I could really feel how personal and emotional this topic was for him, drawing from his own family's experiences as Japanese Americans. It added extra depth and meaning, in my opinion.
I was surprised by how much history was packed into this talk. It’s a reminder that there are so many layers to American history that we don't always see.
The story of Abdi's tragic death and the reactions to it capture the complex web of emotions that individuals from diverse backgrounds experience. It's a stark reminder that while progress is being made, there's still much work to be done to eradicate hate and bias.
I can't even imagine how heartbreaking that moment must have been for his son and Abdi's loved ones at the burial, feeling like they wanted to "rip the clouds from the sky" in their grief. The way it was written made that pain feel so vivid.
The poem about Abdi's friendship and untimely death is heart-wrenching. It vividly portrays the pain of loss, the complexity of relationships, and the harsh reality of prejudice that continues to impact lives today.
The personal stories he shared about his family were so powerful. It’s important to hear these lived experiences so we understand the perspective of others
David Mura is a beautiful author and poet, was very happy to find this talk, even if the subject matter is tough it's always so beautiful to experience your words.
I must say, his personal experiences and the parallels drawn between different communities are truly eye-opening. It's a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact that discrimination can have and the need for empathy and understanding.
As a teacher of creative writing, Mura's words resonate deeply with me. The power of storytelling and sharing our experiences can help bridge the gaps between different communities, fostering empathy and understanding.
I never realized the extent of racial tensions in America until I listened to David's talk. It's eye-opening and makes me question my own ignorance! Thank you David!!
I felt a lot of emotions during this talk, especially when he talked about the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary for growth.
The poem about Abdi's friendship and tragic loss is heart-wrenching. It captures the pain, grief, and confusion experienced by those affected by senseless acts of violence. My condolences to all who have suffered such losses.
I'm thankful that we still have access to videos like this, that people can share these stories. I only wish more people would see them and understand just how much their words and actions can affect another life.
At first I thought this would be a bit of an academic gratification fest, but this lead to a truly genuine narrative about the way of life in America. Wonderful and thought provoking.
This is the best thing I've seen in a while in terms of addressing the struggle between progress and regression in this area. The fact that positive strides are being made alongside a resurgence of hate groups is a sad reminder that change is not linear.
Unfortunately, we have not evolved at a rate that has allowed for our wiring to rework itself so that our "us vs them" mentality doesn't drive our communities. But they do. And I feel that no matter where you travel in the world, no matter the people, if you look different, if you sound different - you are considered a "them". Educating individuals about checking their prejudice from a young age, realising that so many narritives come from conditioning and not actual acts - that would be the ideal. Thank you David for this, I wish peace and joy for you and yours.
Abdi's story hits hard. It's like, in the midst of progress, there's a stark reminder that prejudice still costs lives. The pain is real, and it's happening now.
The talk beautifully illustrates the complexities of identity and the ever-evolving nature of America. A powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing our diverse heritage.
I've seen how far we've come in terms of acknowledging past mistakes, like the Japanese-American internment, and working towards reconciliation. It's essential for future generations to understand the importance of embracing diversity and learning from history.
I think this does a really great job of capturing the complexities of identity within America. Our combined culture is such a rich tapestry of stories all woven together, often fighting for space.
Mura's exploration of identity and the historical struggles faced by different communities in America is pretty spot on in terms of explaining what's happening now. Our journey as a nation has been so complex with a lot of different cultural impacts and I think prompts like this to reflect on what's happened can be very helpful in terms of navigating what's to come.
What he's talking about is so important, our scope of understanding what has past and how it is shaping our present is so limited. It's unacceptable considering how much access to information we have.
Wow, this presentation really delves into the complexities of identity! It's like a rollercoaster ride through history and personal experiences. Buckle up, folks!
Love that he talks about Baldwins views of identity. The first time I read him talking about how identity induces a profound panic it was like feeling everything I've tried to sub-consciously ignore and file under "figure it out later" it's such a reality check though, trying to figure out who you _really_ are can be scarier than anything else and for an entire country to try to do the same? There's too many hard truths we'd all rather ignore I think.
I know a lot of this talk is about raciaI tension but for me the thing that really resonated was the stuff about his sons friend... not only did I tear up like crazy but it also got me thinking about the impact just one person can have on our whole life, and how important those relationships are.
Ending with gratitude to Abdi for loving Nico is both heart-breaking and beautiful. It's a reminder that the power of connection and love to draw upon and hold dear is even more important during tragedy.
I got a bit emotional when he thanked Abdi's spirit for being his son's friend at the end. It was such a touching way to honor his memory and remind us what's truly important
David you are a wonderful story-teller. I'm thankful for this platform and that it's given you the ability to share all this because it isn't information or experience that a person like my would otherwise have access to
I didn’t know the 442nd regiment was the most decorated unit in the European theater... That’s such an incredible story of resilience and bravery, it deserves to be more widely known.
Mura's message of hope and love in the face of adversity is a reminder that we should strive for unity and acceptance. By celebrating our diverse identities, we can build a stronger and more inclusive nation.
This man has an amazing way with words, going to seek out some of his writing as this talk is obviously just a snippet of the perspective this man has to offer.
Aubrey Thanks for the compliment. My latest book The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself: Racial Myths and our American Narratives explores the themes of my TED Talk.
The rawness in his voice when he was talking about his son's friend was so emotional... like you could really hear it, how much lingering grief and pain there is.
I'm glad I got to hear this talk because it helps me understand the struggles that people have faced in the past. It's important to treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their background but having this kind of knowledge does add that extra bit of context
Mura's observation of America's simultaneous progress and regression raises important questions about our collective identity. It's crucial for us to confront the biases that hinder our growth as a nation and work towards a more equitable future.
Mura's talk left me pondering the complexities of identity and the challenges we face as a multicultural society. How can we navigate the tensions that arise when different cultural backgrounds intersect? I think It's a question that requires ongoing dialogue and understanding.
I think Mura beautifully highlights the power of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing different cultures. It's inspiring to see how identities can intersect and create meaningful connections, fostering love and understanding.
Gosh that poem was so beautiful... I wish I was as good with words as this. It's also so sad that we have to endure such tragedies in order to create art like that
He makes a super interesting point, or maybe Baldwin does, about how reluctant people are to question their identity. I guess it's something people feel the need to cling to as it defines them and gives them a sense of meaning - this is who I am, this is where I come from. So I can understand why as a society we'd be reluctant to re-examine what's already been established as our narrative
Identity is a topic that affects us all, and this talk sheds light on the deep-seated fears and prejudices that can arise as demographics change. It's essential to confront and challenge these fears.
I appreciate the historical references and personal stories shared in this presentation. It's crucial to acknowledge our collective history and strive for a society that values diversity and acceptance.
The intricacies of identity, particularly within the context of being a third-generation Japanese American, is thought-provoking. The way he intertwines his personal narrative with the broader history of America's racial dynamics really brings the theme of identity to life.
The concept of identity as a garment that covers the nakedness of the self is beautifully expressed. It's a reminder that identity is not just an individual matter but also a societal one, shaped by history, culture, and the interactions between diverse groups.
I'm glad this popped up for me today. I think it's important to challenge our perspectives of how things are and something like this that is also a bit confronting really makes you rethink what you think you know
Your talk resonates deeply. Being both a woman and a person of color, I've faced intersectional microaggressions that highlight the complexity of identity struggles.
It's beyond me how some people still can't accept or understand what it means to be a diverse individual. Thank you for shedding light on this topic David and I really hope that our nation begins to educate themselves and be better at facilitating a society that can thrive.
This talk beautifully captures the power of diversity and the struggles faced by different communities throughout history. It's a reminder that we need to keep fighting for equality and justice for all.
David's exploration of identity and cultural backgrounds within the context of friendships between Japanese American and Somali American communities is poignant. It highlights the potential for unity and connection across seemingly different identities.
![กี่หมื่นฟ้า | Your Sky Series EP.1 [1/4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vLGjxFL6U_I/mqdefault.jpg)
I appreciate Mura shedding light on the historical injustices faced by Japanese Americans. It's crucial to confront our past and learn from it.
I could really feel how personal and emotional this topic was for him, drawing from his own family's experiences as Japanese Americans. It added extra depth and meaning, in my opinion.
Identity is such a complicated idea and I think the way it grows and evolves over time indicates just how intangible of a thing it really is.
I was deeply moved by “Poem for Abdi.” It’s heartbreaking but beautifully captured the friendship and depth of loss.
I was surprised by how much history was packed into this talk. It’s a reminder that there are so many layers to American history that we don't always see.
The way he spoke about the fear of the “other” in America was very thought-provoking. It’s a fear we need to confront and overcome.
It’s powerful how he ties his family’s experiences to the broader American story. Makes you think about the layers of our own histories.
"Out of tragedy and injustice bloom the profound hope and call for change." What a beautiful quote.
Baldwin’s insights on identity and fear are still so relevant today. This talk was a profound reflection on those themes.
The story of Abdi's tragic death and the reactions to it capture the complex web of emotions that individuals from diverse backgrounds experience. It's a stark reminder that while progress is being made, there's still much work to be done to eradicate hate and bias.
his emphasis on the importance of questioning and evolving our identities is something we should all take to heart.
His reflections on identity being linked to fear and power are spot on. It’s like we're always defining ourselves in relation to others.
I can't even imagine how heartbreaking that moment must have been for his son and Abdi's loved ones at the burial, feeling like they wanted to "rip the clouds from the sky" in their grief. The way it was written made that pain feel so vivid.
The poem about Abdi's friendship and untimely death is heart-wrenching. It vividly portrays the pain of loss, the complexity of relationships, and the harsh reality of prejudice that continues to impact lives today.
Oh wow I was not emotionally prepared for this talk. Thank you David for something so heartbreakingly beautiful.
The personal stories he shared about his family were so powerful. It’s important to hear these lived experiences so we understand the perspective of others
David Mura is a beautiful author and poet, was very happy to find this talk, even if the subject matter is tough it's always so beautiful to experience your words.
I must say, his personal experiences and the parallels drawn between different communities are truly eye-opening. It's a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact that discrimination can have and the need for empathy and understanding.
The closing line of the poem, where he thanks Abdi for loving his son encapsulates the kind of unity that we need
As a teacher of creative writing, Mura's words resonate deeply with me. The power of storytelling and sharing our experiences can help bridge the gaps between different communities, fostering empathy and understanding.
This talk reminded me of how important it is to question the narratives we're told about history. It's not always the full story.
I never realized the extent of racial tensions in America until I listened to David's talk. It's eye-opening and makes me question my own ignorance! Thank you David!!
The discussion on racial myths in American narratives was incredibly eye-opening. So much to unlearn and relearn!
I felt a lot of emotions during this talk, especially when he talked about the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary for growth.
I can't imagine the battle David Mura has endured. I definitely got teary eyed watching this. I know we have it in us to be and do better.
Made me think of Sam... thanks for the send!
That poem at the end about Abdi and Nico's friendship was absolutely heart wrenching, honestly did not expect to get so emotional.
The poem about Abdi's friendship and tragic loss is heart-wrenching. It captures the pain, grief, and confusion experienced by those affected by senseless acts of violence. My condolences to all who have suffered such losses.
I'm thankful that we still have access to videos like this, that people can share these stories. I only wish more people would see them and understand just how much their words and actions can affect another life.
me too Mat
This hits pretty close to home for me... Our history is a mix of pain and triumph. Thank you for seeking to educate people on it.
I love that he references James Baldwin - gives an immediate sense of knowing what resonates with him, which in turn made it so easy to connect.
I loved how he connected past events with what's happening today. Makes you really think about the ongoing affects of the past
At first I thought this would be a bit of an academic gratification fest, but this lead to a truly genuine narrative about the way of life in America. Wonderful and thought provoking.
This is the best thing I've seen in a while in terms of addressing the struggle between progress and regression in this area. The fact that positive strides are being made alongside a resurgence of hate groups is a sad reminder that change is not linear.
The courage to speak about such personal pain is admirable.
I cried watching this... How can we educate people so that they're actually willing to understand and have compassion.
I never thought a presentation on identity would make me feel like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster. Pass the tissues, please!
I did not anticipate shedding tears listening to him, but I am. Sharing right away.
Identity is such a profound and challenging theme in our lives, as this speaker expertly articulates.
I think the reflections on identity and mortality are deeply profound. This talk really made me think about my own sense of self.
I grew up in a small town, and racism was always brushed under the rug. Mura's words make me rethink my upbringing and the need for change.
Unfortunately, we have not evolved at a rate that has allowed for our wiring to rework itself so that our "us vs them" mentality doesn't drive our communities. But they do. And I feel that no matter where you travel in the world, no matter the people, if you look different, if you sound different - you are considered a "them". Educating individuals about checking their prejudice from a young age, realising that so many narritives come from conditioning and not actual acts - that would be the ideal. Thank you David for this, I wish peace and joy for you and yours.
Thanks for emailing me this, you are right, and so is this
Oh my stars the poem for Abdi just sent me to bits. This kind of thing is so tragic.
Mura's story about the fear of losing power is thought-provoking. Change can be unsettling, but it doesn't justify clinging to racism.
Abdi's story hits hard. It's like, in the midst of progress, there's a stark reminder that prejudice still costs lives. The pain is real, and it's happening now.
The talk beautifully illustrates the complexities of identity and the ever-evolving nature of America. A powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing our diverse heritage.
I've seen how far we've come in terms of acknowledging past mistakes, like the Japanese-American internment, and working towards reconciliation. It's essential for future generations to understand the importance of embracing diversity and learning from history.
David, I genuinely felt an array of emotions wash over me hearing your talk. Thank you for this. You are doing amazing things
I really enjoyed the poem at the end. It does a great job of capturing the pain of loss and the importance of cherishing memories and connections.
Absolutely David, the history we learn in school is rarely authentic and it does not set us up for the realities of the world.
I think this does a really great job of capturing the complexities of identity within America. Our combined culture is such a rich tapestry of stories all woven together, often fighting for space.
Mura's exploration of identity and the historical struggles faced by different communities in America is pretty spot on in terms of explaining what's happening now. Our journey as a nation has been so complex with a lot of different cultural impacts and I think prompts like this to reflect on what's happened can be very helpful in terms of navigating what's to come.
I never thought about identity as something that could induce terror. It's wild to consider how much fear can shape who we become
"We seem to be moving forwards and backwards at the same time." This. This sums up how I've felt since late 2016 so perfectly.
What he's talking about is so important, our scope of understanding what has past and how it is shaping our present is so limited. It's unacceptable considering how much access to information we have.
The historical perspective on Japanese-American internment was both shocking and enlightening. So much we weren’t taught in school!
"Identity would seem to be the garment with which one covers the nakedness of the self." Such a beautiful quote.
agree with you 100%
David Mura's words resonate deeply. It's disheartening that we still have to fight for equality in this day and age.
Wow, this presentation really delves into the complexities of identity! It's like a rollercoaster ride through history and personal experiences. Buckle up, folks!
Love that he talks about Baldwins views of identity. The first time I read him talking about how identity induces a profound panic it was like feeling everything I've tried to sub-consciously ignore and file under "figure it out later" it's such a reality check though, trying to figure out who you _really_ are can be scarier than anything else and for an entire country to try to do the same? There's too many hard truths we'd all rather ignore I think.
Thank you for putting so much of yourself into your work David. It is heart-breaking and beautiful all at once. Just like life.
This talk is heart-breaking in so many ways.
Wow, Mura's story about Abdi's friendship and tragic loss hits hard. It's a sad reminder of the harsh realities some communities face.
I know a lot of this talk is about raciaI tension but for me the thing that really resonated was the stuff about his sons friend... not only did I tear up like crazy but it also got me thinking about the impact just one person can have on our whole life, and how important those relationships are.
It's just unfathomable how people can be so awful to one another, and all the heartbreak that leads to.
I was not emotionally prepared for this talk and there is a lot to unpack. Definitely a good starting point for rethinking a lot of cultural stuff
"Diversity fuels creativity" It’s so true in every aspect of life, not just art or business.
What an eye opening recounting of his family's journey and the obstacles still faced.
James Baldwin's thoughts on identity add a layer of intellectual depth to this presentation. It's refreshing to see such thought-provoking content
Ending with gratitude to Abdi for loving Nico is both heart-breaking and beautiful. It's a reminder that the power of connection and love to draw upon and hold dear is even more important during tragedy.
This talk brought me to tears multiple times. Such an emotionally charged talk.
yes, very confronting
I got a bit emotional when he thanked Abdi's spirit for being his son's friend at the end. It was such a touching way to honor his memory and remind us what's truly important
David you are a wonderful story-teller. I'm thankful for this platform and that it's given you the ability to share all this because it isn't information or experience that a person like my would otherwise have access to
The poem at the end of David's talk is very powerful!
I didn’t know the 442nd regiment was the most decorated unit in the European theater... That’s such an incredible story of resilience and bravery, it deserves to be more widely known.
Mura's message of hope and love in the face of adversity is a reminder that we should strive for unity and acceptance. By celebrating our diverse identities, we can build a stronger and more inclusive nation.
This man has an amazing way with words, going to seek out some of his writing as this talk is obviously just a snippet of the perspective this man has to offer.
He definitely does and yes, his perspective is so poignant
Aubrey Thanks for the compliment. My latest book The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself: Racial Myths and our American Narratives explores the themes of my TED Talk.
The rawness in his voice when he was talking about his son's friend was so emotional... like you could really hear it, how much lingering grief and pain there is.
Powerful talk. Really makes you think about identity and our past.
I'm glad I got to hear this talk because it helps me understand the struggles that people have faced in the past. It's important to treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their background but having this kind of knowledge does add that extra bit of context
Mura's observation of America's simultaneous progress and regression raises important questions about our collective identity. It's crucial for us to confront the biases that hinder our growth as a nation and work towards a more equitable future.
Mura's talk left me pondering the complexities of identity and the challenges we face as a multicultural society. How can we navigate the tensions that arise when different cultural backgrounds intersect? I think It's a question that requires ongoing dialogue and understanding.
David is such a fantastic speaker.
I think Mura beautifully highlights the power of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing different cultures. It's inspiring to see how identities can intersect and create meaningful connections, fostering love and understanding.
the absolute truth and so informative. sharing. thank you David for this.
Gosh that poem was so beautiful... I wish I was as good with words as this. It's also so sad that we have to endure such tragedies in order to create art like that
You're a brilliant mentor Mr. Mura!
He makes a super interesting point, or maybe Baldwin does, about how reluctant people are to question their identity. I guess it's something people feel the need to cling to as it defines them and gives them a sense of meaning - this is who I am, this is where I come from. So I can understand why as a society we'd be reluctant to re-examine what's already been established as our narrative
Identity is a topic that affects us all, and this talk sheds light on the deep-seated fears and prejudices that can arise as demographics change. It's essential to confront and challenge these fears.
I appreciate the historical references and personal stories shared in this presentation. It's crucial to acknowledge our collective history and strive for a society that values diversity and acceptance.
The intricacies of identity, particularly within the context of being a third-generation Japanese American, is thought-provoking. The way he intertwines his personal narrative with the broader history of America's racial dynamics really brings the theme of identity to life.
There is a lot to take in here, I’ll be watching again- There are some vital messages here.
Thanks for sending it to me.
The concept of identity as a garment that covers the nakedness of the self is beautifully expressed. It's a reminder that identity is not just an individual matter but also a societal one, shaped by history, culture, and the interactions between diverse groups.
I'm glad this popped up for me today. I think it's important to challenge our perspectives of how things are and something like this that is also a bit confronting really makes you rethink what you think you know
My heart goes out to you, your son and his friend.
Your talk resonates deeply. Being both a woman and a person of color, I've faced intersectional microaggressions that highlight the complexity of identity struggles.
It's beyond me how some people still can't accept or understand what it means to be a diverse individual. Thank you for shedding light on this topic David and I really hope that our nation begins to educate themselves and be better at facilitating a society that can thrive.
I thank you David. This is raw and real and needs to be known.
shouldn't have taken me so long to watch this share. thanks friend
Appreciated the honest discussion on race and identity challenges.
This talk beautifully captures the power of diversity and the struggles faced by different communities throughout history. It's a reminder that we need to keep fighting for equality and justice for all.
David's exploration of identity and cultural backgrounds within the context of friendships between Japanese American and Somali American communities is poignant. It highlights the potential for unity and connection across seemingly different identities.