Fostering growth by compounding resilience | Lyqa Maravilla | TEDxADMU

Summary

The script explores Filipino resilience, using the story of a young girl navigating life's struggles as a metaphor for larger societal challenges. It critiques the romanticization of resilience, arguing that it places the burden of survival solely on the affected individuals while allowing those in power to avoid accountability. The speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing resilience with calls for systemic change, urging Filipinos to recognize both their strength and the need for better conditions. The discussion highlights Filipino ingenuity and the potential for greater achievements if given the right support.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ The script begins with a vivid scene of a child navigating narrow streets in oversized, mismatched slippers, facing both literal and metaphorical challenges on her way to school, representing resilience.
• 🌊 The angry, roaring river symbolizes the difficult path to education and success, the only ticket out of poverty for the child.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the romanticization of Filipino resilience, suggesting that it may shift responsibility away from those in power, who should be held accountable.
• 💪 Resilience is defined as the ability to withstand hardship and adapt to challenges, often celebrated as a Filipino trait, but the speaker questions whether it's always a positive thing.
• 🎯 The concept of survivor's pride is introduced, emphasizing how overcoming adversity is often worn as a badge of honor, but questioning whether this glorification overshadows deeper systemic issues.
• 🛑 Romanticizing resilience can have negative consequences, as it places the burden of survival on the victims, rather than encouraging those in power to act or share the responsibility.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker shares personal stories of resilience in her family, illustrating how these narratives shaped her own identity and drive for success, yet acknowledging the sacrifices behind them.
• 💡 The speaker calls for a shift in narrative, urging that resilience should be 'compounded' – connected to other truths, such as societal challenges like depression and corruption, to paint a fuller picture of reality.
• 🎓 The importance of providing opportunities and resources is highlighted. If Filipinos can achieve so much with so little, what could they do if given proper support?
• 🔄 The speaker proposes that resilience doesn't have to be the end of the story; it can be compounded with an 'and' – allowing for both resilience and accountability, resilience and progress.

Q & A

What is the significance of the opening scene with the child walking through narrow streets in mismatched slippers?

The opening scene symbolizes the challenges faced by the child, both literal and metaphorical. It sets the stage for the theme of resilience as the child navigates through adversity to reach her goal of education, which represents her 'one ticket out of poverty.'

What does the roaring river in the story represent?

The roaring river represents the literal and metaphorical obstacles the child must overcome to achieve her dreams. It symbolizes the harsh challenges of life, particularly in terms of poverty and limited access to education.

How does the speaker view the celebration of Filipino resilience?

The speaker is conflicted about the celebration of Filipino resilience. While it is acknowledged as a source of pride and survival, the speaker argues that it can be romanticized in a way that shifts the responsibility of survival solely onto those suffering, rather than holding those in power accountable.

Why does the speaker mention material science when discussing resilience?

The speaker uses material science to draw parallels between resilience in humans and the concept in physical objects. In material science, resilience is about how much energy something can absorb and still return to its original state, highlighting the idea that humans, like materials, have a breaking point.

What does the speaker mean by 'compounding resilience'?

'Compounding resilience' refers to expanding the narrative beyond simple celebrations of resilience. Instead of ending the conversation at 'Filipinos are resilient,' the speaker suggests adding other important truths about the struggles Filipinos face, creating a more nuanced and complete understanding.

What role does 'survivor's pride' play in the narrative of resilience?

Survivor's pride is the feeling of accomplishment after overcoming adversity, often shared to inspire others. However, the speaker questions whether encouraging survivors to share their stories might inadvertently contribute to the romanticization of resilience, shifting the focus away from systemic issues.

How does the speaker's family background influence their views on resilience?

The speaker draws strength from stories of resilience within their own family. Their mother and grandmother overcame immense hardships, which fuels the speaker’s passion for democratizing education. However, the speaker also recognizes that not all stories end in success, prompting a more critical view of resilience.

What is the dilemma the speaker faces regarding resilience?

The speaker's dilemma is how to celebrate the resilience of survivors without romanticizing it in a way that shifts the burden of survival entirely onto the affected individuals. They also wrestle with holding those in power accountable for systemic failures while honoring the resilience of ordinary Filipinos.

What connection does the speaker make between Filipino desserts and resilience?

The speaker draws a metaphor between Filipino desserts made from discarded egg yolks and the resilience of Filipinos. Just as Filipinos have historically turned 'trash into treasure,' they have shown resilience by turning adversity into success. The speaker asks what Filipinos could achieve if given more resources and support.

What is the speaker's final challenge to the audience?

The speaker challenges the audience to think critically about resilience. Instead of viewing it as the final word in conversations about survival, the speaker encourages adding 'and'—recognizing resilience while also demanding systemic change and accountability from those in power.