Madeline M. Craig
Content: Poetic and Prose Selection
Moving forward towards the future and the momentum of change is an important step in teaching ethnic studies. After exploring the numerous, sometimes dark, moments throughout our past and present, looking towards a bright future and setting a plan of action is imperative.
The Man Box (2020) by Gordon Lewis is a nonfiction, narrative short story in which he explores themes of emerging masculinity in middle school. In his essay, he reacts to his conflicted emotions surrounding vulnerability and manhood when a male friend confides in him about his parents’ divorce.
I’ve Been There Before (2020) by Olivia Gatwood is a poem that shares how to show empathy to others. It outlines the differences between pity and support towards those who need it. It can help students set important guidelines when allying themselves behind movements that do not affect them personally.
In Between There is Light (2020) by Olivia Gatwood is a poem centered around celebrating our unique differences, specifically those of use who are non-binary or gender non-conforming. It includes how discovering one's identity might not be linear and sexuality is a spectrum of colors with many shades to choose.
Instruction: Student-led Discussions
By this week, students should be well adapted to discussing in small groups. A written recording of student observations, comments, and provoking thoughts for this week’s conversation will be kepts in a new section of their writer’s notebook. A couple questions will be posted to encourage students to keep the conversation flowing. Possible guiding questions are as follows:
- How does knowing our own personal strength and weaknesses shape how we plan our future or how we grow? What strengths did our authors share?
- What different themes are present throughout the texts? How are these themes important looking towards the future of our country?
Writing Prompt: Manifesting Ideal Futures
This final week is centered around the importance of hope and visualizing our ideal futures. While writing for social justice or progressive change is important, without hope and plans for the future it only ends there. Students need to have a chance to express their desires and hopes. This writing prompt is sampled from the Ethnic Studies program at Theodore Rosevelt Senior High School in East Los Angeles (41):
Think of yourself years from now; how many years into the future is your choice. What do you want to tell yourself about the you of today and the important things in your life now? We are constantly changing, so what do you want to document about who you are now? What advice can you give yourself? What do you want to always remember? Make a list of the things you want to achieve, the dreams you have, the changes you want to see in the world.