Why We Need Ethnic Studies in High School | Hannah Gedion | TEDxManhattanBeach

Summary

A high school senior reflects on a pivotal moment during quarantine when her school district approved a more diverse English curriculum. She emphasizes the importance of including multiple perspectives in education to avoid the dangers of a 'single story.' Drawing inspiration from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED Talk, she advocates for the adoption of ethnic studies, which highlight underrepresented voices in U.S. history. She envisions an academic environment where students are encouraged to explore diverse viewpoints, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker reflects on a significant day, May 5th, 2021, when the Manhattan Beach School Board approved five new books for the required English curriculum, all written by authors of color.
• 💪 The speaker is co-president of 'Diversify Our Narrative MBUSD,' a group that supported teachers in advocating for more diverse literature in the curriculum.
• 👩‍🎓 The speaker, a senior at Mira Costa High School, noticed a lack of cultural representation in the school’s required reading before 2020, with most authors being white.
• 📖 The speaker references Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk on the dangers of a 'single story' in literature, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives.
• 🔍 The speaker discovered 'ethnic studies,' which include African American, Native American, Chicano/Latinx, and Asian American studies, and believes these subjects provide multiple perspectives on U.S. history.
• 🌸 The speaker uses local examples, such as the history of the Uyematsu family's internment during WWII and Bruce's Beach, to illustrate the importance of teaching diverse perspectives.
• 🎓 The speaker's vision is for an academic environment where students become 'perspective seekers,' using ethnic studies to foster critical thinking and broaden their understanding of history and current events.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker's family encourages open discussion and respectful disagreement on various topics, which has fueled their passion for diversifying the school curriculum.
• 🏫 The speaker highlights that California became the first state to require ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement in 2021, marking a significant step toward educational reform.
• 🌍 The speaker concludes by advocating for the importance of understanding and valuing different perspectives, arguing that this approach will help students thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

Q & A

What was the significant event that took place on May 5th, 2021, for the speaker?

On May 5th, 2021, the Manhattan Beach school board approved five new books for the 2021-2022 required English curriculum, all of which were written by people of color.

What role did the speaker play in the school board meeting's outcome?

The speaker was the co-president of 'Diversify Our Narrative MBUSD,' a group that provided student support for the teachers presenting the curriculum changes to the school board.

Why does the speaker believe diversifying the curriculum is important?

The speaker believes that a diverse curriculum is important because it helps avoid the 'single story' narrative, allowing students to see themselves and others in a more complete and accurate light, fostering a better understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Who is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and why does the speaker reference her?

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author who delivered a TED Talk in 2013 about the dangers of a 'single story.' The speaker references her to highlight the importance of diverse narratives in literature and other fields.

What is 'ethnic studies,' and why is it significant to the speaker?

Ethnic studies is an academic field that includes the study of African American, Native American, Chicano/Latinx, and Asian American experiences. It is significant to the speaker because it provides multiple perspectives on historical events, helping students avoid the 'single story' narrative and fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

What historical event does the speaker use to illustrate the importance of multiple perspectives?

The speaker uses the example of the Uyematsu family, Japanese immigrants who owned nurseries in Manhattan Beach and were forced to sell their land during World War II due to internment. This illustrates how different perspectives on a historical event can provide a more nuanced understanding of its impact.

How does the speaker envision the impact of teaching ethnic studies on students?

The speaker envisions that teaching ethnic studies will help students become perspective seekers, encouraging them to challenge themselves by considering multiple viewpoints and fostering open, productive discussions about complex topics.

What role does the speaker’s family play in their passion for diversifying the curriculum?

The speaker's family, with its diverse opinions and discussions at the dinner table, has been influential in shaping the speaker's passion for a diverse curriculum. This environment has taught the speaker to respectfully disagree and to seek new perspectives.

What was the outcome of the 2020 district-wide survey conducted by the Manhattan Beach Panel for Equity?

The survey revealed that less than half of the teachers felt they had the language and training to address discrimination or discussions of inequality on campus. Additionally, 100% of teachers stated that further training and resources for inclusive and equitable education would be helpful.

What is the speaker’s ultimate vision for the academic environment in their school district?

The speaker's ultimate vision is to create an academic environment where students can engage in open discussions, challenge their perspectives, and learn from a curriculum that reflects the diversity of cultures and experiences in the United States.