Human USB

Who are you? How do you know?

I watched this TED talk performed by Thandie Newton on how she mistakenly valued how she thought of herself independent of when she was interacting with acting or other people.

She, by all appearances, seems to be a person who would not be burdened much, other than by too many romantic overatures. But she revealed to the audience that she had identity issues revolving around how she perceived herself (racially). She is half African and half Caucasian. 

She said, that humans put too much of an emphasis on diversity as if it is an anomaly when it isn't. No matter what person was spawned [tongue in cheek], they are always half their mother and half their father. Actually, she said that scientifically they found that Africans from different countries in that continent have more genetic diversity than between an African and a British person. Wrap your head around that one! 

What I found fascinating is that she felt most alive when she was dancing or acting. Put differently, she felt more person-ness (wholeness) when she was plugged into a USB. No, just kidding. =) Referencing my leading photo.

Actually, she felt more like "Thandie" when she was interfacing with the totality of her environment while dancing. Or while she was stepping into and playing a character through the script and bodily expression. 

She came to realize that she put too much stock in the Thandie who wasn't doing those energizing activities, the ones she was most known for. To be clear, that other Thandie she refers to is the one who is constantly judging herself- the emotional bundle trapped in her body.

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She went on by saying that we humans are kidding ourselves into believing that we're connected (like USBs). But, it is in that virtual connection that makes us desensitized to our "real" would around us. It has lead us to do unthinkable things to our fellow man as well as our precious earth. 

She says, and I've already come to this conclusion, that we need to connect to each other to stay on track, to be successful and to essentially "know who we are." We don't need electronic connection. We need human connection, the old fashioned way. The way we read about in anthropology books.

I remember worrying about my son who wasn't using his words. (a cliche phrase these days, huh?) But I the most shocked that he couldn't use words to describe himself. It begged me to wonder if he even knew who he was, all twelve years worth of life. He rarely has a conversation with people.

[And, what Thandie proposed.] We often learn who we are by being around and interacting (talking) to other people. If you were to ask him who he was, he'd disregard the question and talk about MineCraft or Super Mario Brothers trademark games. Is he a perfect example of the "sign of the times"?

I have had "attachments" on my radar since being adopted. But now, I even consider them integral, not just for safety and connection, but to know oneself. I just don't want him to wait around for everyone else to tell him who he is. I pray that he learns who he is within the fabric of this beautiful tapestry of mankind. I think Thandie would agree.

{ I Turn to You }

Thank you for humoring me to the end and reading. I felt drawn to write this after watching the TED talk (as embedded below). If you have anything to add to this post, please comment below. I'd appreciate any feedback on my photo also. I have no artistic sense. Thank you again~ Blessings

#mommymondaybloghop #inspirememonday