Ted Talks Daily – The power of an image — and the mind behind it | Misan Harriman

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, Misan Harriman, a renowned photographer, shares his journey and the power of images in driving social change. He discusses the impact of the internet on his life, the importance of representation, and the ability of photography to inform and raise awareness. Join Misan as he inspires us to use our voices and take action for a better future.

Main Takeaways

The Internet as a Platform for Change

• The internet can still be a place for good, civil rights, and social change.
• Despite frustrations with online discourse, we can use our voices and connect digitally for a better tomorrow.

The Internet as a Savior

• The internet was a savior for Misan Harriman, who struggled as a dyslexic and neurodiverse child in boarding school.
• Online experiences like music, poetry, and film were more than entertainment – they raised and saved Misan’s mental health.
• The internet became an endless library of the extraordinary, where Misan lived and shared his passions with friends.

Representation in Photography

• Moneda Sleep Jr. was the first black man to win a Pulitzer for photography.
• No black media was invited to photograph the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King.
• Coretta Scott King insisted that Sleep be allowed to photograph her husband’s funeral.
• Photography can be a tool for social justice and change.

The Power of Images

• The internet provides a platform for self-teaching and growth.
• Photographer has had an extraordinary career capturing amazing humans and moments.
• Recognizes the intentionality and empathy of where the lens must look.
• Importance of using images to inform and raise awareness.
• Encourages using personal power to speak up and make a difference.
• Urges not to be afraid to take action for a better future.

Summary

The Internet as a Platform for Change

Misan Harriman highlights the potential of the internet as a space for positive impact, civil rights, and social change. Despite the challenges of online discourse, he encourages individuals to use their voices and connect digitally to create a better future.

The Internet as a Savior

As a dyslexic and neurodiverse child in boarding school, Misan found solace in the internet. Online experiences such as music, poetry, and film not only entertained him but also played a crucial role in preserving and improving his mental health. The internet became a sanctuary where Misan could explore and share his passions with friends.

Representation in Photography

Misan discusses the significance of representation in photography. He highlights the achievements of Moneda Sleep Jr., the first black man to win a Pulitzer for photography. Misan also sheds light on the lack of black media representation during Dr. Martin Luther King’s funeral and the role Coretta Scott King played in ensuring Sleep could capture the historic event. Through these examples, Misan emphasizes the power of photography as a tool for social justice and change.

The Power of Images

Misan recognizes the transformative power of images and the internet’s role in facilitating self-teaching and personal growth. He shares his own experiences as a photographer, capturing extraordinary individuals and moments. Misan emphasizes the importance of intentionality and empathy in directing the lens towards subjects that inform and raise awareness. He encourages individuals to use their personal power to speak up and take action for a better future, urging them not to be afraid to make a difference.

Conclusion

Misan Harriman’s journey exemplifies the potential of the internet to foster positive change and the power of photography in driving social justice. Through his inspiring words, he encourages us to use our voices, embrace representation, and take action for a better tomorrow.