IDEAS

Idea 4: Naming People from a Variety of Cultures

Why is it important?

Throughout our lives, we learn about individuals who have shaped history. Because of this, students can often name influential people from their own culture but only one or two from a different culture. It could even be that students think they can name more influential people from other cultures than they can. This activity allows for students to question why that may be.

Instructions

• Ask each student to individually write down the names of two influential people (living or dead) who:
• Grew up in a country different than their own;
• Are Native-American;
• Are Asian-American;
• Are White;
• Are African-American;
• Are Hispanic and;
• Are bi or multi-racial.
• Instruct students to get into pairs, review the names they listed for the categories, and answer the following questions:
• Which categories of people were the easiest to name? Why?
• Which categories of people were the most difficult to name? Why?
• As a class, ask the students what this exercise reveals about themselves and their upbringing. Discuss what it potentially reveals about their education.

Advantages

• Allows for students to explore whether or not they can name influential people from a multitude of backgrounds.
• Challenges students to confront their own possible biases.
• Gives an opportunity for students to learn about influential people from a variety of cultures.

Adapted from:
Bucher, R. (2004) Diversity Consciousness: Opening Our Minds to People, Cultures, and Opportunities.