In this essay, the author unpacks the original definition for "savage" from the 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, explaining the ironic vantage point through which settlers viewed Native Americans.
American Indians are largely absent from mainstream social studies curricula. This toolkit for "Rewriting History—for the Better" showcases some of the best online sources for teaching about American Indians with an eye for inclusivity and accuracy.
Deborah Walker recalls that, growing up in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, fear and rage lived side by side. She credits her lifelong fight for equity to her guardian angels.
What do educators need to participate in an open and honest conversation about the content of The New Jim Crow? Effective instruction about The New Jim Crow requires advanced preparation for how to talk about race and racism.
This lesson revolves around Sherman Alexie’s poignant yet humorous and accessible essay, “I Hated Tonto (Still Do).” It explores the negative impact that stereotypes have on the self-worth of individuals and the damage that these stereotypes inflict on pride in one’s heritage. The reading is supported by a short video montage of clips from Western films. The clips offer students the opportunity to evaluate primary sources for bias and bigotry, as well as providing context for the protagonists’ experiences in the essay.
This toolkit for “With and About” provides resources to assist educators in designing and delivering more culturally relevant and responsive instruction to and about American Indian peoples.