Language is an essential part of every society. Language is particularly significant in representing cultures and identities. Accents similarly play a huge role in depicting identity and culture. In the world of English, a globally shared language between many, accents hold the background and stories of each individual. However, speaking with an accent may be perceived differently depending on the norms of the society. When perceived negatively, it may lead to a buildup of one’s inner conflict with one’s identity. This was displayed by Safwat Saleem in his TED Talk, “Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent” in which his accent was discerned negatively by society’s norms leading to his journey of finding himself. The notion of normality prevents people from finding their self-identity.

Safwat Saleem is a multidisciplinary artist who enjoys using humor in his art to verbalize the importance of belonging. In his TED Talk, “Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent” in February 2016, he introduced the concept of normality through his experiences regarding his accent. The TED Talk presented the impact his Pakistani accent in English had placed on him. Through his speech, he proposed that normality is a trend of what is acknowledged and visible to society. As a result, Saleem challenges this notion of normality towards the end of his speech. Being an immigrant himself, he hopes to give visibility of preservation to other immigrants. By sharing how his accent in the past caused his quiet character and how he challenged the repeated concept of normality through standing on stage, the artist inspires those who don’t feel a sense of belonging.

The perception of normality often creates a loss of confidence. For instance, people unknowingly become self-conscious when they start to receive unpleasant comments about their accent or how they speak as having an accent is abnormal in society. Over time, they fear speaking or using their voice as they constantly worry about others’ judgments. ​​When Saleem did voiceovers and received discouraging comments about his accent, he reflected, “… every time I sat down to edit, I just could not do it” (3:09-3:14). In other words, the artist could not face nor listen to his own voice. This constant concern he had with his voice led him to doubt if his voiceovers were worth continuing. The appearance of doubt in oneself will uncontrollably lead to a loss of confidence. Once one’s self-esteem has been deeply affected, trusting oneself will become a challenge. Consequently, one will lose one’s true self as one repeatedly agonizes over being different from what is considered normal.

Similarly, the interpretation of normality causes self-isolation. Self-isolation occurs when one begins to detach from society due to events such as dealing with trauma. For example, when one gets made fun of by others for stuttering, it can imprint a deep trauma for that one individual for the rest of their life. In Saleem’s experience as a kid, he had been mocked for stuttering leading him to be a quiet kid who “spent a lot of time in the bathroom” as he did not want to speak with anyone (3:39-3:40). This portrays the trauma the students’ laughs had placed on him which led him to isolate himself from the world in the bathroom. Being afraid of getting mocked another time for stuttering, people will choose to remain silent. Slowly, the individual will lose their connection with the world and fall into their own world. Over time, self-isolation will lead to difficulties in expressing oneself and ultimately, the loss of one’s identity.

Many communities are left out due to the notion of normality. Oftentimes, minorities are excluded due to the trends greater communities have created. As greater communities overpower minorities, it is believed that the trends created do not apply to smaller communities. An example presented in the TED Talk is, “Number one, children are told that they can be anything, they can do anything, and yet, most stories that children of color consume are about people who are not like them” (8:15-8:23). That is to say though all communities can be what they want to be, minorities aren’t represented hence suggesting that it is only normal to follow what is illustrated. As minorities don’t see themselves reflected in society, what they choose to do outside of the realm of what is seen in society would feel abnormal. Hence, they will begin to lose their confidence to strive for what is not represented as they would feel outcasted. The state of being unable to fit in will eventually lead them to follow the bigger crowds and trends rather than constructing their own paths that define them.

To conclude, the concept of normal significantly impacts people and how they act. The standard expectations and norms heavily shape how people interact with the rest of society. In the TED Talk, “Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent” the presenter Safwat Saleem gave his insights on how he felt restricted to pursue his interests due to his accent. The notion of normality has always restricted people from finding their true identities as they are limited to challenging those bounds without feeling atypical. Despite how normality is perceived, normality is classified through visible patterns and acknowledgment. The term can be reclassified once something identified as uncommon becomes common. Hence, people should not feel enclosed to be their aspired selves by ever-changing norms.