Chimamanda Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story

Chimamanda Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story

Three points resonate with me from the video, Chimamanda Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story:

1.    Read British children’s books of white, blue-eyed, played in the snow

I recall taking a Humanities course in university and the professor asked us “who’s story” is being told? It’s “his-story”. Having been involved in curriculum writing with the Ministry of Education, I know there are equity officers who review the curriculum. But I wonder if they are looking at “who’s story?” or are ensuring equity based on gender, ethnicity, race, social economic status, and sexual orientation. The same applies to textbooks. The question of “who’s story” is an important one – but can the equity officers answer that question having experienced, perhaps, a Eurocentric bias in their own schooling? I.e., what are the other stories?

2.    Went to USA university, roommate shocked – learned English so well, listened to Mariah Carey, assumed I did not know how to use a stove

This portion of Adichie’s talk reminds me of the narrow and stereotypical perspective we have for particular ethnicities or cultures. Yet, every person is an individual. But do our first impressions of someone’s skin colour, for instance, programme us to already negatively stereotype held? Then it is the responsibility of the individual to prove “one’s worth” – and the success criteria is that of the dominant culture.

3.    Consequences of a single story: Robs people of dignity…recognition of equal humanity difficult. Emphasizes how we are different and not similar

I believe we have come very far since I attended high school. In my daily work, equity is at the forefront of what I do. It is about treating each person as an individual, treating each person fairly, giving each person what he or she needs to be successful. Teachers have been professionally developed in differentiated instruction. Teachers must implement the accommodations in an Individual Education Plan. We are giving students voice and this empowers change. We invite parents as partners. The equity and inclusiveness document published a few years ago is very impactful to recognize there are many stories – and the single story is not the one that is valued over others.