TED Talks Daily Racism thrives on silence — speak up! | Dexter Dias
Oct 2, 2020
In this thought-provoking discussion, human rights lawyer Dexter Dias sheds light on systemic racism and the urgent need for action. He recounts a tragic court case that emphasizes the destructive nature of silence and apathy towards racial violence. Dias argues that race is a harmful myth, not a biological truth, and underscores the importance of speaking out against injustices. He challenges listeners to transition from being non-racist to actively anti-racist, urging everyone to leverage their voices for meaningful societal change.
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Alton Manning's Case
- Dexter Dias recounts the story of Alton Manning, a Black man who died in UK state custody.
- Seven officers restrained Alton, ignoring his pleas of "I can't breathe," leading to his death.
The Myth of Race
- Race is a social construct, not a biological reality, and is used to justify social inequalities.
- Scientific research shows that race has no biological basis and is instead a manufactured concept.
Race as a System
- Race acts as a system, permeating society like oxygen, protecting privilege, and justifying inequality.
- It allows privileged groups to avoid responsibility and maintain an unequal distribution of power.