In his TED talk "How to Raise a Black Son in America," Clint Smith connects contemporary tragic events to his own upbringing, speculates on the ways that racism shapes American society, and considers the additional difficulties with which Black families must contend. He offers a general reflection on the numerous Black men and women whose lives were cut short by the actions of police and vigilantes. Smith focuses on a particular incident in which a police officer shot and killed 12-year-old Tamar Rice, who was playing with a toy gun. Smith then connects these contemporary incidents to a similar incident of toy gun play in his own childhood. The speaker comments on the discrepancy in social expectations about Black boys, as white people often perceive them as larger, older, and potentially more threatening than white boys.

The interpretation and analysis of Smith’s talk can focus on both the content and structure of the talk. His talk is connected with contemporary American themes or social issues of racism, parenting, and policing—and the ways that all three of these intersect. Smith makes his subject matter compelling by presenting a specific case in which one boy lost his life, and draws in the audience by revealing how closely this case connects with his personal biography. Rather than an abstract reflection on a widespread social trend, Smith helps the audience understand the individual and personal impact of negative stereotypes that are fueled by racism—often with devastating consequences for vulnerable children.