Discover the powerful CPU of code-switching | Endiya Griffin & Tatiana Howell | TEDxYouth@SanDiego

Summary

This powerful script explores the experience of navigating cultural identity in a predominantly Eurocentric society. It reflects on personal moments of feeling pressured to conform, from childhood instances of hair criticism to struggles with self-image. The speaker discusses the concept of 'code-switching'—adapting language and behavior to fit societal expectations—highlighting its necessity for survival but its detrimental effects on identity. The script calls for change, encouraging individuals to embrace their authentic selves, challenge beauty standards, and rethink societal norms. It emphasizes the importance of representation and staying true to one’s cultural roots.

Takeaways

• 😀 A new environment and cultural identity: The speaker reflects on how moving to a predominantly white school changed their cultural identity and the pressure to conform.
• 😀 Cultural pride and discrimination: The speaker's experience with their new cornrow hairstyle highlights how others' negative comments made them question the value of their cultural identity.
• 😀 The damaging effects of racism: The incident of a classmate commenting on the speaker’s skin color made them feel inferior, reinforcing a sense of racial discrimination.
• 😀 Code-switching: The speaker explains that code-switching is when a person switches between different ways of speaking, acting, or presenting themselves in different environments.
• 😀 Code-switching as survival: For people of color, code-switching is often a necessity to survive in environments that prioritize Eurocentric norms, rather than a personal choice.
• 😀 Language and identity: Code-switching is not just about language; it also involves altering one’s cultural or physical identity to fit societal expectations.
• 😀 Skin bleaching: The speaker discusses the global problem of skin bleaching, which is linked to discrimination against darker skin and the societal preference for lighter skin.
• 😀 The power of representation: The speaker emphasizes how representation, even in small forms like emoji skin colors, can make a significant difference in how people see their identities.
• 😀 Barack Obama's code-switching skill: The speaker highlights Barack Obama as an example of successful code-switching, navigating different cultural contexts while staying true to his identity.
• 😀 The importance of staying true to oneself: The speaker concludes by advocating for a balance between adapting to societal norms and preserving one's authentic cultural identity, through the use of the 'CPU' formula.

Q & A

What was the author's experience when they moved to a new school?

The author had to leave behind everything and everyone they once knew. Their new school was predominantly white, and they struggled with adapting to an environment that lacked diversity in terms of race, culture, and socio-economic status.

How did the author feel about their new hairstyle and what happened at recess?

The author felt proud and excited about their new cornrows, thinking they resembled Beyonce. However, during recess, an older girl insulted the author's hair, comparing it to dirty shoelaces, which led to feelings of embarrassment and shame about their cultural identity.

What was the significance of the author's self-portrait assignment in kindergarten?

The self-portrait assignment in kindergarten became a moment of realization for the author. When a classmate called the author's brown skin 'ugly,' it highlighted the stark difference between the author’s identity and the predominantly white classmates, leading the author to feel that their identity was inferior.

How did the author react to the incident with the self-portrait?

After the incident, the author began to scrape the wax off the brown crayon to lighten the skin tone in their drawings. This act symbolized the author’s internalized feeling of needing to change their identity to fit in with the Eurocentric standards.

What is 'code-switching,' and why is it important?

Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language based on the context. It allows people to navigate different spaces and interact with diverse groups, but when overused, it can lead to the suppression of one's authentic identity.

Why can code-switching be detrimental to people of color?

For people of color, code-switching is often not a choice but a necessity for survival in a society where one identity is considered the norm. It can lead to the suppression of cultural identities, as individuals might feel pressured to conform to societal standards, such as speaking in a certain way or changing their appearance.

What is the impact of skin bleaching globally, and why is it relevant to the script?

Skin bleaching is a widespread practice in regions like Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America due to the societal preference for lighter skin. This reflects the global issue of colorism and the value placed on Eurocentric beauty standards, further reinforcing the suppression of identity.

What role does media play in the context of identity and representation?

Media is a powerful tool that can influence societal perceptions of beauty, culture, and identity. By promoting more diverse and authentic representation, it can help change how individuals perceive themselves and others, fostering a more inclusive environment.

How can code-switching be applied correctly to benefit society?

Code-switching can be beneficial when used to connect with others and make them feel comfortable, as seen in how Barack Obama interacts with people from different cultural backgrounds. It should, however, never require someone to compromise their true identity. The key is balance: too much can be harmful, and too little can hinder communication.

What is the 'CPU' formula for code-switching and how does it help?

The 'CPU' formula stands for Connection, Perception, and Uniqueness. It involves ensuring that code-switching helps connect with the other person, that one is being perceived the way they intend, and that they stay true to their own identity. This formula encourages effective code-switching without losing authenticity.