TED Radio Hour Listen Again: Clint Smith
Jun 4, 2021
Clint Smith, a talented writer, scholar, and poet, shares profound insights reflecting on the death of George Floyd and its historical context. He discusses the power of voice and the importance of confronting silences in personal narratives. Highlighting the urgency for systemic change, Smith intertwines personal anecdotes with broader societal issues, advocating for ongoing activism. He also delves into the complexities of parenting as a Black father, emphasizing resilience, cultural identity, and the role of hope in navigating racial justice.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Avoiding Trauma
- Clint Smith avoids watching videos of Black people being harmed by police or vigilantes.
- He explains this is the first video he couldn't watch, due to pandemic fatigue and not needing to see more Black death.
Exhaustion from Inequality
- The pandemic revealed racial inequality in health outcomes, forcing Black Americans to defend themselves.
- The added burden of George Floyd's death increased the fatigue of constantly proving systemic issues.
Educator's Role
- Clint Smith's role is to educate on the historical context of inequality.
- He highlights how historical forces shape current disparities, not individual choices.
