Free Oppression | Kurika Sakaguchi | TEDxUWCMaastricht

Core Argument - The speaker explores the concept of freedom, questioning its meaning and personal experience of it [1][2] - The speaker initially equates freedom with the ability to do anything without restrictions, a common childhood perception [2] - The speaker's experience in a conservative Japanese school highlights the contrast between security and the feeling of being constricted [3][5] - Exposure to diverse perspectives outside the school environment leads to the realization of being in a "cage," despite its prestige [8][9] - The speaker's initial experience of freedom abroad in Canada is overwhelming, leading to a lack of confidence and fear of responsibility [15][19] - True freedom involves taking responsibility for one's choices, as both unlimited options and rigid structures can be forms of freedom or oppression [25] Personal Development - The speaker's inability to answer a question about child labor reveals a lack of independent thought and reliance on prescribed answers [13][14] - Studying abroad provides a new perspective and education, leading to a reevaluation of personal values and cultural understanding [15] - The speaker realizes that freedom comes with the weight of responsibility, challenging the initial optimistic view [21] - Oppression can exist in the absence of restrictions, when individuals fear making decisions due to the weight of consequences [23][24]