Cultural (il)literacy: What modern America needs to know | Reg Stewart | TEDxUniversityofNevada

Summary

The transcript highlights the importance of addressing cultural illiteracy in modern society. It uses examples such as the Ferguson, Missouri, unrest and failures in law enforcement to argue that racial and social injustices are byproducts of cultural ignorance. The speaker advocates for understanding the experiences of others, stepping outside personal comfort zones, and immersing oneself in diverse cultures. They emphasize that eradicating cultural illiteracy is essential to forming a more inclusive society, urging individuals to take responsibility for their beliefs and actions to create lasting change.

Takeaways

• 📉 The demographic shift in Ferguson, Missouri from predominantly white to predominantly black between 1990 and 2010 did not reflect in its power structures.
• 🛑 The police and legal systems did not adapt to these demographic changes, leading to systemic imbalances and tensions.
• 🚓 The death of Eric Garner in July 2014 raised questions about excessive force by law enforcement and systemic injustice.
• 🌍 The speaker emphasizes the need to address global cultural illiteracy, which limits communication and understanding in society.
• 🤝 Cultural illiteracy leads to snap judgments, fear of the unknown, and division in communities.
• 🏫 Various causes of cultural illiteracy include growing up in homogeneous communities, ineffective schooling, and socially constructed racism.
• 👀 Ignoring issues like racism won't make them disappear; we need to actively confront them.
• 🌱 The speaker offers three steps to combat cultural illiteracy: recognize other people's experiences, step outside of your comfort zone, and immerse in other cultures.
• 💡 Engaging with new cultural practices should not lead to cultural appropriation but should foster understanding and respect.
• ⚖️ The concept of 'by the people, for the people' should be inclusive, requiring everyone to participate in eradicating cultural illiteracy for a more unified society.

Q & A

What event led the speaker to believe in the need to address cultural illiteracy?

The event was the tragedy involving a police officer and a teenager on August 9th, 2014, which catalyzed the speaker's belief in the need to resurrect the conversation about cultural literacy in modern society.

How did the demographics of Ferguson, Missouri, change between 1990 and 2010?

In 1990, Ferguson was 74% white and 25% black. By 2010, it was 69% black and 27% white.

What societal changes occurred in Ferguson during this time?

The number of residents living in poverty doubled, and unemployment exceeded 13%, despite demographic shifts in the community.

What did not change in Ferguson despite demographic shifts?

The power structures, such as city government, the school board, and law enforcement, did not experience the same demographic shifts.

What does the NYPD patrol guide 203-11 state about excessive force?

The NYPD patrol guide states that excessive force will not be tolerated, and failure to comply may result in criminal or civil liability.

What is cultural illiteracy according to the speaker?

Cultural illiteracy is the lack of understanding or knowledge about the history, politics, social norms, value systems, and belief systems of cultures other than one's own.

How does cultural illiteracy affect communication and society, according to the speaker?

Cultural illiteracy limits the ability to communicate with others, leading to snap judgments and reactions based on fear of the unknown, ultimately contributing to a divided society.

What are some reasons people may be culturally illiterate?

Reasons include growing up in homogeneous communities with little diversity, being a recent immigrant, ineffective schooling, or inheriting cultural illiteracy from parents.

How does the speaker link racism to cultural illiteracy?

The speaker identifies socially constructed racism as the most destructive byproduct of cultural illiteracy.

What three steps does the speaker propose to combat cultural illiteracy?

1. Acknowledge that just because something doesn’t happen to you doesn’t mean it’s not happening. 2. Get outside your comfort zone and stay there. 3. Immerse yourself in the language, art, history, and traditions of other cultures, but avoid cultural appropriation.