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

The speaker challenges the traditional notion of nationality, arguing that identity is more accurately defined by local experiences rather than national borders. Through personal anecdotes and case studies, the speaker illustrates how rituals, relationships, and restrictions shape one's identity. The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding identity through the lens of locality and human experience, rather than the fictional construct of countries. The speaker proposes a shift in perspective from nationality to locality, highlighting the complexity and multi-layered nature of human identity.

What realization did the speaker have about the concept of nationality?

• Nationality is the most important aspect of identity.

• Countries are not fixed entities and can change over time.

• Nationality is a fixed and absolute concept.

• Countries are eternal and unchanging.

What term did the speaker introduce to describe an identity that prioritizes culture over country?

• Global Citizen

• Multinational

• Afropolitan

• Cultural Nomad

According to the speaker, what three aspects should be considered to understand one's identity through locality?

• Geography, History, Politics

• Heritage, Ancestry, Traditions

• Rituals, Relationships, Restrictions

• Nationality, Language, Culture

How does the speaker suggest we should ask about someone's identity?

• Where are you from?

• What is your nationality?

• Where are you a local?

• What is your cultural background?

What common experience do Olu and Udo share despite their different nationalities?

• They both live in the same city.

• They both hold the same passport.

• They both have similar rituals, relationships, and restrictions.

• They both dislike their home countries.

What does the speaker suggest is often implied by the question 'Where are you from?'

• An interest in someone's language skills.

• A power dynamic based on nationality.

• A curiosity about someone's travel history.

• A desire to understand cultural diversity.

What does the speaker believe is the impact of understanding identity through locality?

• It brings people closer together.

• It makes people focus on their differences.

• It creates more divisions among people.

• It helps people feel more isolated.

What does the speaker mean by being a 'citizen of worlds'?

• Experiencing life in various localities.

• Having multiple passports.

• Belonging to multiple countries.

• Being a global traveler.

Why does the speaker argue that we can never truly go back to a place?

• Because travel is difficult.

• Because memories fade over time.

• Because people forget their past.

• Because places are always changing.

What does the speaker suggest is the main issue with the concept of national identity?

• It is too complex to understand.

• It is based on outdated traditions.

• It creates mutually exclusive categories.

• It is not recognized globally.