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The Danger of a Single Story

<< Back to Lesson Finder

Consider confronting stereotypes as a way to gain new perspectives

Objectives

  • Students will examine how stereotypes affect how they communicate
  • Students will discuss ways they can be open to listening more

As we know, communication is more than talking. It is a two-way exchange that requires learning and listening. This TED talk from Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warns of the danger of only listening to a single perspective.

MATERIALS
  • AV to play video
  • Student writing supplies
LESSON STEP BY STEP

1. Post and read the essential question for this session: How do stereotypes influence how we react and communicate to people?

2. Ask students to do a 3-minute quick-write to answer this question.

3. Read this quote by the video’s speaker to introduce the TED talk:

“The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.”  - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

2. Watch the following video: TED – Danger of a Single Story (18:30)

3. Engage in some or all of the following questions as a group, or as a personal journal-centric activity:

  • Share a time when you felt misunderstood or stereotyped.
  • How do you wish someone would have rather approached you?
  • What things can we do to make sure we don’t get trapped into thinking and communicating from the perspective of a single story?
  • How can we make sure that we are hearing other voices?
  • Which new perspectives should we seek?
  • What attitudes do we need to take on so that we can listen and learn about others well?
  • What is our role in getting other stories?
  • “A single story robs people of their dignity.” Why or why not is this true?
VARIATIONS

1. For further, and higher level, thought provoking ideas on recognizing our own biases and stereotypes, watch the TED talk by diversity advocate Vernā Myers. She looks closely at some of the subconscious attitudes we hold toward out-groups. She makes a plea to all people: Acknowledge your biases. Then move toward, not away from, the groups that make you uncomfortable.

 

REFLECTION & WRAP UP
1. Re-look at the essential question for this session:  How do stereotypes influence how we react and communicate to people? 2. Ask students pull out their initial quick-write response. 3. Finish with a last 3-minute quick write: based on the video and discussion, what other thoughts do you have to add to your initial response?
SOURCE

www.TED.com

Keywords:

Analyzing Situations, Belonging, Character, Communication, Community Building, Compassion, Diversity, Emotional Self-Efficacy, Empathy, Ethical Responsibility, Evaluating, Group Relationships, Identifying Emotions, Listening, Perspective Taking, Reasoning, Reflection, Relationship Building, Relationship Skills, Relationships, Respect for Others, Self Awareness, Self-Perception, Social Awareness, Social Engagement, Social Responsibility, Trust
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Washington DC Campus
    • Meet the Crew
      • Field Staff
      • Administrative Staff
      • Board of Directors
    • Character Curriculum
      • Curriculum Portal
      • Domains of Thriving
      • Educational Approach
    • Equity & Inclusion
    • Impact
    • Strategic Plan
    • Locations
    • Outward Bound USA
  • Programs
    • Schools / Groups
    • Insight: One-Day Programs
      • Insight for Youth
      • Insight for Adults
    • Professionals
      • Course: Communication
      • Course: Collaboration
      • Course: Problem-Solving
    • Educators
      • THE THRIVING CLASSROOM
    • Scholarship Expeditions
      • Youth Leadership Corps (YLC)
      • Get Out And Lead (GOAL)
    • Summer Expeditions
      • High School
      • Middle School
    • Veterans
    • US Naval Academy
    • Police Youth Challenge (PYC)
  • Planning
    • COVID-19 SAFETY
    • What to Expect
    • Preparing for a Course
    • Financial Aid
    • Forms
    • FAQ
  • Connect
    • Alumni
    • Careers
      • Staff Practices
    • CBOBS Gear Store
    • Blog
  • Donate
    • Make Your Gift
    • Ways to Give
    • Giving Catalog
    • Donor Community
Download Lesson

About Lesson


Activity Type

Peer Discussion

Time

45 min

Age Group

High School
Middle School

Environment

Classroom

Competency

Social Responsibility

Educational Standard

CASEL: Self-Awareness
CASEL: Social-Awareness
CCRS:SL1 Have Diverse Conversations
CCRS:SL3 Evaluate Perspective and Evidence
P21: Communication and Collaboration
P21: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
P21: Social and Cross-Cultural Skills
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