The Danger of the Single Story

Welcome to our FIRST UNIT! Today, you will be viewing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Ted Talk about the dangers of a single story. 

BEFORE VIDEO: We will have a quick discussion about stories and storytelling. 

DURING VIDEO: As you watch, think about the message that Adichie is trying to convey. In your notebook, jot down 2-3 things that Adichie says that you think is important, that you find interesting, or that you didn't know before. They can be quotes from her talk.

AFTER VIDEO: Think about your own identity. List some ways you might identify yourself. I might write: teacher, wife, sister, daughter, and aunt.

Next, think about a single story that people could create about you? For example, I am a twin so people might perceive me as weird and that I have twin-telepathy powers. When I lived overseas, I was the “American” so people perceived me as sociable even though interacting with others is incredibly exhausting for me. 

ASSIGNMENT: In the text entry box, tell me a story of a time where someone didn’t understand your perspective or only received one side. Tell me about that time. Click here for an example. Include the following information:

• What was the situation?
• Why do you think that person didn't understand you?
• What did you do to try and explain your perspective?
• How did you feel?
• Was there a resolution? If so, how did you come to that resolution? If not, why do think you couldn't come to an agreement?

****Before submitting, check to make sure you have done the following:

1. Do you have 5-7 sentences?

2. Do you tell a story that answers the 5 questions?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then submit! If not, edit your work and submit when completed.