theSpeaker
If you're from Buffalo...
Is Suicide Really Redundant?
"I would have committed suicide, but in Buffalo suicide is redundant."
-from A Chorus Line-
Whether you've lived in Buffalo, New York all your life or have never visited, chances are, you're from Buffalo.
In this powerful presentation, Howell uses his Buffalo roots as a starting point for an exploration of the interaction between origin and identity, individual and collective self-esteem, and how to use the interaction between roots, community and adversity to our advantage.
Howell uses self-deprecating humor as a point of departure to explore the dynamics of individual and collective identity as it relates to the where and the who of community. He touches on the underdog syndrome, on why "we" (Buffalonians) can't build the waterfront, win a major sports championship, or be proud of where we're from without being defensive. (You got a problem with that?)
While this humourous and dynamic monologue is directed specifically at Buffalo the city, the metro area, the place-- this presentation is relevant to anyone, anywhere. Howell explains that there is a "virtual Buffalo" where almost everyone has lived at some point in their life-- the sense in which one is conflicted about being from a particular place, family, or other demographic distinction, and yet cannot be fully themselves or fully empowered apart from it.
"Whether you're lucky enough to live or to have lived in Buffalo the place," Howell says, "or, you are one of our virtual counterparts, being from 'Buffalo' is anything but the stuff of suicidal ideation." Instead, it, like the Bills cap Howell always wears, "is a badge of honor, worn proudly by people who can acknowledge that home isn't perfect, but it isn't hell either."
"It is where I became the best part of myself, where I go to reconnect with my power source, the context agaiinst which I evaluate everything I am and everything I achieve apart from this place, and it is the launching pad from which I ascend to achieve and embody my dreams."
Note: This presentation is designed to be adaptable as a single 20-minute monologue or a 60-minute keynote presentation, or anything in between, to meet the needs of your organization and/or event.
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