TED's 31 days of Ideas - Day 21: Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local

Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local

By Angélica Dass

In these turbulent times -- when words like migration, culture, nationality and origin are sometimes used as a discrimination tool and are often loaded with preconceived judgments -- the question, "Where you are from?" gains more meaning.

Taiye Selasi, with her TED Talk, "Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local," opens an important reflection on how human beings are multi-layered, that our experiences are local and our identity built by experiences that at last define where we are. She makes us think about our rituals, relationships and restrictions. In a simple way she breaks the boundaries of the concept of nationality, making it clear that culturally, regardless of the passport you carry, home doesn't necessarily mean a country.

Selasi invites us to introduce ourselves anew, so here goes: I'm Angélica, a multi-local from Rio de Janeiro and Madrid, citizen of the universe, and I hope you enjoy this brilliant and necessary talk.