Emeri's Adventures
The Beauty of Cultural Diversity
By: Perri Funai
Embedded Files
Welcome
Welcome
Welcome parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in creating a more inclusive world! The aim of this site is to expand your understanding of the power of narrative and language in shaping children's beliefs. We live in a society where racism and lack of cultural diversity are prevalent. However, the perspectives of our youth and the state of our society can be shifted with the help of narrative and language. This site will guide you in fostering more socially just children.
What is Racism?
What is Racism?
According to the American Psychological Association, racism is a form of prejudice that includes negative emotional reactions, acceptance of stereotypes, and discrimination against members of a group. Racism is divisive and inequitable, and takes privilege away from minority races. The inequalities that result from systemic racism include barriers in the education system, the criminal justice system, healthcare, employment and wealth, immigration, and homeownership. The prevalence of racialization causes children to form an understanding of themselves and others related to race. Children may not be educated and aware of the devastating consequences of racism and are at risk of maintaining and perpetuating these inequalities. Parents may not be aware of their own racial biases and can unknowingly teach and instill racist notions in their children.
Emeri's Adventures
Emeri's Adventures
"Emeri's Adventures" follows a young Japanese American girl named Emeri. The illustrates her experiences living in the culturally diverse community in Oahu, Hawaii and in Oregon, where she learns has less cultural representation. Her adventures communicate the beauty and significance of embracing and appreciating cultural diversity, and in turn, creating a more inclusive and loving world.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Learning Goals:
1) Readers will expand their awareness of systemic racism, racial biases, and racial stereotypes that people of color and minority race groups experience.
2) Readers will understand the importance of inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation for cultural diversity.
3) Readers will gain a richer perspective of culture and learn to avoid forming biases and assumptions that there is “one story” or a single narrative about diverse people and cultures.
This paper explains development of beliefs and the power of narrative and parents to change beliefs.
This paper explains the development and influence of language in shaping beliefs and how parents can use language.
Parent Discussion Guide: How Parents Can Use This Book Successfully
Parent Discussion Guide: How Parents Can Use This Book Successfully
Children are highly impressionable and form perceptions based on the ideas they are exposed to. Parents hold a lot of power in this process. It is important that parents use their influence on children to help broaden their understanding of racism and cultural diversity.
-Discuss and point out hardships that racial minorities experience and how they differ from those with racial privilege
-Talk about limitations and barriers people of color experience that stem from racial inequality
-Highlight the importance of understanding one’s privilege as a racial majority
-Talk about personal experiences or current events to provide a clearer picture of the influence of racism
-Express appreciation for cultural diversity and explain the beauty of differences
-Expose children to different cultural practices, foods, or traditions
-Discuss the hurt other children could feel if their cultural identity is disrespected or constrained
-Model open, accepting, and respectful behavior towards cultural differences
-Talk about personal experiences regarding cultural diversity
-Use specific rather than generic language and avoid plurality when talking about race
(Example: “This Japanese person tries to be seen as polite.” rather than “Japanese people try to be seen as polite.”)
-Use appropriate, respectful, and unbiased language when talking about people
-Talk about personal experiences regarding the importance of avoiding adopting a single understanding of diverse cultures
-Expose children to other a variety of literature and media with diverse perspectives
-Discourage making assumptions or biases about cultures that children are unfamiliar with
-Encourage expanding the understanding of diverse backgrounds and inspire a curiosity to better understand others
About the Author
About the Author
My name is Perri Funai and I am a Sophomore majoring in Psychology and Education. I was born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii where I had to opportunity to experience diverse cultures and people. Growing up as a Japanese American girl, I was able to flourish in a community that embraced, represented, and respected my heritage and culture. In "Emeri's Adventures," my goal is to illustrate the beauty of cultural diversity and the importance of appreciating, embracing, and understanding diverse ways of life. I am passionate about better educating children and parents in order to create a more just society. I hope that through the power of narrative, parents and children can expand their perspectives and work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.
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