Step 2: Why representation matters

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• Secundair onderwijs

Step 2: Why representation matters

Giving opinions about representation

1 / Dear Martin

Bookwidget time!

Go to Smartschool > Engels 5OPBa-b > Oefeningen > Unit 5 > Unit 5: Dear Martin: reading

Ex. 5

There are different types of racism.

We asked ChatGPT to explain the 4 types and here is what they had to say. You can also find a (more complex) explanation on p. 245 of your workbooks.

Structural Racism

Structural racism is when the way society is set up makes life harder for people of certain races.

Examples:

• Schools in richer areas get more money than schools in poorer areas, which usually have more students of color. This makes it harder for these students to get a good education.
  
• Housing discrimination laws that in the past stopped people of color from buying homes in certain neighborhoods, creating segregated communities.

Interpersonal Racism

Interpersonal racism happens between people. It's when someone shows prejudice or discrimination against someone else because of their race.

Examples:

• If someone makes a mean comment about another person's skin color or refuses to sit next to them because of their race
  
• Complimenting Black, Indigenous or people of color on their English with the assumption that they wouldn’t speak well because of their race

Internalized Racism

Internalized racism is when people believe negative things about their own race.

Examples:

• If a person of color thinks they are not as smart or capable because of their race
• Viewing white as "the norm" or the “ideal”
  
• Increased levels of self-hate, shame, and rejection of your own identity and/or culture
  

Institutional Racism

Institutional racism is when rules and practices in organizations (like schools, workplaces, or governments) unfairly treat people of different races.

Examples:

• If a company prefers to hire people of a certain race or a school punishes students of color more harshly than white students
  
• Police departments that unfairly focus on and arrest people of color for small crimes while ignoring similar actions by white people.

2 / Black (like me)

Ex. 1

Watch the videos and answer the questions.

a What are the kids watching?

b What are the kids’ reactions?

c Why are the kids so surprised?

Ex. 1

Watch the videos and answer the questions.

a What are the kids watching?

Ex. 1

Watch the videos and answer the questions.

a What are the kids watching?

The live action movie of The Little Mermaid with a black girl as the main actress, Ariel.

Ex. 1

Watch the videos and answer the questions.

b What are the kids’ reactions?

Ex. 1

Watch the videos and answer the questions.

b What are the kids’ reactions?

‘She’s black (like me).’

Ex. 1

Watch the videos and answer the questions.

c Why are the kids so surprised?

Ex. 1

Watch the videos and answer the questions.

c Why are the kids so surprised?

Because there haven’t been many black Disney characters in movies, let alone princesses. It is something they didn’t expect to see.

Ex. 1

d What word is meant with the following phrases?

• ‘something that shows or describes something’

• ‘the action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone’

• ‘an artistic likeness or image’

Ex. 1

d What word is meant with the following phrases?

• ‘something that shows or describes something’

• ‘the action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone’

• ‘an artistic likeness or image’

representation

Ex. 3

Watch the video about representation and answer the questions.

a Why does representation matter to these students?

Makes me feel more included.

Makes me feel more included.

If you don’t, it could bring your self-esteem down.

Makes me feel more included.

If you don’t, it could bring your self-esteem down.

We never saw anybody that looked like us on TV.

Makes me feel more included.

If you don’t, it could bring your self-esteem down.

They could do a better job depicting Indian people,

especially brown women.

We never saw anybody that looked like us on TV.

I don’t see myself represented in other movies or

characters.

I don’t see myself represented in other movies or

characters.

If you see the same thing over and over again about

one race, you’re going to think all of them are like

that. 

I don’t see myself represented in other movies or

characters.

If you see the same thing over and over again about

one race, you’re going to think all of them are like

that. 

If you see someone on the screen that looks like you

or acts like you, you might be inspired by them to do

what they can do, or be like them when you grow up. 

I don’t see myself represented in other movies or

characters.

If you see the same thing over and over again about

one race, you’re going to think all of them are like

that. 

If you see someone on the screen that looks like you

or acts like you, you might be inspired by them to do

what they can do, or be like them when you grow up. 

Without that kind of representation or connection to 

a character, how are you supposed to know who you 

are?   

I don’t see myself represented in other movies or

characters.

If you see the same thing over and over again about

one race, you’re going to think all of them are like

that. 

If you see someone on the screen that looks like you

or acts like you, you might be inspired by them to do

what they can do, or be like them when you grow up. 

Without that kind of representation or connection to 

a character, how are you supposed to know who you 

are?   

We all live together, and everybody should be

included in everything we do.

b List the characters that are mentioned or shown in the video. Do all teens consider these to be positive representation?

b List the characters that are mentioned or shown in the video. Do all teens consider these to be positive representation?

A  character with a hijab, Raj from Big Bang Theory, Apu from the Simpsons, Pocahontas. Sonali doesn’t feel Raj and Apu are the best characters to represent her. 

What about you? Does representation matter? Why (not)? 

Give your opinion in a well-structured text in the next slide.

• give 2 good arguments to support your opinion
• use structural markers (e.g. First of all,... / Also,...)
• follow the IBC structure  (introduction - body- conclusion) = IMS structuur Nederlands

I will give you some feeback while writing.

IBC structure

Introduction – Introduce the topic and state the main idea or thesis.

Body – Present supporting arguments, examples, and evidence.

Conclusion – Summarize key points and restate the main idea in a new way.

example

Why representation matters

Representation is important. It is about seeing yourself reflected in media, politics, education, and leadership. When people from diverse backgrounds are visible, it can change lives.  (introduction)

Firstly, representation gives people a sense of belonging. When children see someone who looks like them in a movie, book, or classroom, they learn that their identity is valid and valued. It shows them that they, too, can achieve great things. For example, seeing a female scientist or a black president can inspire children to dream big.

Secondly, it helps to break stereotypes. When different voices are heard, it challenges narrow ideas about race, gender, culture, or disability. Instead of being reduced to clichés, people are shown as complex and capable. This leads to greater understanding and empathy in society. (body)

In conclusion, representation is not just about being visible—it’s about being seen, heard, and respected. It can empower individuals and create a more fair and inclusive world for everyone. (conclusion)

My text