PREJUDICE AND RACISM

From the discussions that were triggered by Literature, Y8 students showed sensitivity, curiosity, and strong opinion about prejudice and racism. It all began with “Three Cups of Tea”, by Greg Mortenson. There were important debates in class about differences and intercultural influences. Maya Angelou’s poems made students realize that racism is a sad chapter in History that is not over. As we read the poems, the Black Lives Matter movement gained visibility in the United States, and students organized an interview with Sérgio Patrick, a Brazilian correspondent journalist who lives in Ohio. This investigation was enriched by the reading of “Speak”, by Laurie Halse Anderson, and the connections about women’s role in society.

Besides literature and interviews, students were also invited to analyze the speeches of Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, TED talks, and the speech of Kamala Harris. It was a rich transition between past and present that rose awareness and attitude.