Name: Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent
Uploaded: 2016-07-07T15:21:10Z
Duration: 10 min 38 s
Description: Artist Safwat Saleem grew up with a stutter -- but as an independent animator, he decided to do his own voiceovers to give life to his characters. When YouTube commenters started mocking his Pakistani accent, it crushed him, and his voice began to leave his work. Hear how this TED Fellow reclaimed his voice and confidence in this charming, thoughtful talk.

Artist Safwat Saleem grew up with a stutter -- but as an independent animator, he decided to do his own voiceovers to give life to his characters. When YouTube commenters started mocking his Pakistani accent, it crushed him, and his voice began to leave his work. Hear how this TED Fellow reclaimed his voice and confidence in this charming, thoughtful talk.

Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent

Social expectations can silence those who sound or look different, reinforcing narrow ideas of normal. After being mocked online for his Pakistani accent, one animator stopped using his own voice in his creative work. He draws a powerful parallel to how ancient cultures literally could not see colors they had no words or tools for. Only when society broadens its definition of what belongs do hidden stories and talents become visible to all.