Perception and Illusion in Performance - The speaker's journey with object manipulation, starting with nunchucks at age 8 or 9, evolved into a form of meditation and therapy, influencing perception [2] - Perception is limited by how our eyes catch light and movement, and how we focus, impacting how we see things [2] - The speaker's early experiences with nunchucks and water bottles (500 ml - 700 ml) led to an interest in juggling before bartending [4][5] - Perception plays with our minds, creating both positive journeys and mind blocks that limit our understanding [5][6] Mixology and Presentation - Mixology and bartending heavily rely on presentation, including garnish, glassware, ingredients, and storytelling [7] - Presentation in the bar industry can be artistic but also manipulative, influenced by societal structures like capitalism, consumerism, patriarchy, misogyny, racism, and castism [7] - The speaker observes the bar industry from an "outside" perspective, questioning areas of life and forms of oppression [7][8] Social Commentary and Industry Critique - The speaker critiques the capitalistic nature of the bar industry and its growth over the last 20 years, questioning whether it is something to be proud of [9][10] - The speaker suggests that the industry is not essential for society, but hospitality is, and that the commercialization of alcohol and environmental/human exploitation are problematic [11] - The speaker highlights the interconnectedness of industries, including war, medicine, and the bar industry, supported by a mirage of disconnection [11] - The speaker advocates for recognizing and relinquishing privileges (e g, speaking colonized languages, financial power, race, cast, gender, orientation) to break down oppressive systems [19]

Almost three years ago, I made a choice. I chose not to give into the oppression and pressure forced on me by my own government. So instead, I chose to step into a new chapter of my life.One where I could be the writer and the warrior of my own story. I could fight for what I wanted. With that being said, let me give you a little bit of information about myself so you guys get to know me.I was 16 when for the very first time I came here in the United States, especially in this college. Stepping to the class ...

Core Argument - The speech emphasizes the importance of questioning systems and norms, drawing parallels between historical oppression and contemporary issues like book bans and censorship [4][5][10] - It argues that silence in the face of injustice normalizes it and empowers oppressive forces [11][12] - The speech advocates for the human right to ask questions and challenge the status quo in various settings, including classrooms, workplaces, and communities [11][15] Historical Context & Examples - The speech references historical figures like Frederick Douglass, James Baldwin, and Mahmud Darwish, who used questions to challenge systems of oppression and advocate for change [6][7][8] - It draws connections between historical events like America's Jim Crow era and the British 13 colonies, highlighting how revolutions stemmed from questioning and the suppression of those questions [4] - The speech uses the example of Frederick Douglass questioning why slaves couldn't read to illustrate the power of knowledge and questioning in achieving liberation [6] Call to Action - The speech encourages individuals to ask "why" in various contexts, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable [10][15][16] - It asserts that ordinary people have the power to enact change by using their voices to question systems and challenge injustice [14][15] - The speech concludes that questions are essential for defending freedom, protecting lives, and ultimately changing the world [16]

RT Mila Joy (@Milajoy)Ilhan Omar wasn't some poor, oppressed refugee that Americ saved.Her family was part of the TYRANNICAL Somali government that was EJECTED from Somalia.Her family WERE the oppressors.Makes sense, huh? https://t.co/lOqJbSkslz ...

To curtail Russians visiting Europe may be to lump the oppressed with their oppressor. But any other policy would make the bloc appear hopelessly naive https://t.co/b4nv2Wv68QIllustration: Peter Schrank https://t.co/L8CZc1zrlw ...

Before October 7th of 2023, have any of you ever confused Palestine with Pakistan, whether in Chinese or English. They're pretty similar, aren't they. When I first returned to Hong Kong after volunteering in Palestine for half a year back in 2022, I was startled by the sheer number of people who did.But perhaps it is understandable. Many schools in Hong Kong probably would not have offered an introduction to the Middle East throughout 12 years of education. Mine did not.And the Middle East does not figure m ...

Global Issues and Their Impact - Globally, there are 59 armed conflicts involving 92 countries [1] - Wildlife populations have declined by 69% [2] - Depression and anxiety have increased by 25% in the last five years [1] Systemic Inequality and Marginalization - The system of oppression affects who is seen as legitimate and worthy of dignity [3] - Privilege, influenced by factors like whiteness, maleness, and wealth, affects visibility and progress [4] - Marginalization, driven by factors like blackness, womanness, and poverty, affects the right to be seen and belong [5] Call to Action for Change - Convergence as a global nation is hindered by the failure to see and acknowledge each other [6] - The industry should reject outdated and harmful constructs [7] - Intellectual understanding alone is insufficient to drive change; action is required [10] - Change requires awareness, change agency, and tuning into oneself [10] The Importance of Self-Awareness and Change Agency - Only 10% of daily activity occurs on a conscious level, highlighting the challenge of self-awareness [11] - Blaming others hinders learning and personal agency [19] - Personal habits and beliefs developed in childhood influence adult behavior [19][20] - A growth mindset, characterized by openness to mistakes and learning, is essential for change [21] Tuning In and Self-Love - Lack of self-awareness leads to incoherence and defensiveness, hindering authentic connection [23][24] - Self-love is crucial for convergence within oneself and for showing up authentically [25] - Self-love ensures that one is always seen [26]

Social Commentary & Injustice - The text reflects on historical and ongoing societal injustices, highlighting the suffering of the oppressed and the protection afforded to the oppressor [1] - It criticizes a systemic political structure that perpetuates hardship and exploitation for profit [1] - The author expresses weariness with the repetition of past injustices and the struggle for deserved reparations [1] - The author uses writing as a weapon against injustice, vowing to defend the oppressed [1] - The text calls for an end to destruction and a move towards building and constructing [2] Call to Action & Hope - The text emphasizes the importance of taking the first step towards change, urging individual action [1][2] - It suggests that words fueled by heartfelt emotion are more powerful than military force [1] - The author advocates for faith and action, urging listeners to stop destructive behaviors and start building [2] - The text acknowledges the suffering of the people but cautions against despising them [2]

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]