Ideas worth spreading

United States

A collection of TED Talks (and more) on the topic of United States.

Video playlists about United States

A crash course on voting and the US political system

The Electoral College, gerrymandering — and more! These talks answer your questions and simplify the confusing landscape of the US political system. (For more voting information specific to your location, please visit https://www.vote.org)

A look into American politics

Take a peek into the fascinating world of American politics -- with a few talks from some political leaders themselves.

Talks to help you understand racism in America

From passionate pleas for reform to poetic turns of phrase, these talks take an honest look at everyday realities of Black Americans and illuminate the way forward.

Talks about United States

Birds aren't real? How a conspiracy takes flight

Barbara F. Walter

Is the US headed towards another civil war?

Coleman Hughes and Jamelle Bouie

Does color blindness perpetuate racism?

A case for color blindness

Detroit's climate crisis -- and how to build a resilient future everywhere

Why is it so hard to get effective birth control in the US?

Why is William Faulkner so difficult to read?

Cecilia M. Orphan

What makes a "good college" -- and why it matters

How to keep your hometown from becoming a ghost town

Sharif El-Mekki

Reviving the legacy of the Black teaching tradition

One of the most banned books of all time

One of the most "dangerous" men in American history

Karlos Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio

What is Juneteenth, and why is it important?

Channing Gerard Joseph

How Black queer culture shaped history

Clementine Jacoby

How bad data traps people in the US justice system

History vs. Thomas Jefferson

See all talks on United States

Exclusive articles about United States

5 myths — and 5 truths — about the reality of racism in the US

Unchallenged, these myths can distract us from the real work that needs to be done and the real issues that must be addressed to end racism, says researcher and political scientist Candis Watts Smith PhD. Here's what you should know.

Posted May 2021

To be Asian in America is to keep a list of places where you know you’ll be seen as more than a visitor

A reflection on going to restaurants and why we all want to be seen as more than a visitor, from author and illustrator Jonny Sun.

Posted Apr 2021

Why saying “Asians are good at math” isn’t a compliment — it’s racism

Today, Asians are often seen as the “model minority” – hardworking, academically talented and professionally successful – but it wasn’t always that way.

Posted Mar 2021

See all articles on United States