Why representation matters | Jesse Beason | TEDxMtHoodSalon
Jesse Beason's experience in communications, public policy, government relations and partnership development gives him a unique perspective on why representation matters.
Jesse Beason is the Vice President of Public Affairs at Northwest Health Foundation, leading communications, public policy, government relations and partnership development. Jesse serves on Amplify’s board of directors and the Steering Committee of the Portland African American Leadership Forum. and is member emeritus of the Portland Housing Advisory Commission, Regional Arts & Culture Council, National Community Land Trust Network (now Grounded Solutions) and Yes for Affordable Homes Executive Committee.
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
As an autistic person I too feel under-represented, especially in fiction, but I acknowledge that things are getting better there.
Why do you feel the need to be represented?
Hey, I'm writing a science fiction series with an autistic protagonist! I'm autistic too! Representation matters. People can deny it up and down but it's true. If you ask me, when people say it doesn't matter it's because they themselves probably never felt under-represented, so they don't know what it's like. Yes we can relate to non autistic characters, but it's still important that we can see people like ourselves in fiction. You're not alone friend. Things really are getting better. We can create our own stories and be proud in making a difference in the world. 💖
I'm also an autistic person and i don't care. i am more than just my autism.
Honestly, 99% of people that would even ask "Oh, but why does it matter?" are those that can easily find representation at any bookstore and movie. If you'd grown up never seeing someone like you in the media, you wouldn't even have to ask that question. Never seeing yourself in books is incredibly isolating, it makes you feel ignored, like somebody like you isn't worth writing about. Now, maybe not on it's own, but in combination with a society that constantly ignores and belittles you, talks over you, sees your very real access needs as preferences they can waltz over anytime it's ever so slightly more convenient for them until you're afraid to speak up about anything, it's just yet another thing that tells you that you're not a real person, that you shouldn't exist.
I'm writing a webcomic with an autistic protagonist, if you want to I can link it here.
LOVE this! Go, Commissioner Beason!
We have the same last name 😂
We need a representation of people with disabilities in military and navy.
If you want representation, be it. Don't ask for it only, be it and do it.
But that would mean you need to create all of that space on your own while space doesn't want to be made. That's a lot of work for a person to do.
@@MayaTheBeeeeee Which is why you will need to keep on working for it until you're satsified. Not waiting for someone to do it for you or seeking validation towards others. And if you're pleased with the outcome, you can get what you earned. The world doesn't owe you anything. If you want to be represented in some way, then that's really all you can do. Write, draw, study, practice etc. While at the same time, find out what makes you: you as a person.
Andy Pham You sound so ✨confident✨you shouldn’t be 🥰💖🧚♀️
Real role models matter. Not actors.
Yes, you need that from home! role models should be parents, the attack on the family unit of mother father and child is pretty successful, unfortunately. People think the school system is the answer but that's a relatively new idea in human history parents have traditionally passed down knowledge but this has changed with most parents (single mothers here in the west) soo drained and tired from work they just put the kids in front of a screen to be indoctrinated by social media and leave the government school system to teach things of value...a very sad state of affairs
however, actors are real as well -- human -- our brain sees it that way.
Hm.
nice video