Tracee Ellis Ross

In this speech, Tracee Ellis Ross discusses the societal pressure and expectations placed on women to conform to certain norms, particularly in regards to marriage and parenting. She shares her own experiences of being told she is "failing" as a woman because she has not fulfilled these expectations, and how she has had to work to reclaim her own life and agency. Ross also touches on the ways in which women are often punished or condemned for putting themselves first and making decisions that deviate from societal norms. She encourages women to embrace their individuality and to live their lives for themselves, rather than seeking approval or validation from others.

Based on her popular TED talk, Tracee Ellis Ross discusses the objectification and mistreatment of women throughout history, and the resulting anger and frustration that women harbor. She encourages women to acknowledge and express this fury, which holds "lifetimes of wisdom," and to share it in safe places. Ross also addresses the issue of men's entitlement to women's bodies, likening it to a stranger constantly taking a man's phone without permission. She explains that this entitlement and mistreatment of women is not due to a lack of morality in men, but rather a "very big blind spot" that most men have. Ross also speaks about the role of race in this issue, and the importance of the Time's Up movement in combating sexual violence and harassment.