Defining one's cultural identity in a generation of instant gratification, illogical racism, and influence from the media filled with ethnocentrism isn't particularly easy. How do we define who we are when we live in a world which wants to take clues from our physical characteristics, accents, and dress and create an identity for us before we ever get a chance to? When do I get to be my own version of me?

As the child of Pakistani immigrants to a small city in Idaho, Mashaal has had a front row seat to society's rush to judgment. She is a
KISU FM Radio Host and Student at Idaho State University.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx