"The Danger of a Single Story"
In Wednesday's MS Chapel, the Hartmann Advisory introduced the February observance of African American History Month with some of the history of the observance and with Chimananda Adichie's influential TED Talk, "The Danger of a Single Story." Reflecting on her own experiences of being reduced to a "single story," and her own experiences reducing others to a "single story." "Single story" refers to defining an experience based on a single account that provides an incomplete, inaccurate, and potentially damaging understanding of others. It's easy to see the connection between single stories and the development of stereotypes and the marginalization and discrimination that might stem from them.Certainly, Adichie's reflection speaks to the need to attend to and integrate a diversity of voices and perspectives in the course of learning. This is precisely the kind of work that our teachers do when they attend to diversity, equity, multiculturalism, and inclusion in their curricula and in their classrooms, and it also relates to the vision and initiatives of Teaching Tolerance and similar organizations. However, Adichie's message should also speak to each of us personally to ask critical and, sometimes, difficult questions about our points of view. How do we tell stories about each other? Do we actually seek multiple perspectives when seeking the truth? When we hear stories about others that are incomplete, untrue, or damaging...what do we do next?
Adichie closes her talk with a powerful summary. "When we reject the single story," she says, "when we realize that there is never a single story about any place, we regain a kind of paradise." As we continue to reflect on these insights and engage in learning about African American history and culture - not just throughout the month but throughout the year! - our students and we will begin to build "a kind of paradise."
Mind/Shift: Self-doubt and Learning
The Mind/Shift podcast and website explores current research, trends, and resources for understanding and promoting "growth mindset" in individuals. A recent article by Linda Flanagan on the site looks at the impact of self-doubt on one's mindset. High levels of self-doubt seem to correspond with fixed mindsets and the experience of stress. "Though common," she writes, "relentless suspicion about one's abilities corrodes confidence and limits learning, even when that anxiety produces successful outcomes." That doubt might translate into a persistent fear of failure or impeded clear thinking. Flanagan identifies these steps for parents and teachers to buoy students' well-being:- Change the meaning of doubt.
- Challenge the self-doubting thoughts.
- Step back in time.
- Focus on process rather than results.
- Visualize your successful future self.
Visit Mind/Shift to flesh out what these recommendations mean and to find more resources for developing a growth mindset in your student...and in yourself!
What we are learning...
What is your favorite color? Alternating patterns of teal and purple.
What is your favorite movie? "Out of Africa."
If I hadn't been a teacher, I probably would've been... a veterinarian.
What is your favorite song? Brad Paisley, "It Could Get Better Than This."
If you could travel anywhere in space and time, where and when would you like to visit? I would love to visit New Zealand at a time before it was heavily populated. I'd love to see the native plants and animals as it is an entirely different evolutionary path.
If you could travel anywhere in space and time, where and when would you like to visit? I would love to visit New Zealand at a time before it was heavily populated. I'd love to see the native plants and animals as it is an entirely different evolutionary path.
Where were you born? Leavenworth, Kansas.
Any interesting trivia about you? I used to train and compete with horses, and now train and compete in performance sports with dogs.
Where did you attend Middle School? Colorado Springs.
Who was your favorite or most influential teacher? My Calculus teacher and my Physiology teacher both had a big influence on me.
