The American Story | David Mura | TEDxGrinnellCollege
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- David Mura, author of “The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself: Racial Myths and Our American Narratives,” challenges us to think more critically about what we typically consider to be American history, as well as the history being made today and every day. He concludes his talk with “Poem for Abdi,” which shares the story of the killing of his son’s Somali-American best friend.
David is a writer and a Sansei, a third generation Japanese American. His most recent book is A Stranger’s Journey: Race, Identity & Narrative Craft in Writing. He’s written two memoirs, Where the Body Meets Memory, and Turning Japanese, which won the Oakland PEN Josephine Miles Book Award and was a New York Times Notable Book. His novel, Famous Suicides of the Japanese Empire, was a finalist for the MN Book Award, the John Gardner Fiction Prize and the Virginia Commonwealth Cabell First Novelist Award. His four books of poetry include the National Poetry Contest winner After We Lost Our Way, The Colors of Desire, which won a Carl Sandburg Literary Award, Angels for the Burning, and The Last Incantations.
Among his awards, Mura has received a Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Writers’ Award, a US/Japan Creative Artist Fellowship, two NEA Literature Fellowships, two Bush Foundation Fellowships, five Loft-McKnight Awards, Minnesota State Arts Board grants, and a Discovery/The Nation Award. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
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.
I was deeply moved by “Poem for Abdi.” It’s heartbreaking but beautifully captured the friendship and depth of loss.
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 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.
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.
I appreciate Mura shedding light on the historical injustices faced by Japanese Americans. It's crucial to confront our past and learn from it.
The historical perspective on Japanese-American internment was both shocking and enlightening. So much we weren’t taught in school!
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.
The discussion on racial myths in American narratives was incredibly eye-opening. So much to unlearn and relearn!
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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.
The courage to speak about such personal pain is admirable.
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 loved how he connected past events with what's happening today. Makes you really think about the ongoing affects of the past
I never thought a presentation on identity would make me feel like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster. Pass the tissues, please!
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 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.
Mura's story about the fear of losing power is thought-provoking. Change can be unsettling, but it doesn't justify clinging to racism.
James Baldwin's thoughts on identity add a layer of intellectual depth to this presentation. It's refreshing to see such thought-provoking content
Oh my stars the poem for Abdi just sent me to bits. This kind of thing is so tragic.
Wait, Japanese American linguists shortening the war by two years? Making history with words, not just bullets is like a secret weapon we never knew we had
I cried watching this... How can we educate people so that they're actually willing to understand and have compassion.
I did not anticipate shedding tears listening to him, but I am. Sharing right away.
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.
That poem at the end about Abdi and Nico's friendship was absolutely heart wrenching, honestly did not expect to get so emotional.
Absolutely David, the history we learn in school is rarely authentic and it does not set us up for the realities of the world.
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.
Identity is such a profound and challenging theme in our lives, as this speaker expertly articulates.
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.
It's just unfathomable how people can be so awful to one another, and all the heartbreak that leads to.
"Identity would seem to be the garment with which one covers the nakedness of the self." Such a beautiful quote.
agree with you 100%
Oh wow I was not emotionally prepared for this talk. Thank you David for something so heartbreakingly beautiful.
The poem at the end of David's talk is very powerful!
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.
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
David Mura's words resonate deeply. It's disheartening that we still have to fight for equality in this day and age.
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.
This talk is heart-breaking in so many ways.
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.
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.
Wow, this presentation really delves into the complexities of identity! It's like a rollercoaster ride through history and personal experiences. Buckle up, folks!
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.
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 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.
The idea that diversity is America’s strength is so true. This talk should be a wake-up call for everyone to start embracing it
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.
Starting strong with that "I am a writer" vibe. It's like setting the stage, saying, "Hold up, I got stories to tell."
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.
"Out of tragedy and injustice bloom the profound hope and call for change." What a beautiful quote.
This talk really got me thinking about how much our history is shaped by race. Was pretty eye-opening for me
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.
The historical perspective on Japanese-American internment adds such a powerful layer to understanding racial issues today. It's more than history; it's a lesson in humanity.
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.
My heart goes out to you, your son and his friend.
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.
Mura's mention of the Japanese-American internment during World War II serves as a stark reminder of the injustices faced by minority communities in America's past. It's crucial to confront these dark chapters and learn from them, instead of pretending they never happened.
I can't wrap my head around the fact that some people fear a more diverse America. Embracing our differences is what makes us stronger.
Powerful talk. Really makes you think about identity and our past.
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.
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.
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.
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.
David is such a fantastic speaker.
You're a brilliant mentor Mr. Mura!
The friendship his son had with Abdi is so bittersweet, I'm sure their friendship was wonderful but people shouldn't have to bond over being mistreated.
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
Appreciated the honest discussion on race and identity challenges.
Definitely sharing this, it feels like a must-watch for anyone interested in American history and racial identity.
Thank you for putting so much of yourself into your work David. It is heart-breaking and beautiful all at once. Just like life.
Even though this is heavy content its refreshing to see a talk called "The American Story" actually be about what life is like for so many non-white Americans. Its no longer 'the land of opportunity' the American story is one of racism, hatred and exclusion. It's time for this to be acknowledged.
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
NGL I got chills hearing about those Texan troops initially mistaking the Japanese American soldiers for the enemy before realizing they were the rescuers. What a powerful cultural collision.
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
The comparison James Baldwin makes between questions of identity and the fear of mortality is profound. David's exploration of how America's racial history has shaped individual and collective identities provides a unique lens through which to view the ongoing struggles for equality and understanding.
This talk brought me to tears multiple times. Such an emotionally charged talk.
yes, very confronting
The mention of the Japanese-American 442nd Regiment and their contributions during World War II showcases the strength and resilience of marginalized communities. It's important to acknowledge and honor the often-overlooked stories of bravery and sacrifice.
the absolute truth and so informative. sharing. thank you David for this.
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.
A timely reflection on the state of our society and the ongoing struggles for racial equality. It encourages us to confront uncomfortable truths and strive for change.
The take home message for me was early in this talk. "Identity would seem to be the garment with which one covers the nakedness of the self"
The story about Abdi is so sad. It just doesn't seem far that ignorance can have such fatal consequences
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
David, I genuinely felt an array of emotions wash over me hearing your talk. Thank you for this. You are doing amazing things
Mura's talk really makes you think about the importance of cultural diversity. It's what makes our country so rich and vibrant and that should be protected and celebrated.
The way he reflects on how Japanese Americans are treated, particularly during WW2 shows how deeply rooted these issues are.