Coming to Canada: The Courage to be Multicultural | Truepayna Moo | TEDxLangleyED

Summary

The speaker, a former refugee, shares their childhood in a Thai border camp and the transition to life in Canada. They recount the initial struggles with language barriers and cultural misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of true diversity beyond superficial interests. The talk encourages curiosity and deeper connections, challenging preconceived notions about refugees and advocating for genuine multiculturalism.

Takeaways

• 🍚 The speaker shared a personal anecdote about eating sticky rice in school and how it sparked curiosity in others, reflecting on the initial impressions and assumptions people make.
• 🏕 The speaker was born in a refugee camp on the Thailand border in 1997, emphasizing the strength and resilience that comes with being a refugee.
• 😊 Despite the hardships, the speaker recalls a happy childhood in the refugee camp, highlighting the joy found in simple pleasures and the community spirit.
• 📚 The transition to Canada in 2007 was challenging due to language barriers and cultural differences, which took years to overcome.
• 🗣️ The speaker struggled with the fear of speaking up in class due to language difficulties and the fear of being misunderstood or judged.
• 🌟 The refugee experience taught the speaker patience, appreciation for what they have, and the value of hard work.
• 🤔 People often have preconceived notions about refugees, which can lead to sympathy or pity rather than understanding or curiosity about their experiences.
• 🌍 The speaker questions the superficial understanding of diversity in Canada, pointing out that it often extends only to food and stereotypes rather than a deep appreciation of cultures.
• 👥 The importance of personal connections and understanding each other on a deeper level is emphasized, as it leads to stronger communities and more meaningful relationships.
• 🧕 The speaker discusses the importance of not judging individuals based on appearances, such as a Muslim woman not wearing a hijab, and instead focusing on shared experiences and similarities.
• 🤝 The speaker encourages asking questions and being curious about others' backgrounds and experiences to foster understanding and break down barriers.
• 👶 The speaker advocates for teaching children to be open to asking personal questions and to embrace differences from a young age to create a more inclusive society.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in the speaker's life in 1997?

The speaker was born in a tropical refugee camp along the border of Thailand in 1997.

How does the speaker describe their childhood experience in the refugee camp?

The speaker describes their childhood as very happy, despite the lack of material possessions, and fondly recalls playing with natural materials like mud and leaves.

What was the turning point for the speaker's life in 2007?

In 2007, the speaker's family was resettled in Canada along with other refugee families.

What challenges did the speaker face upon arriving in Canada?

The speaker faced language barriers and cultural differences, including difficulties in understanding classroom interactions and a fear of raising their hand in class.

How long did it take for the speaker to feel comfortable participating in class in Canada?

It took the speaker six to seven years to feel comfortable raising their hand in class and asking for help.

What misconceptions did the speaker encounter about refugees when sharing their story?

People often assumed the speaker's life was hard and pitied them, rather than recognizing the positive aspects and strengths gained from their refugee experience.

What values does the speaker believe are important for true multiculturalism?

The speaker believes that true multiculturalism involves getting to know each other on a deeper level, appreciating differences, and embracing diversity beyond superficial aspects like food and clothing.

How does the speaker feel about the Canadian value of multiculturalism as experienced?

The speaker feels that while multiculturalism is an important value in Canada, immigrants and refugees often feel lonely, isolated, and misunderstood.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of asking personal questions to foster understanding?

The speaker believes that asking personal questions is crucial for building deeper connections and understanding among people from different backgrounds.

What advice does the speaker give to the audience regarding curiosity and understanding others?

The speaker encourages the audience to gather the courage to be curious, ask questions, and not to pre-judge others based on stereotypes or assumptions.

What is the speaker's hope for children who might be in a similar situation as their 13-year-old self?

The speaker hopes that no child will have to feel uncomfortable or judged for their cultural differences and that they can engage in conversations that lead to mutual understanding and education.