Catalyst Talk - Kirsty Sedgman: Be (un)reasonable

You've probably heard this a many times as you argued for something you care deeply about: 'be reasonable'. Don't argue too loudly, or too passionately, or don't ask society to change its ways. Being 'reasonable' is drilled into us from childhood, at home and at school. But what does being reasonable even mean? What’s 'reasonable' to one person is outrageous to another. 'Reasonable' behaviour has been defined by outdated standards: don't challenge the status quo, don't rebel too loudly against injustice - just do as you're told and don't ask questions. Professor of cultural studies Kirsty Sedgman argues that sometimes, you need to act unreasonably to bring positive change in the world.