When Wrongness and Rightness Collide | Jessica Potter-Bowers | TEDxYouth@FranklinSchoolOfInnovation

TL;DR

Embracing small disruptions to foster positive change in personal and societal relationships.

Transcript

foreign [Applause] I've been thinking about disruption my tendency is to work within the system to promote change while also acknowledging that the system itself is resistant to change any system all systems we all know our world has been rocked these last few years disrupted by forces of chaos and disease and how have we responded there's a lot mo... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Chaos and disease disruptions have not led to lasting change in societal norms.
• 🛩️ Small disruptions can challenge societal norms and foster positive change.
• 🔨 Vulnerability is a powerful tool for cultivating authentic relationships.
• 📁 Direct communication can strengthen relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
• 🥺 Embracing vulnerability can lead to more meaningful connections.
• 🥹 Holding boundaries and apologizing can disrupt harmful behaviors.
• 🥶 Humanizing individuals can lead to empathy and co-regulation.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the speaker view disruptions caused by chaos and disease?

The speaker acknowledges the impact of disruptions but questions why lasting change has not occurred despite these events. They believe that more is needed to create lasting change in societal norms.

Q: What tools does the speaker suggest for disrupting the status quo?

The speaker emphasizes the power of reflection and vulnerability as tools for challenging societal norms. By holding boundaries, apologizing, and promoting compassionate communication, individuals can disrupt harmful words and actions.

Q: How does the speaker believe vulnerability can lead to more authentic relationships?

The speaker shares personal experiences where vulnerability improved relationships. By embracing vulnerability, individuals can create deeper connections with others, fostering openness and empathy in both personal and professional interactions.

Q: How does the speaker propose disrupting the machine of bureaucracy and patriarchy?

The speaker suggests that small disruptions in day-to-day life can create change within the broader system. By designing relationships and communities to serve individuals' needs, a grassroots revolution can gradually challenge existing structures.

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the concept of disruption and the need for change in our society. They highlight the resistance to change within the system and emphasize the importance of small, personal actions in disrupting the status quo. The speaker shares personal experiences and provides tools and strategies for creating lasting change in our relationships, addressing harmful words and actions, and disrupting the larger systems that govern our lives.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the world been disrupted in recent years, and how have we responded?

The world has been disrupted by forces of chaos and disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of social media. Despite these disruptions, we have mostly gone back to business as usual, failing to create lasting change.

Q: What is the speaker's view on fitting into societal expectations?

The speaker believes that we are no longer trying to fit into the traditional mold of society. They explain that our collective trauma has changed and fragmented us, making it even more difficult to fit into the existing societal structure.

Q: How does the speaker define their legacy?

The speaker wants their legacy to be a lasting positive impact on the lives of those around them. They strive to create small disruptions in people's lives, offering moments of reflection and growth.

Q: What tools does the speaker use in their work as a behavior specialist?

The speaker's tools of disruption are tools of reflection. They use these tools to see students for who they could be while meeting them where they currently are. By holding a mirror up to their words and actions, the speaker encourages them to reflect on who they truly want to be.

Q: How does the speaker promote direct communication in relationships?

The speaker highlights the value of direct communication in relationships. They argue against softening our words to avoid difficult conversations, as it often muddies the message. Instead, the speaker suggests stripping away indirectness and saying exactly what we mean, promoting stronger and more authentic relationships.

Q: How did vulnerability impact the speaker's relationship with a friend?

The speaker was struggling in a relationship with a friend who was at a different stage in life. Upon receiving advice to increase their vulnerability, the speaker found that being open and authentic deepened their relationship. They realized that vulnerability can lead to more authentic connections and disrupt the barriers that exist between people.

Q: How does technology create barriers to true connection, and how can we disrupt them?

Technology, while allowing us to connect with others, also creates barriers to genuine connection. The speaker explains that the globalization of technology has made the world smaller, but face-to-face connections have decreased. To disrupt these barriers, the speaker suggests using vulnerability and creating opportunities for true connection.

Q: How does the speaker advocate for disrupting the education system?

The speaker argues that instead of waiting for those in power to fix the education system, individuals can create change from within. They suggest shaking up the status quo by pulling students from class for important life lessons and using skills that extend beyond typical academic subjects.

Q: What are some examples of little disruptions in the speaker's world?

The speaker shares examples of small disruptions they have witnessed, such as bathroom stall journalism with affirmations, holding boundaries with compassion, and using handmade schedules and lessons to teach important life skills to students.

Q: What tools does the speaker provide to create change in personal relationships?

The speaker suggests putting connection first in personal relationships and using helpful phrases and questions to foster understanding and growth. They also emphasize the power of apologizing, sitting in silence with loved ones, and the importance of empathy and holding space for others.

Q: How can small disruptions create change in larger systems?

The speaker believes in small, direct impacts that can create change in our day-to-day lives. They argue that by designing our relationships and communities to serve us best, we can create change on a personal level. Each individual can make their own life fulfilling and unique, disrupting the larger systems that may not meet their individual needs.

Takeaways

The speaker emphasizes the need for disruption and lasting change in our society. They encourage individuals to make small, direct impacts in their personal relationships and the larger systems that govern their lives. By prioritizing connection, practicing direct communication, embracing vulnerability, and holding space for others, we can disrupt harmful patterns and create a more compassionate and authentic world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Reflects on the need for change amidst chaos and disease disruptions.

• Advocates for small acts of disruption to challenge societal norms.

• Emphasizes the power of vulnerability in fostering authentic connections.