"Every person is fantastic — until you're threatened. And then?" | Dirck Slabbekoorn | TEDxHaarlem
In his powerful TEDx talk, Dirck Slabbekoorn shares how his experiences with violence, loss, and fear led him to a radical belief: every person is fundamentally good. By choosing to see people differently — even in moments of crime or crisis — he developed an approach rooted in human connection, trust, and shared responsibility. His story shows how compassion and empathy can prevent even riots. A visionary branch manager who challenges systems and connects people. After a shocking incident of violence and subsequent REBOOT, he underwent a personal transformation that led to a revolutionary view of inclusiveness and human potential. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 1:45Until the Next Crossroad Calls | Peyton Crage | TEDxSaintAndrewsSchoolIn this poem, Peyton Crage explores the weight of choice at life's crossroads, leading viewers through uncertainty toward self-discovery. Peyton is a freshman at Saint Andrew’s School, which she has attended since kindergarten. She was born and raised in Florida. She loves going to the beach, hanging out with friends, cooking, and creating art. She wanted to participate in TEDx to share her love for poetry and improve her public speaking skills. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:00How Embracing Autistic Culture Could Save Lives | Angela Kingdon | TEDxNCStateIn her TEDx talk, Angela Kingdon celebrates all the intricacies of Autistic Joy while fostering appreciation for neurodiversity. Dr. Angela Kingdon is an Autistic advocate, bestselling author, founder of Difference Press Publishing, and host of the award-winning Autistic Culture Podcast, a Substack bestseller. After discovering she was Autistic at 39, Angela helps others identify and celebrate Autistic traits and equips young adults to find their neurokin and embrace their birthright heritage. Her TEDx talk celebrates Autistic Joy while fostering appreciation for neurodiversity. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in journalism from The George Washington University and a Ph.D. in Communications from The European Graduate School. Angela lives in England with her husband and two cats, studies psychology at the University of Kent, and serves on the editorial board of Neurodiversity Journal. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx