Mellody Hobson: Color Blind or Color Brave?

     I actually enjoyed watching Mellody Hobson's TedTalk, it was informative and honest. She starts off by telling a story about going to a party at 7 years old and being the only black child in attendance and the first thing her mother asked her when she returned was "How did they treat you?" Obviously at that age she didn't understand the question, but this was her mother telling her firsthand that "They will not always treat you well." Another way to me of her letting her know that people may treat you differently based on the color of your skin. I wasn't shocked by this because I've seen my friends treated differently all the time growing up when we would breach out into other neighborhoods, especially when we would go to the local corner stores. They would be told to drop their bags in the front but wouldn't declare the same when it came to me. It's obvious I'm of lighter complexion than my friends and the owner assumed they would steal. One of the many encounters that comes to mind while I think about racism growing up. This continues in the video as she brings up how race makes people uncomfortable when it shouldn't be, how it should be a conversation we should be willing to have, and she even dives into diversity in the corporate world. I feel like this tied into our Identity Maps because it raised that question, should we incorporate our race and ethnicities be words we use to help identify us? I think I'm going to keep mine as Mellody mentions we should be open and having these diverse conversations with one another as we can use them as a learning experience every time. By me keeping them, it gives time to for everyone else to see them and ask questions if they're curious. I believe you've assigned this TedTalk after the Identity Maps to help us try to see each other for who we are and help us raise awareness about who we are and where we come from as we can all learn from one another.

    For my connection piece today, I decided to include this quick TikTok I just so happened to scroll by after watching the TedTalk and taking my phone break. Watch it and give me your take because I honestly agree with what she's saying (let's get deep in person) but I'm curious to hear your opinions since were on the topic of racism. 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8jkgTLq/