What we need is to be left alone to grow and develop on our own. What has made humans advance, is their need to live a simpler life. With people alway interfering, they limit/ prevent natives from finding their own way out. So to all the new messiahs let the kid learn how to walk on their own.
henry Rollins had a good story about this on his spoken word show which you can find on youtube saying he was in can city very poor neighborhood in Sao Paulo and he asked them what they need thinking he was helping and being smart by asking them and they said soap and ball for the kids to play and he caused a riot when he brought them what they asked for a lot of locals were injured, they had their own "leader" and system to share, but he didn't know that
When the white man came to Africa, the white man had the Bible and the Africans had the land. When the White man left Africa, the Africans had the Bible and the White man had the land.
@TheCrazyKid1381 True. Look up the Ethiopian Kingdom of Aksum, which is the first christian nations on Earth, when Europe was still in the Dark Ages and killing each other.
@TheCrazyKid1381 Also, crazy how missionaries from Europe were travelling alongside colonists and European generals aboard ships, who were staunch on cutting of the hands and feets of Africans who would dare disobey them. Look up Belgians in Africa.
I didn't realize you were a senior in high school until the last few minutes of your talk. That took me by surprise because you sounded like a professional. Good job!
Yes, she did a great job and NO, she does not sound like someone in high school. A lot of people older than her, in professional positions, are LOUSY public speakers. They are incoherent, go over time, don't make sense, etc. I used to judge public speaking. In fact, public speaking is often the #1 fear of many Americans.
I live in Africa. And is true... Volunteers come thinking they know better and have solutions... But they end up disappointed and disappointing those they're helping.
I've been a volunteer. I did a lot of volunteering in Miyagi after the big earthquake and tsunami in 2011. I was there for months. I never paid money to go there and I never received anything for my work there either. Most of the other volunteers were broken or damaged people in some way; people who had been divorced, lost their kids, messed up in school or became homeless and were living in tents. They had nothing, but they were there for others. To help. No other reason. I almost never talk about it. Even people close to me don't know. When I meet people whose parents have splashed huge amounts for them to go to places like Nepal or Mozambique, they usually can't wait to tell me and have loads of photos of their time there. I don't think I have a single photo from my time in the disaster zone. I don't think I am any better than the people who go on these tourist type volunteer missions, but there seems something fundamentally different. I don't know.
What is your advice for volunteering in a way that truly helps communities, like what you did? Do you just make your own arrangements to get to the country and once you're there look for opportunities to help?
@@LadyLeahful I have been a volunteer in many different places, but always near where I lived. So, no travelling or living arrangements were needed. Once I contacted the organisation and I was accepted, I started the volunteer work. At times some tarining was always necessary. However in 2022 and 2023 I went to a Greek island to volunteer in a refugee camp. After contacting the organisation, I was interviewed online and once I was accepted I had to send them police checks, health certicates, and I also had to fill in an online questionnaire. I paid for my plane ticket and for accomodation too. Hope this answers your questions.
Yours is absolutely a different case. When there is a disaster like that, that is so devastating and people are displaced, they need people to come be a labor force while they themselves just try to recover. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the US or elsewhere. That is totally different than a group going abroad to “help” people that don’t actually need/want their help.
I think a LOT of white people need to watch this. There’s an enormous uprise in White Savior mentality, and it does far more harm then good. Some are even competing against each other! Kayley seemed nervous (UNDERSTANDABLE). She did a great job, and public speaking is very tough, especially in front of a large audience on a large stage. Nice work, Kayley! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!
White Knight does not equal white person. White Knight mentality affects people from every background and colour of their skin. A lot of PEOPLE need to watch this. Anyone regardless of the colour of their skin can help themselves by introspection and understanding of their place in society.
This young woman does an incredible job!!!! To those of you who’ve focused on her nervousness, SHE’S IN HIGH SCHOOL!!!! Even if she weren’t, she does not speak for a living! You try getting up in front of a group of (mostly) strangers and speak into a microphone - and know your being filmed for a talk that can reach global audiences- and then criticize her for the mild shake in her voice! My knees would be shaking so bad I wouldn’t be able to stand - I’m 65 and have spoken in front of community college classrooms, and it took me quite awhile to do so without being nervous! Now, back to the topic. This speaker does an excellent job of organizing her points for why and how this type of volunteering can go so wrong. She also talks about what people who want to volunteer in developing countries can do to truly help! She couldn’t be more right about doing research before committing your time or your money to organizations in need. I’ve talked to people who’ve done it wrong and people who’ve done it right. The ones who’ve done it right know they are going to these countries as a guest - not a savior who goes mainly for the praise and gratitude they EXPECT both from the people in that developing country and the people who they tell about their volunteering when they get home. They know why they’re there and know a lot about the organization they’re volunteering for! They also go with the intention of helping people get back on their feet, so they can continue on their own once the volunteers have left.
No, she’s not, actually. She’s just another white person needing to give her opinion all the time. For example, she’s trying to make it seem like parents in 3rd world countries want nothing more than a better life for their children, forgetting about the MANY who traffic their children. If children get trafficked, then who’s doing the trafficking? Magic beings that have nothing to do with the nations they operate in?
People in developing countries have been saying this for decades. Fascinating that it takes a white girl in ted for people in the western world to start being aware of it. Most volunteering is about organizations (international and local) making money out of naive volunteers. This is true even of the largest organizations in the UK and USA. For developing countries, it is worse as the peopel they claim to address are far more deprived of basic necessities of life. Source: Personal experience of a few years of working in local and international NGOs. Including at UN level. I was reminded of this when I saw Malala in the Allen show, and saw the latter giving her laptops, when that is the last thing that the youngsters in NW Pakistan need (think electricity - most parts of the Indian sub continent do not have the electricity to charge laptops! Books woudl have been a far more sensible and useful idea. And peace - away from the bombs that keep exploding even week.)
@@user-lv8vn8kq8r so it's bad she's speaking about it? How you want this information to spred without talking about it. People like you always look for reason to complain. Lol
When a homeless person asks you for money and you give them food instead, you do make a choice for them and act like a saviour by implying that they Will "misuse" the money for drugs and alcool when in fact, it could be to pay for a room in a hotel, for menstruel pads, clothing or whatever...
Brilliant observation on your part but completely unnecessary to point out given the courage and commitment it took to show up and work through her fears. This was a deeply insightful and nuanced talk (period)!
Everything said is so important! I wanted to join the peace cor as a teenager and had no idea how disillusioned I was. I think a more critical look at these type of volunteer trips is so important, and even an introspective look at why we feel compelled to take these trips. I'm proud of you girl ❤ Keep making a difference!
This woman talks about white savior complex or any savior complex in terms I could understand. Everyone else who talks about this just comes off ingrateful, not correct in what white saviorism is or about the context they label it on, or presumptuous about the "saviors" mindset. But this, pants a clear picture and this woman makes excelent points on what is wrong and talks about the fine line between compassion and pity and other faults that are easy to fall into.
@@scparker6893 It's just a quote, I'm obviously not saying that they don't know how to fish, I'm saying that if the developed countries want to help underdeveloped countries we should help fix their infrastructure, which in most cases was broken by developed countries such as the UK. In any case I'm not an expert, if you want to educate yourself about their problems I'm cannot really help, I'm just saying that I don't see how donating directly to give them resources is that good as opposed to helping them develop their nations to start being a part of the world economy
@@bagdaja6881 poor nations aren't poor because they know less than we do and need us to teach them how to be "civilised". Poor nations are poor because they are being robbed and taken advantage of by the richer nations. By paying fair prices for our goods and not sending all the grunt work to poor nations we can break the cycle. But rich nations like knowing they can buy a $2 t-shirt, but that's only possible if it's made in a sweatshop in Bangladesh...
There is a big difference between doing something to feel good or out of pitty instead of doing something out of love and compassion, when you feel love for others it's like taking them as a part of yourself, therefore you can actually SEE what their best interest is and what is really helpful for them. Thank you for this great subject and your talk, so much appreciation ♥
This does exist in our local communities. Like the other side of the tracks. It makes me sick and tired of being sick and tired. We need people who have gone through similar experiences all the way around. Stop putting people of privledge to help disadvantaged youth! STOP.
Based on my personal experiences working with NGO's both in the US and Latin America most of these "saviors" are virtue signaling or use the communities they are "helping" to further some agenda.
You're only in high school? Thank you for bringing this topic to the younger generation. Well done. Critique for next time : maybe use more antidote or site sourced facts from big business. It may make this less power point like and more relatable for the average person. Thank you a million times for talking about privilege. This will be shared. 😊
White savior complex of individuals is magnified in terms of scale and impact by organizations that fly into countries with donated money to fix problems they perceive with solutions they think is right. If we really want to make a difference support verified local initiatives on the ground, they always know better what's needed and how things can be done without negatively affecting the dynamics of local communities. Professional humanitarians (those that are paid to do the work instead of pay to volunteer) always say that they know what they're doing, but again that's just the world according to them.
She is 100% right because that savior complex leads to victimhood.Another thing that I agree with her is that you got to teach unprivileged people how to uplift themselves.Unselfish people are great people,but you got to. volunteer your time the right way.
Being a Christian and having been brought up in the church, my biggest concern with volunteering in other countries has been why are you doing it. Are you doing this because if you don't you'll feel guilty? So you're not doing it organically, you're doing it so YOU don't feel bad. Now if a community is genuinely in need and you help them, they still benefit regardless of your motives. So that's good. But the whole "I wouldn't do this if I didn't love them" thing is hogwash. You can do something to be seen by others. You can do something because its what you ought to do. Fellow Christians, remember what Paul told the Corinthians "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." Even though I'll never truly know as I cannot see into a person's heart, I feel like I've come across more Christ-like nonbelievers than believers in this regard. I have great admiration and respect for those of you (who are not religious) that have the drive to help others out of sincerity, and not a kind of "I better do this or else".
As an African, a teacher working at an impoverished school, the first world countries have and always will be needed in third world country. Whether it's sustainable or not, every meal, pair of shoes, clothing and housing projects helps. Even if you help someone for one single day, I promise, it made a difference. Then, to say "white people" need to stop is the epitome of hate speech. Not all volunteers are white, but I'm more disappointed in the fact that people look down on white people for trying to help. Lastly, I don't see any liberal POC doing anything for impoverished areas in Africa, just stopping people from helping.
The same goes to all actions, political as well as taking action! Very well said!! Christopher Columbus definitely NEVER consulted the natives & literally recked havoc and death for centuries. Can we PLEASE start learning from our past?! Only TOGETHER and with our Understanding and Reasonable Voices, I have a sliver of hope! Speak Out, Educate Others, and Above All, LOVE!
Remember that story of that religious guy who wanted to “save” an island of people who were off the grid? Then that guy got killed as a result? He died from savior complex. GGs.
I've wanted to do a volunteertrip for a long time, but this certainly made me think. What I feel would probably be the best volunteertrip for me, with my skillset, would be to possibly help a village get drinkable water, or help with education, using knowledge no local have, thus not taking a local's potential job.
If you want to really want to help in mostly the global south, there is an easy way to not do any harm (as long as a you have good intentions). At "hotosm" you can digitalize open data from satelite imagery into open source maps. Those maps are then being used by locals to help to reach those fast that are in danger in cases of emergency. You dont pay participation fees, dont travel around the world, but help from home to give that infos quick to those that live in the regional communities. It is easier then writing an Wikipedia article. Kust try it...
Tourist volunteers are not the same with disaster or emergency response volunteers who trained so hard. Invest on equipment and development. Giving up their jobs just to help. Risking lives… The problem with some charity organizations they use volunteers to make a profit or dominate countries. Volunteers are used to evade taxes or political agenda.
Hi, thanks. I have a short story that pertains to this topic that has a different perspective. I have white skin, and was unfairly accused me of being a White Savior when I sued a bar for loud music in my Puerto Rican neighborhood. The white person who accused me of this and gossiped about this, had a personal self-interest. She wanted to open a business that played loud music. I was protecting my own health and well-being, and if this helped my colored Puerto Rican neighbors out, that is great. My point is to be careful about unfairly labeling people.
I can say she's wrong, but I can say she was very nervous. She deserves credit for working through the talk even though it goes against people of her on ethnic group. We do need to help people in our in country.
Advice Needed : I wanted to do a volunteer placement abroad with Project Abroad focusing on Wildlife care and Animals , in anyone’s opinion is Project Abroad actually ethical . I know there are a lot of companies that do more harm than good and actually abuse animals , but I also read testimonies from other owners of NGOS who say it benefits them and the money funds their work . I guess I’m asking , is Project Abroad ethically moral , do they actually give the money to the organisations and do they abuse the animals or are they genuinely helping to release them ?
What about other smart people that go into villages and educate a group of people on how to run their own solar power and water pumps so they create jobs and run their own village by themselves so they no longer need to relay on outsiders or aid? Intervention is necessary but the type that teaches them HOW TO FISH not just giving them a fish to eat for the day, because come next day and they will be hungry again. You need to really really emphasize the point about NOT GIVING THEM MONEY is what you are talking about - but going to poor villages where kids cant learn and people are unemployed and starve do need help from others in order to START the initial catalyst - Its like saying NEVER TEACH a person anything so he doesnt feel useless! No you need to go to villages if you have resources and introduce them to SELF SUSTAINING technology that THEY THEMSELVES CAN RUN, and continue to develop and help themselves Never mix the two and fall into the trap of WOKE-NESS and just trying to sound smart - There are MANY MANY NGO'S that are SUPERRR CORRUPT that is a fact - so just remember never give a man a fish, but instead teach him
I personally know a doctor who has devoted her life to providing medical care to people in The Republic of the Congo. I personally know Africans who have praised her work. Is she "white" someone may ask? I would say that question is irrelevant. Humans can help other humans; humans can also unintentionally hurt other humans; "race" has absolutely nothing to do with it.
The problem stems from culture, and that those white folk are NOT originally from the culture they volunteer for. It's like if a white person assumed in a culture such as the Philippines needed their help, when they have a system of self-suffientcy called Bayahinan, a system of self-care for one's own local community.
@@CosmoShidan. Good point! I would point out, however, that this phenomenon has nothing to do with being white; it has to do with being human. It is possible that a person from any culture may misunderstand another culture regardless of the ethnicities of either of the two cultures. And it is possible that an American, regardless of his/her ethnicity, to make this same error.
@@CATPLANET24 I'm afraid you can't avoid talking about race or whiteness, since according to James Baldwin, it's a metaphor for power. Not to mention that terms such as ethnicity and religion are racialized terms.
@@CosmoShidan, then I respectfully disagree with James Baldwin. If we as a society are going to continue to move forward and progress morally, we have got to see each other as fellow human beings and not judge any person by their ancestors or by the color of their skin.
What iv learned is not just this kind of work but al kinds of volunteering work is a waste of time because people are ungrateful and horrible and honestly the causes of their problems are due to their own failures in life. I hate animals so i dont do anything with them, old people are a pain and to much hard work and most ofther work just isnt worth the strain or stress without pay.
Ironically,* one of the most sustainable ways to develop a country is among the more self-interested ways to help. Invest in it. 30 of the countries have opened a stock market in the past 32 years, so there's reason for optimism.
*It's not really ironic though because it's how capitalism works. It connects those who have with those who need, just not perfectly. For example, poorer countries have to offer higher interest rates on bonds to make it worth the risk. Those willing to take the risk for extra gains (i.e. the greedy) will flock to that.
Amazing job. Such good information. I’ve shared and will continue to share. People throw around the term white savior complex which illicit a defensive response or feeling (myself included) until it was explained. We still have a long way to go as a society but rigid was one solid step forward. Thank you.
I’ve always wondered why people have to go abroad to volunteer when there’s poor ppl right here in every county in America? Not saying there’s anything wrong with it just always been kind of curious.
I find the blame that's being placed at the door of people with an honest desire to help somewhat repugnant. Instead blame the organisations giving only 3% of the funds raised, or the organisation's sending unqualified people to help build libraries. This young woman, whilst courageous and trying to help and highlight the problems, has bought the whole 'white people are all bad' and 'white people should atone for history' rhetoric. Instead we should be embracing the desire of anyone that wants to help, and channeling that in the correct way, not to just support those in need, but to enable them to support themselves. I think the blame being assigned here is misguided, though I commend this young woman for her passion to help. Even though she's clearly very nervous, she's standing for something she believes in 👏
Greetings! The speaker encourages people to do their own research to avoid causing further harm to innocent children. Critical thinking skills are essential, as we're often bullied into blindly accepting questionable advice from the "expert class". I saw it for myself during a brief visit to Guatemala in 1992, although I wasn't there as a volunteer.
The most nervous speaker on Ted talk. Poor girl needed to practice breathe more because her message was important but she seemed to be chocking in stress.
lve spent my life Volunteering. Recently l stepped back from doing it altogether because l felt unappreciated and used. l matter as well and if l am not valued or respected forget it. l am done with Volunteering
The problem with charities is that they are inherently hierarchial due to the binary of rich and poor from the top-bottom. Now when talking about mutual aid, that is horizontal as it is the poor helping the poor, especially in local communities from the bottom-up. The former is repressive, while the latter is progressive.
So donating to a cause (orphanage in this instance) that is a scam, but that fact is unknown to the person donating, is the persons fault? That's backwards, blaming the victim of the fraud that had an honest desire to help. Instead, prosecute the scammers.
Me again! Helping is a good thing, but giving money to an organization that gives your cash to the top administrators is a bad thing. I encourage everyone to do their "due diligence" before donating, as many charities devote considerably more than 50% of their donations to "administration fees". Research independently.
There's some good things about this thinking but it fails to see the larger issue with the psychology behind it. Namely, that of attachment style theory. A lot of these sciences are old and rehashed and support the issue that has grown in America: toxic individualism. It has reached it's pique and has shown how unsustainable and unsound these ideologies behind our system is.
She spoke the truth even if her voice shook. I don’t think the not trusting homeless people on the streets with cash because they might spend it on drugs or alcohol was a great example though…but I feel like she probably learned that after this talk.
Ok, i’ve now decided I will do my final thesis research about this topic. Super interesting and a lot to learn. If anyone has any valuable source, please....👇🏻
I dont think there is anything wrong with people wanting to help in other countrys, white savourism might be seen as the flip side of the white exploitation that their country likely has participated in the past like examples of colonialism which have disadvantaged the countrys to begin with.
Hopefully all this anti-white behaviour of charities will result in white’s not donating and volunteering then Africa can have the opportunity of developing itself without worrying about white saviour complex. After all most white nations have enough of their own problems where they can donate to those in need in our own countries.
Isn't that just a saviour complex? I noticed she said "people", not "white people", implying that non-whites could do the same thing. Why not use correct language rather than weighing the argument with loaded, divisive language? Just a suggestion for people who want this argument taken seriously -- drop the "white" part. The term "saviour complex" existed before it became racialized, and adding the racial element is distracting.
She tried to deal with this, nonetheless, everything she said on that issue was divisive and stole from the actual valid point. Imagine one of the many mixed race couples in America who are taking part in voluntourism. It is hugely offensive to accuse a non-white of "acting white", which this phrase implies, particularly when their guilty of having good intentions. This phrase implies that having good intentions is a "white" thing.
Interesting talk, except that as a high school student she seems strangely obsessed by race. Maybe it's was she was taught in school. But she needs to realize you shouldn't bring race into conversations where it really has nothing to do with the subject.
@@juanlamet2744 Please take a CETH studies class, or learn about the history of race. You'll find this is wrong. Race really does affect a lot of things, even when its not completely obvoius
Honesty to, the simple answer is mind your own business and dont "help" others because most people dont want it. Put your efforts into making money for yourself.
What I find devastating is using the "white" colour of skin as a generalisation what typically stands for people from Western Europe and North America. There are white people who were enslaved or who are less developed but yet again people are putting labels for the sake of sounding more intelligent than they actually are. This is creating separation between people with different colour of the skin. We are all the same species- human race. You're putting words in other people's mouth and creating communities with an opinion of a minority, yet due to over tolerance once put in the media stays there. Stop creating damage for the future generations!
I am an African girl from Uganda who had an opportunity to volunteer in Europe. I had no skill at all yet I volunteered in different projects that I had no prior knowledge about . I gained loads of skills, had a great experience , it was fun, I made friends, built my confidence and many more positive things.
Whenever I get nervous when I’m speaking in front of a crowd, I ALWAYS sound like I’m crying. It’s mostly because you stop breathing deeply. It’s understandable that she was nervous considering she was tackling such a big topic (and is only in high school! Very brave of her)
Give a community free shoes. You just put the local shoemaker pit of business. One thing that most of them need is water. Clean drinking water.
What we need is to be left alone to grow and develop on our own. What has made humans advance, is their need to live a simpler life. With people alway interfering, they limit/ prevent natives from finding their own way out.
So to all the new messiahs let the kid learn how to walk on their own.
henry Rollins had a good story about this on his spoken word show which you can find on youtube saying he was in can city very poor neighborhood in Sao Paulo and he asked them what they need thinking he was helping and being smart by asking them and they said soap and ball for the kids to play and he caused a riot when he brought them what they asked for a lot of locals were injured, they had their own "leader" and system to share, but he didn't know that
You don't get it do you. Seriously.
@@ehhh193 that's a great idea I agree with that. All white Savior aid that is being given to your country must stop immediately.
@@ohara. and that was Henry Rollins fault obviously not the disastrous system they operate under which induces riots over a bar of soap
When the white man came to Africa, the white man had the Bible and the Africans had the land. When the White man left Africa, the Africans had the Bible and the White man had the land.
@TheCrazyKid1381 True. Look up the Ethiopian Kingdom of Aksum, which is the first christian nations on Earth, when Europe was still in the Dark Ages and killing each other.
@TheCrazyKid1381 Also, crazy how missionaries from Europe were travelling alongside colonists and European generals aboard ships, who were staunch on cutting of the hands and feets of Africans who would dare disobey them. Look up Belgians in Africa.
God dang😂😂😂😂😂
Same thing happened in America to the Natives
@@islandvibez Fr alot of people don't know that alot of the first christians were from ethiopia and africa
I didn't realize you were a senior in high school until the last few minutes of your talk. That took me by surprise because you sounded like a professional. Good job!
she does sound like someone in highschool duh!!
Well, she brought it up way earlier, but really nice compliment to her. I bet she’d be touched.
Yes, she did a great job and NO, she does not sound like someone in high school. A lot of people older than her, in professional positions, are LOUSY public speakers. They are incoherent, go over time, don't make sense, etc. I used to judge public speaking. In fact, public speaking is often the #1 fear of many Americans.
For a highschooler, she did waaay better than I could ever dream off doing.
You're saying she looks old and complimenting her at the same time. Genius
I live in Africa. And is true... Volunteers come thinking they know better and have solutions... But they end up disappointed and disappointing those they're helping.
I am interested in helping villages directly.
I've been a volunteer. I did a lot of volunteering in Miyagi after the big earthquake and tsunami in 2011. I was there for months. I never paid money to go there and I never received anything for my work there either. Most of the other volunteers were broken or damaged people in some way; people who had been divorced, lost their kids, messed up in school or became homeless and were living in tents. They had nothing, but they were there for others. To help. No other reason. I almost never talk about it. Even people close to me don't know. When I meet people whose parents have splashed huge amounts for them to go to places like Nepal or Mozambique, they usually can't wait to tell me and have loads of photos of their time there. I don't think I have a single photo from my time in the disaster zone. I don't think I am any better than the people who go on these tourist type volunteer missions, but there seems something fundamentally different. I don't know.
What is your advice for volunteering in a way that truly helps communities, like what you did? Do you just make your own arrangements to get to the country and once you're there look for opportunities to help?
I am a volunteer and I totally agree with you.
@@LadyLeahful I have been a volunteer in many different places, but always near where I lived. So, no travelling or living arrangements were needed. Once I contacted the organisation and I was accepted, I started the volunteer work. At times some tarining was always necessary. However in 2022 and 2023 I went to a Greek island to volunteer in a refugee camp. After contacting the organisation, I was interviewed online and once I was accepted I had to send them police checks, health certicates, and I also had to fill in an online questionnaire. I paid for my plane ticket and for accomodation too. Hope this answers your questions.
Yours is absolutely a different case. When there is a disaster like that, that is so devastating and people are displaced, they need people to come be a labor force while they themselves just try to recover. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the US or elsewhere. That is totally different than a group going abroad to “help” people that don’t actually need/want their help.
I think a LOT of white people need to watch this. There’s an enormous uprise in White Savior mentality, and it does far more harm then good. Some are even competing against each other!
Kayley seemed nervous (UNDERSTANDABLE). She did a great job, and public speaking is very tough, especially in front of a large audience on a large stage. Nice work, Kayley! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!
@Teringventje obviously didn't watch the video
@Teringventje All she's saying is to help in an educated and safe way that uplifts the community you're aiming to support instead of speaking over it.
@@zackshell995 those are the same thing.
@@zackshell995 BINGO
White Knight does not equal white person. White Knight mentality affects people from every background and colour of their skin. A lot of PEOPLE need to watch this. Anyone regardless of the colour of their skin can help themselves by introspection and understanding of their place in society.
This young woman does an incredible job!!!! To those of you who’ve focused on her nervousness, SHE’S IN HIGH SCHOOL!!!! Even if she weren’t, she does not speak for a living! You try getting up in front of a group of (mostly) strangers and speak into a microphone - and know your being filmed for a talk that can reach global audiences- and then criticize her for the mild shake in her voice! My knees would be shaking so bad I wouldn’t be able to stand - I’m 65 and have spoken in front of community college classrooms, and it took me quite awhile to do so without being nervous!
Now, back to the topic. This speaker does an excellent job of organizing her points for why and how this type of volunteering can go so wrong. She also talks about what people who want to volunteer in developing countries can do to truly help! She couldn’t be more right about doing research before committing your time or your money to organizations in need. I’ve talked to people who’ve done it wrong and people who’ve done it right. The ones who’ve done it right know they are going to these countries as a guest - not a savior who goes mainly for the praise and gratitude they EXPECT both from the people in that developing country and the people who they tell about their volunteering when they get home. They know why they’re there and know a lot about the organization they’re volunteering for! They also go with the intention of helping people get back on their feet, so they can continue on their own once the volunteers have left.
I agree.
Literally no one has talked about it other then you.
No, she’s not, actually. She’s just another white person needing to give her opinion all the time. For example, she’s trying to make it seem like parents in 3rd world countries want nothing more than a better life for their children, forgetting about the MANY who traffic their children. If children get trafficked, then who’s doing the trafficking? Magic beings that have nothing to do with the nations they operate in?
People in developing countries have been saying this for decades.
Fascinating that it takes a white girl in ted for people in the western world to start being aware of it.
Most volunteering is about organizations (international and local) making money out of naive volunteers. This is true even of the largest organizations in the UK and USA. For developing countries, it is worse as the peopel they claim to address are far more deprived of basic necessities of life.
Source: Personal experience of a few years of working in local and international NGOs. Including at UN level.
I was reminded of this when I saw Malala in the Allen show, and saw the latter giving her laptops, when that is the last thing that the youngsters in NW Pakistan need (think electricity - most parts of the Indian sub continent do not have the electricity to charge laptops! Books woudl have been a far more sensible and useful idea. And peace - away from the bombs that keep exploding even week.)
Go ahead and keep assuming we weren't aware of it before even though we were.
@@DirectorBird no you're not
@@nurisakinasuharto1575 Of the white savior complex?
Its so frustrating that this is the case with all kinds of oppression. It takes a person from their tribe to speak up for them to listen.
@@user-lv8vn8kq8r so it's bad she's speaking about it? How you want this information to spred without talking about it. People like you always look for reason to complain. Lol
When a homeless person asks you for money and you give them food instead, you do make a choice for them and act like a saviour by implying that they Will "misuse" the money for drugs and alcool when in fact, it could be to pay for a room in a hotel, for menstruel pads, clothing or whatever...
Yes, I thought exactly that. I agree with her points, but that was a poor example.
poor example, as stated.
Or it could still be for drugs and alcohol.
Well I was 11 I gave a homeless person a 50 dollar bill, less than five mins I saw him go and buy drugs.
Yes!! More people need to realize this
She seemed very nervous and it detracted from her talk, but her points are well thought out and she got her point across.
When I was in high school, which she is/was, I would not done half as well. She will be an amazing speaker as she matures.
Thought the same, her voice is so shaky and sometimes she seems to lose balance but still she did a really great job
This is totally me doing public speaking
Brilliant observation on your part but completely unnecessary to point out given the courage and commitment it took to show up and work through her fears. This was a deeply insightful and nuanced talk (period)!
Everything said is so important! I wanted to join the peace cor as a teenager and had no idea how disillusioned I was. I think a more critical look at these type of volunteer trips is so important, and even an introspective look at why we feel compelled to take these trips. I'm proud of you girl ❤ Keep making a difference!
This woman talks about white savior complex or any savior complex in terms I could understand. Everyone else who talks about this just comes off ingrateful, not correct in what white saviorism is or about the context they label it on, or presumptuous about the "saviors" mindset. But this, pants a clear picture and this woman makes excelent points on what is wrong and talks about the fine line between compassion and pity and other faults that are easy to fall into.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
Teaching the man to fish is also being a white savior. Who are you to say that they arent able to fish?
@@scparker6893 It's just a quote, I'm obviously not saying that they don't know how to fish, I'm saying that if the developed countries want to help underdeveloped countries we should help fix their infrastructure, which in most cases was broken by developed countries such as the UK.
In any case I'm not an expert, if you want to educate yourself about their problems I'm cannot really help, I'm just saying that I don't see how donating directly to give them resources is that good as opposed to helping them develop their nations to start being a part of the world economy
Again, I'm not an expert, I know it's not that simple.
Unless they already know how to fish but you tell them they're doing it wrong and teach them a new way that doesn't work for that part of the world...
@@bagdaja6881 poor nations aren't poor because they know less than we do and need us to teach them how to be "civilised". Poor nations are poor because they are being robbed and taken advantage of by the richer nations.
By paying fair prices for our goods and not sending all the grunt work to poor nations we can break the cycle.
But rich nations like knowing they can buy a $2 t-shirt, but that's only possible if it's made in a sweatshop in Bangladesh...
There is a big difference between doing something to feel good or out of pitty instead of doing something out of love and compassion, when you feel love for others it's like taking them as a part of yourself, therefore you can actually SEE what their best interest is and what is really helpful for them. Thank you for this great subject and your talk, so much appreciation ♥
This does exist in our local communities. Like the other side of the tracks. It makes me sick and tired of being sick and tired. We need people who have gone through similar experiences all the way around. Stop putting people of privledge to help disadvantaged youth! STOP.
Based on my personal experiences working with NGO's both in the US and Latin America most of these "saviors" are virtue signaling or use the communities they are "helping" to further some agenda.
Yoooo I’m doing a curriculum about this subject do you have any ideas ?
@@geogeo3749 Usually they have an agenda.
true
@@kyezil39 very true
You're only in high school? Thank you for bringing this topic to the younger generation. Well done. Critique for next time : maybe use more antidote or site sourced facts from big business. It may make this less power point like and more relatable for the average person.
Thank you a million times for talking about privilege. This will be shared. 😊
White savior complex of individuals is magnified in terms of scale and impact by organizations that fly into countries with donated money to fix problems they perceive with solutions they think is right. If we really want to make a difference support verified local initiatives on the ground, they always know better what's needed and how things can be done without negatively affecting the dynamics of local communities. Professional humanitarians (those that are paid to do the work instead of pay to volunteer) always say that they know what they're doing, but again that's just the world according to them.
Not americanised...but Westernised.. its a global outset...
And what do the saviours do, when the community realizes they don't need saving?
I dont know. Tell me sir
Find someone else.
She is 100% right because that savior complex leads to victimhood.Another thing that I agree with her is that you got to teach unprivileged people how to uplift themselves.Unselfish people are great people,but you got to. volunteer your time the right way.
It’s not about helping the hopeless It’s taking and we need to address that too.
This one needs to be shared. Great talk.
Being a Christian and having been brought up in the church, my biggest concern with volunteering in other countries has been why are you doing it. Are you doing this because if you don't you'll feel guilty? So you're not doing it organically, you're doing it so YOU don't feel bad. Now if a community is genuinely in need and you help them, they still benefit regardless of your motives. So that's good. But the whole "I wouldn't do this if I didn't love them" thing is hogwash. You can do something to be seen by others. You can do something because its what you ought to do.
Fellow Christians, remember what Paul told the Corinthians "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing."
Even though I'll never truly know as I cannot see into a person's heart, I feel like I've come across more Christ-like nonbelievers than believers in this regard. I have great admiration and respect for those of you (who are not religious) that have the drive to help others out of sincerity, and not a kind of "I better do this or else".
As an African, a teacher working at an impoverished school, the first world countries have and always will be needed in third world country. Whether it's sustainable or not, every meal, pair of shoes, clothing and housing projects helps. Even if you help someone for one single day, I promise, it made a difference. Then, to say "white people" need to stop is the epitome of hate speech. Not all volunteers are white, but I'm more disappointed in the fact that people look down on white people for trying to help. Lastly, I don't see any liberal POC doing anything for impoverished areas in Africa, just stopping people from helping.
Before next person write shes nervous i just want to tell you, you are exceptionally good observer consider working for FBI.
Your amount of sarcasm is very high.
This really opened up my mind!
This young lady has a virtuous, and promising future ahead of her!
Wow... Thank you. This really made me think
The same goes to all actions, political as well as taking action! Very well said!! Christopher Columbus definitely NEVER consulted the natives & literally recked havoc and death for centuries. Can we PLEASE start learning from our past?! Only TOGETHER and with our Understanding and Reasonable Voices, I have a sliver of hope! Speak Out, Educate Others, and Above All, LOVE!
This was an excellent presentation. Good job! Thank you for bringing forth such eye awakening information.
Remember that story of that religious guy who wanted to “save” an island of people who were off the grid?
Then that guy got killed as a result?
He died from savior complex. GGs.
Omg i just recently watched a video on this. Insane story
It is so awesome that she used this platform to talk about something so important. I’m glad I found this video!
Wonderful talk. I guess some people need to hear this more than others..
I've wanted to do a volunteertrip for a long time, but this certainly made me think. What I feel would probably be the best volunteertrip for me, with my skillset, would be to possibly help a village get drinkable water, or help with education, using knowledge no local have, thus not taking a local's potential job.
If you want to really want to help in mostly the global south, there is an easy way to not do any harm (as long as a you have good intentions). At "hotosm" you can digitalize open data from satelite imagery into open source maps. Those maps are then being used by locals to help to reach those fast that are in danger in cases of emergency. You dont pay participation fees, dont travel around the world, but help from home to give that infos quick to those that live in the regional communities. It is easier then writing an Wikipedia article. Kust try it...
Tourist volunteers are not the same with disaster or emergency response volunteers who trained so hard. Invest on equipment and development. Giving up their jobs just to help. Risking lives…
The problem with some charity organizations they use volunteers to make a profit or dominate countries. Volunteers are used to evade taxes or political agenda.
You have courage!..thank you for your courage..
Hi, thanks.
I have a short story that pertains to this topic that has a different perspective.
I have white skin, and was unfairly accused me of being a White Savior when I sued a bar for loud music in my Puerto Rican neighborhood. The white person who accused me of this and gossiped about this, had a personal self-interest. She wanted to open a business that played loud music. I was protecting my own health and well-being, and if this helped my colored Puerto Rican neighbors out, that is great.
My point is to be careful about unfairly labeling people.
She sounds so innocent and gentle 😂😂😂❤
My problems with alot of these people
Saving animals
Minority groups
Give them the tools to survive not make them useless
Strong point...the reality we live👏👏
I can say she's wrong, but I can say she was very nervous.
She deserves credit for working through the talk even though it goes against people of her on ethnic group.
We do need to help people in our in country.
amazing
im not against God's work but i believe this is true, this is a way to take advantage and profit from poeple
Advice Needed : I wanted to do a volunteer placement abroad with Project Abroad focusing on Wildlife care and Animals , in anyone’s opinion is Project Abroad actually ethical .
I know there are a lot of companies that do more harm than good and actually abuse animals , but I also read testimonies from other owners of NGOS who say it benefits them and the money funds their work .
I guess I’m asking , is Project Abroad ethically moral , do they actually give the money to the organisations and do they abuse the animals or are they genuinely helping to release them ?
What about other smart people that go into villages and educate a group of people on how to run their own solar power and water pumps so they create jobs and run their own village by themselves so they no longer need to relay on outsiders or aid? Intervention is necessary but the type that teaches them HOW TO FISH not just giving them a fish to eat for the day, because come next day and they will be hungry again.
You need to really really emphasize the point about NOT GIVING THEM MONEY is what you are talking about - but going to poor villages where kids cant learn and people are unemployed and starve do need help from others in order to START the initial catalyst - Its like saying NEVER TEACH a person anything so he doesnt feel useless! No you need to go to villages if you have resources and introduce them to SELF SUSTAINING technology that THEY THEMSELVES CAN RUN, and continue to develop and help themselves
Never mix the two and fall into the trap of WOKE-NESS and just trying to sound smart - There are MANY MANY NGO'S that are SUPERRR CORRUPT that is a fact - so just remember never give a man a fish, but instead teach him
You can teach without being a "savior."
i love this!! go change the world, girl ♥️♥️
How? By not changing the world? (Joke)
Came here expecting to disagree with most of it. Found it was actually very balanced and we'll put together.
I personally know a doctor who has devoted her life to providing medical care to people in The Republic of the Congo. I personally know Africans who have praised her work. Is she "white" someone may ask? I would say that question is irrelevant. Humans can help other humans; humans can also unintentionally hurt other humans; "race" has absolutely nothing to do with it.
The problem stems from culture, and that those white folk are NOT originally from the culture they volunteer for. It's like if a white person assumed in a culture such as the Philippines needed their help, when they have a system of self-suffientcy called Bayahinan, a system of self-care for one's own local community.
@@CosmoShidan. Good point! I would point out, however, that this phenomenon has nothing to do with being white; it has to do with being human. It is possible that a person from any culture may misunderstand another culture regardless of the ethnicities of either of the two cultures. And it is possible that an American, regardless of his/her ethnicity, to make this same error.
@@CATPLANET24 I'm afraid you can't avoid talking about race or whiteness, since according to James Baldwin, it's a metaphor for power. Not to mention that terms such as ethnicity and religion are racialized terms.
@@CosmoShidan, then I respectfully disagree with James Baldwin. If we as a society are going to continue to move forward and progress morally, we have got to see each other as fellow human beings and not judge any person by their ancestors or by the color of their skin.
👏🏻 Very good points.
What iv learned is not just this kind of work but al kinds of volunteering work is a waste of time because people are ungrateful and horrible and honestly the causes of their problems are due to their own failures in life. I hate animals so i dont do anything with them, old people are a pain and to much hard work and most ofther work just isnt worth the strain or stress without pay.
The people who do the least will be the same people to somehow have done the most when bragging
Ironically,* one of the most sustainable ways to develop a country is among the more self-interested ways to help. Invest in it. 30 of the countries have opened a stock market in the past 32 years, so there's reason for optimism.
*It's not really ironic though because it's how capitalism works. It connects those who have with those who need, just not perfectly. For example, poorer countries have to offer higher interest rates on bonds to make it worth the risk. Those willing to take the risk for extra gains (i.e. the greedy) will flock to that.
You will never say african products in shops just african resources
Such a well spoken young lady. Very good talk adresses a real problem and it was interesting to watch.
Engineers don't BUILD houses. (Engineer speaking)
Do engineers design infrastructures for houses being built?
Amazing job. Such good information. I’ve shared and will continue to share. People throw around the term white savior complex which illicit a defensive response or feeling (myself included) until it was explained. We still have a long way to go as a society but rigid was one solid step forward. Thank you.
I’ve always wondered why people have to go abroad to volunteer when there’s poor ppl right here in every county in America? Not saying there’s anything wrong with it just always been kind of curious.
Good points bro
I find the blame that's being placed at the door of people with an honest desire to help somewhat repugnant.
Instead blame the organisations giving only 3% of the funds raised, or the organisation's sending unqualified people to help build libraries.
This young woman, whilst courageous and trying to help and highlight the problems, has bought the whole 'white people are all bad' and 'white people should atone for history' rhetoric.
Instead we should be embracing the desire of anyone that wants to help, and channeling that in the correct way, not to just support those in need, but to enable them to support themselves.
I think the blame being assigned here is misguided, though I commend this young woman for her passion to help. Even though she's clearly very nervous, she's standing for something she believes in 👏
Greetings! The speaker encourages people to do their own research to avoid causing further harm to innocent children. Critical thinking skills are essential, as we're often bullied into blindly accepting questionable advice from the "expert class". I saw it for myself during a brief visit to Guatemala in 1992, although I wasn't there as a volunteer.
Rafa Kalimann
The most nervous speaker on Ted talk. Poor girl needed to practice breathe more because her message was important but she seemed to be chocking in stress.
At least she getting it across what are you doing
Shes very young. I think she did a great job bringing awareness to this issue.
I think she did an amazing job getting her points across.
Probably because all her liberal friends probably tried to cancel her after this
Go Kayley! My favorite volunteer for SVDSN. So proud of you!!
Came here for a comedy show,
Enjoyed this video even more!
It's complicated and it will always be.
It's not complicated, it's about money and the West controlling or enslaving the world.
@Jim Humpert Self Sufficient 👍🏽
Nothing about this is complicated....
Her dress looks like an invisibility cloak for half the video
Good Job
lve spent my life Volunteering. Recently l stepped back from doing it altogether because l felt unappreciated and used. l matter as well and if l am not valued or respected forget it. l am done with Volunteering
Gives Africans a few water bottles and it helps them for a day. Give them a water pump and it helps them for life.
You are so wise! Great talk! Wishing you the best! :)
Justin Wren said this on Joe Rogan he said sometimes charities are doing more damage
Please include sources for statistics. It's incredibly hard to believe you without concrete sources.
Kayley did a wonderful presentation even though through the nervous voice....why do I only see this now 2022. However I agree 100% with her
Stop meddling where you aren't wanted.
The problem with charities is that they are inherently hierarchial due to the binary of rich and poor from the top-bottom. Now when talking about mutual aid, that is horizontal as it is the poor helping the poor, especially in local communities from the bottom-up. The former is repressive, while the latter is progressive.
So donating to a cause (orphanage in this instance) that is a scam, but that fact is unknown to the person donating, is the persons fault?
That's backwards, blaming the victim of the fraud that had an honest desire to help. Instead, prosecute the scammers.
Me again! Helping is a good thing, but giving money to an organization that gives your cash to the top administrators is a bad thing. I encourage everyone to do their "due diligence" before donating, as many charities devote considerably more than 50% of their donations to "administration fees". Research independently.
She did an amazing job explaining that mentality! But it's ironic she sounded a bit like a white savior herself.
There's some good things about this thinking but it fails to see the larger issue with the psychology behind it.
Namely, that of attachment style theory.
A lot of these sciences are old and rehashed and support the issue that has grown in America: toxic individualism.
It has reached it's pique and has shown how unsustainable and unsound these ideologies behind our system is.
I like ted talks
Hare Krishna!
Arms and a head 😊
She spoke the truth even if her voice shook. I don’t think the not trusting homeless people on the streets with cash because they might spend it on drugs or alcohol was a great example though…but I feel like she probably learned that after this talk.
Ok, i’ve now decided I will do my final thesis research about this topic. Super interesting and a lot to learn. If anyone has any valuable source, please....👇🏻
Her nervousness has nothing to do with the message. Focus on the message.
Important subject but, the presentation style which is shaky, flustered, and nervous spoils the depth of the topic.
It’s very self serving
I dont think there is anything wrong with people wanting to help in other countrys, white savourism might be seen as the flip side of the white exploitation that their country likely has participated in the past like examples of colonialism which have disadvantaged the countrys to begin with.
🤔👀
If they have a problem with the color of some one skin simple answer dont go?
Hopefully all this anti-white behaviour of charities will result in white’s not donating and volunteering then Africa can have the opportunity of developing itself without worrying about white saviour complex. After all most white nations have enough of their own problems where they can donate to those in need in our own countries.
I knew some of that work was bull just didn’t trust it
Not gonna watch all of this, I just wanna know if she is based or cringe
Cringe
If you like ted talks like here....
Isn't that just a saviour complex? I noticed she said "people", not "white people", implying that non-whites could do the same thing. Why not use correct language rather than weighing the argument with loaded, divisive language? Just a suggestion for people who want this argument taken seriously -- drop the "white" part. The term "saviour complex" existed before it became racialized, and adding the racial element is distracting.
She tried to deal with this, nonetheless, everything she said on that issue was divisive and stole from the actual valid point. Imagine one of the many mixed race couples in America who are taking part in voluntourism. It is hugely offensive to accuse a non-white of "acting white", which this phrase implies, particularly when their guilty of having good intentions. This phrase implies that having good intentions is a "white" thing.
@@IMUNURU2 THANK YOU FOR HAVING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS!!!
She literally answered this question in the video.
Interesting talk, except that as a high school student she seems strangely obsessed by race. Maybe it's was she was taught in school. But she needs to realize you shouldn't bring race into conversations where it really has nothing to do with the subject.
Dude, everything is racialized these days.
@@CosmoShidan Not in real life. Maybe in certain quarters of the Internet.
@@juanlamet2744 Yes actually, because race as a social construct is embeded in conceptions such as religion and ethnicity.
@@juanlamet2744 Please take a CETH studies class, or learn about the history of race. You'll find this is wrong. Race really does affect a lot of things, even when its not completely obvoius
Honesty to, the simple answer is mind your own business and dont "help" others because most people dont want it. Put your efforts into making money for yourself.
What I find devastating is using the "white" colour of skin as a generalisation what typically stands for people from Western Europe and North America. There are white people who were enslaved or who are less developed but yet again people are putting labels for the sake of sounding more intelligent than they actually are. This is creating separation between people with different colour of the skin. We are all the same species- human race. You're putting words in other people's mouth and creating communities with an opinion of a minority, yet due to over tolerance once put in the media stays there. Stop creating damage for the future generations!
True. It’s the first time I heard of Eastern Europeans being privileged.
MATHA NOSHTO-MAN Russian charity, involved spreading communism through Eastern Europe.
You are correct but when people i would say think of
Poor
Slavery
First thing that comes to mind is africa like its a country
I am an African girl from Uganda who had an opportunity to volunteer in Europe. I had no skill at all yet I volunteered in different projects that I had no prior knowledge about . I gained loads of skills, had a great experience , it was fun, I made friends, built my confidence and many more positive things.
Check out Xela Aid! Over 20 years of hand up vs hand out. An amazing sustainability project.
Like the Mormon how are you and elder at age 21? 😂😂😂😂
Wait a minute. You had non-whites talking about this problem so many times and it takes one random white girl to spread awarness? Really?
This makes me laugh in a way I can’t explain
why does she sound like she want to cry?
Whenever I get nervous when I’m speaking in front of a crowd, I ALWAYS sound like I’m crying. It’s mostly because you stop breathing deeply. It’s understandable that she was nervous considering she was tackling such a big topic (and is only in high school! Very brave of her)