Developing Perspective Statements

One of the key elements of developing a global/multicultural perspective involves the ability to view events and issues from several different perspectives -- to be able to articulate multiple perspectives. One proposed objective of the Teaneck global/multicultural education program is to help students who graduate from the school systems to be able to articulate representative views within each of the community's major cultural groups, and possibly to apply these views to a variety of issues and events. At the same time, we want to avoid -- and even counteract -- stereotyping and oversimplification.

In order to help identify some of these local perspectives, please write a "perspective statement" that somewhat represents the cultural group(s) with which you personally identify. This is just a first draft of a difficult task; please do not feel the statement must be "perfect," because that will stifle your contribution.

Here are some questions to prime the pump. You are not expected to answer all of them or to write a dissertation. The goal is to begin to clarify areas of uniqueness that are important for enhancing mutual understanding and respect. Thank you for working on this task!

Name of the cultural group with which you identify: _________

What other cultural groups do you think should be represented in such a Teaneck multiple perspectives approach?

Do you feel you are part of mainstream U.S. society? To what extent?

Do members of your cultural group have direct and equal access to the opportunities and rewards of mainstream U.S. society? If so, how did they get them? If not, what do they have to do to get them?

What are some marks of success for your cultural group? What do your children need to know or do to achieve success?

In general, what do you want "your" children to know about their heritage?

What do you want children from different cultural groups to know about your heritage? ...about their own heritage?

What things, if any, are important to your cultural group that are not important to mainstream U.S. culture? Are there any that are problematic for mainstream U.S. culture? What things about the mainstream are problematic for your cultural group?

When you think of the ways that the U.S. acts in the larger world, what are some of the things of which you approve? How would you want the U.S. to act differently? Are any of these concerns reflections of your cultural group's values?

Group process for use with this activity

Perspective Statements

  1. Share your perspective statements, or your thoughts in response to the questions.
  2. What was easy to think/write about?
  3. What was more difficult to think/write about?
  4. To what extent is your perspective reflected at Lowell School?
  5. Report to the larger group: 3 insights or concerns regarding cultural perspectives. Or, make a picture, chart, cartoon or visual design on newsprint that reflects these insights and concerns.

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