Taiye Selasi: Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local | TED

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, Taiye Selasi challenges the concept of national identity, questioning the traditional notion of 'coming from' a country. She shares her personal journey of self-discovery, advocating for a multi-local identity that transcends national boundaries. Selasi introduces the 'three R's'—rituals, relationships, and restrictions—as a framework to understand one's true identity through local experiences rather than national affiliations. Her perspective invites a reevaluation of how we perceive ourselves and others in a globalized world.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The speaker, Taiye Selasi, challenges the notion of national identity, feeling it's a lie to be introduced by countries she doesn't identify with.
• 🌟 She introduces the idea of being 'multinational' but finds it unsatisfactory, as it still ties her to the concept of nations.
• 💡 Taiye realizes she is not a national but a 'local', emphasizing personal experience and connection over national labels.
• 🏠 She suggests that being 'from' a place is more about the specific local experiences and relationships one has, rather than a broad national identity.
• 📚 Taiye's understanding of nations as 'invented' and 'sovereign states' that are only 400 years old offers a historical perspective on the fluidity of national borders.
• 🌱 The concept of 'Afropolitan' is introduced as an identity that values culture over country, reflecting a more nuanced self-definition.
• 🤔 Criticism of Taiye's self-definition prompts her to reflect on the limitations of national identity and the importance of recognizing individual experiences.
• 🌍 She proposes asking 'Where are you a local?' instead of 'Where are you from?' to better understand a person's background and experiences.
• 📝 Taiye outlines the 'three R’s' (rituals, relationships, restrictions) as a method to explore and understand one's local identity and experiences.
• 🔑 The concept of 'local' identity is presented as a key to unlocking a more accurate and humanizing understanding of who we are and where we come from.
• 🌈 Taiye concludes by advocating for a recognition of the multi-layered and multi-local nature of human identity, beyond the constraints of national labels.

Q & A

What was the central theme of Taiye Selasi's book tour talks?

The central theme was questioning the traditional notion of national identity and advocating for a more nuanced understanding of one's origins based on personal experiences and local connections.

Why did Taiye Selasi feel that the introductions at her talks were starting with a lie?

She felt they were lying because they attributed her origins to specific countries like Ghana, Nigeria, England, or the United States, which she argues does not accurately reflect her multifaceted identity and experiences.

What concept did Taiye Selasi find relief in when reconsidering her identity?

She found relief in the concept of the 'sovereign state,' realizing that countries are not fixed absolutes but are human constructs that can change over time.

What term did Taiye Selasi coin to describe an identity that prioritizes culture over country?

She coined the term 'Afropolitan' to describe an identity that transcends national boundaries and is defined more by cultural connections and shared experiences.

How does Taiye Selasi define 'multi-local' in the context of her identity?

She defines 'multi-local' as having multiple places that shape one's experiences and identity, rather than being defined by a single nation or country.

What is the significance of the three 'R’s' (rituals, relationships, restrictions) proposed by Taiye Selasi?

The three 'R’s' serve as a framework to understand one's identity in terms of daily rituals, personal relationships, and societal restrictions, offering a more detailed and personal perspective than simply stating one's nationality.

How does Taiye Selasi suggest we should answer the question 'Where are you from?'

She suggests answering by stating the specific places where one feels a local connection, focusing on personal experiences and localities rather than national affiliations.

What does Taiye Selasi argue about the relationship between national identity and power dynamics?

She argues that national identity can be tied to power dynamics, where certain nationalities may be perceived as having more or less power, and this can influence how people are treated and perceived.

Why does Taiye Selasi critique the idea of 'going back' to one's country?

She critiques the idea because it assumes a static notion of place and identity, not accounting for the changes that occur over time in both the individual and the country.

What alternative introduction does Taiye Selasi prefer for herself?

She prefers an introduction that acknowledges her as a human being with multiple local affiliations, such as 'a local of New York, Rome, and Accra,' rather than being labeled by nationality.