreciating the uniqueness of others.
Becoming a Journalist to Bridge Divides [7:52]
Returning to Venezuela, Atencio realized how her experiences had shaped her perspective and inspired her to become a journalist. She wanted to challenge the negative stereotypes often associated with Latin America and give a voice to those labeled as "the others." However, growing censorship in Venezuela led her to move to the United States in 2008. Despite initial hope that the election of Barack Obama would diminish racial tensions, Atencio recognized that divisions persisted, particularly after the election of Donald Trump in 2016.
Humanizing "The Other" through Journalism [11:13]
Atencio discusses her work covering the 2016 election for NBC News, where she focused on sharing the experiences of undocumented families. She recounts a particularly poignant moment with an eight-year-old girl named Angelina, who feared her mother's deportation. By giving camera time to these families, Atencio aimed to humanize them and challenge the dehumanizing label of "illegal aliens." She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of immigrants, even when they have broken the law.
Overcoming Personal Adversity and Redefining Differences [12:53]
Atencio shares a deeply personal story about her sister's car accident in 2014, which left her with a severe spinal cord injury. She describes the challenges her sister faced, including the way people's perceptions changed, often reducing her to "a poor girl in a wheelchair." Despite the immense difficulties, her sister fought to recover and eventually walk again. This experience taught Atencio that while some differences are inherently negative, it is crucial not to let those differences define oneself.
Celebrating Imperfections and Embracing Humanity [15:34]
Atencio concludes by emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, shares the same fundamental desires to dream and achieve. She encourages the audience to celebrate their own unique qualities and to be curious about the differences of others. By embracing imperfections and recognizing the shared human experience, Atencio believes that society can move towards a more inclusive and understanding world where no one has a claim on the word "normal."