While my lessons usually cover a range of countries and continents, this week, I focused on the USA. Taiwan is largely mono-racial, and they talk about diversity much less frequently than we do in the USA. I have noticed that, sometimes, people have an idea of Americans as white, and the USA as an idyllic place. However, my understanding of the USA is a place with a lot of strengths, and a lot of flaws. To me, one of the USA's strengths and core values is celebrating a hugely diverse population within its borders.
Therefore, one of my highlights from the week was teaching my students about the history of slavery in the USA, about Black American heroes, and about police and ICE violence. Guns are not common in Taiwan, and it is generally a much less violent country than the U.S., so my students were really horrified to hear about the police violence. They were also shocked and horrified to learn about American slavery. Because these are topics that are important to me, and important to my identity as an American, it was really important for me to teach about it. I am very grateful to my co-teachers for helping me design a meaningful lesson, and helping translate.
