TED: Poems of war, peace, women, power | Suheir Hammad

The transcript is a powerful reflection on rejecting war and violence, emphasizing individuality and peace. It begins with a refusal to participate in war, followed by an introduction to the TED audience. The speaker then invites the audience to hold a woman in thought, reflecting on creative violence and human nature. The struggles of women and refugees are highlighted, concluding with a warning about unexploded threats and the importance of fear management.

What does the speaker refuse to lend to the war drum?

• Their voice and song

• Their soul and bones

• Their time and energy

• Their thoughts and prayers

How does the speaker describe the beat of the war drum?

• Energetic

• Lifeless

• Inspiring

• Chaotic

What does the speaker say poetry does for them?

• It prepares and aims them

• It distracts them

• It confuses them

• It entertains them

What does the speaker ask the audience to do for a woman who is not present?

• Forget about her

• Speak her name aloud

• Hold her in their thoughts

• Write a poem for her

What does the speaker say about the cycles they live in?

• They are cycles of light and darkness

• They are purely darkness

• They are cycles of joy and happiness

• They are purely light

What does the speaker imply about the nature of humanity?

• It is simple and straightforward

• It is inherently pure

• It is blind and malignant

• It is always peaceful

What does the speaker suggest we should fear?

• What has already exploded

• The unexploded

• The past

• The present