Why discrimination is an inside job | Ashmiza Ismail | TEDxTheBritishUniversityInDubai

TL;DR

Overcoming discrimination begins with reframing one's thoughts and changing the narrative about oneself to regain confidence and self-worth.

Transcript

[Applause] when you look in the mirror what do you see when I look in the mirror I see a small tiny girl well the same tiny girl which you are looking at right now oh hang on my high heels put some extra inches to my height today bless me so they said look at you you're so short you look like an undergrad student these are all common words people s... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Discrimination can have a significant impact on one's self-esteem and confidence, leading to feelings of worthlessness and inferiority.
• 💬 Internalizing discriminatory comments gives others power over one's life story, and regaining control requires reframing one's thoughts and beliefs about oneself.
• 🤳 Regaining confidence and self-belief is a process that requires unlearning false narratives and relearning a more positive perspective.
• 🤔 Perspective and thought reframing can have a transformative effect, leading to a greater sense of self-worth and the ability to overcome discrimination.
• 💱 Overcoming discrimination is not solely about changing external factors but also involves addressing and changing internalized discrimination.
• 👻 Second chances and a better life are possible once an individual allows themselves to see and believe in their own worth.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's petite size and youthful look lead to discrimination in her career?

The speaker's small stature and youthful appearance caused others to underestimate her skills and experience, leading to her being treated as a junior employee or simply another student.

Q: How did the speaker's self-esteem and confidence suffer as a result of the discriminatory comments?

The constant discrimination and belittling comments caused the speaker's self-esteem to diminish, making her feel useless, worthless, and anxious. She became withdrawn and unable to assert herself.

Q: Why did the speaker realize that she needed to change her perspective and reframe her thoughts?

The speaker realized that by internalizing the discriminatory comments and believing them, she was giving others control over her life story. She understood that she needed to regain control over her own narrative and believe in her own worth.

Q: How did the speaker reframe her thought process and regain her confidence?

The speaker had to unlearn the false narratives she had internalized and relearn a more positive and empowering perspective. She reminded herself of her own accomplishments, capabilities, and equal worthiness. It required moment-to-moment practice, self-commitment, and a strong support system.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares her experience of facing discrimination in the workplace and how it affected her self-esteem and confidence.

• She explains how she internalized the discriminatory comments and allowed them to define her, leading to feelings of doubt and inferiority.

• By reframing her thought process and realizing her own capabilities, she was able to regain her confidence and understand the power of perspective and self-belief.