By Amy Krzyzek, GC Intern
Last month, Anna, a Global Guide from Russia, gave a presentation about stereotypes to two classes (4th and 5th grades) at PS 75 in the South Bronx. She mentioned four main stereotypes people have about Russia: cold weather, Russian bears, the Russian mafia, and Russian dolls, called matreshka.
Anna explained to the classes that stereotypes aren’t necessarily bad—they are just not the “whole picture.” As an activity, Anna had students draw a symbol that represents their country. Students represented the United States with pictures of chocolate chip cookies, traffic jams, Barack Obama, and the Statue of Liberty. Students from the Dominican Republic drew motorcycles, beaches, and family members. A student from Yemen drew a beautiful hilly landscape. Overall, students found it very difficult to portray their country with just one image.
This workshop reminded me of the value of the Global Classroom program. When we learn about other cultures—in books, on TV, and even in social studies class— we must be careful not to essentialize others. We all have the tendency to attach a few characteristics to particular countries or cultures, assuming that’s enough. By sending global guides— real citizens of foreign countries—into classrooms, students are exposed to social studies beyond simplistic stereotypes.
