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One School, One Question

For fall 2016, NNHS will be exploring “one question” instead of “one book.” The question, developed by students and faculty together, is “Why do people put themselves in other people’s shoes, and what can we learn from that?” Our goal is for the exploration of this question to support our continued efforts related to anti-bias and cultural competency.

Instead of recommending one book, we are recommending a number of resources that relate to this question and encourage all community members to read/view/listen to at least one recommended resource this summer. Engaging with these resources this summer will support conversation and explorations this fall.

Resources that are not books are available free and online. Links available on the One School, One Question page of the NNHS website.

Books:

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

This graphic novel, told almost entirely in visual images, tells the story of an immigrant man’s journey to and experiences in a new country.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

In this critically acclaimed memoir, written as a series of letters to his teenage son, Coates explores how race has shaped our history and current times.

Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona

In this critically acclaimed graphic novel, teenager Kamala Khan suddenly receives superpowers, turning her into Ms. Marvel. Kamala wrestles with her new superpowers, trying to live up to the example set by her hero Captain Marvel, and with being a Muslim American and South Asian American teenager living in Jersey City.

Articles:

“So You Call Yourself an Ally: 10 Things All ‘Allies’ Need to Know” (Everyday Feminism, Jamie Utt)

How do we stand against prejudice and discrimination when we don’t identify with the group being targeted? This article offers tips for how to do so in an effective way.

“This is the Perfect Illustration of Why Microaggressions Hurt” (Alli Kirkham)

This comic strip offers definitions and examples of microaggressions, using words and visuals to illustrate how and why microaggressions can hurt.

“For Many Latinos, Racial Identity is More Culture Than Color” (Mireya Navarro)

This New York Times article explores how and why some who may get classified as Latino or Hispanic choose to identify themselves.

“Life at the Top in America Isn’t Just Better, It’s Longer” (Janny Scott)

This poignant New York Times article follows three New York City residents of different socio-economic classes who each have a heart attack. Their subsequent treatment and recovery experiences differ vastly based on what socio-economic class they are a part of.

“Cane, Able” (Lory Hough)

In 1975 legislation mandated that “public schools provide appropriate education for all children, including the blind.” David Tichhi, NNHS faculty-member, shares his perspectives as both a student and a teacher.

Podcast:

This American Life, Episode 545, Act 1: Ask Not For Whom the Bell Trolls, It Trolls For Thee (Lindy West)

In this 21-minute podcast segment, we hear the story of how writer Lindy West came to receive an apology from the man who viciously and repeatedly trolled her online. In the conversation between Ms. West and her tormenter, each learns what it’s like on the other side of hateful internet comments. [Please note: The podcast features Ms. West reading some of the malicious remarks she has received online, which include strong language, threats, and references to rape.] (Transcript available.)

Hidden Brain Episode 24: Tribes and Traitors (Shankar Vedantam)

This powerful podcast focuses on the challenges of empathizing with people who don’t share one’s own identity. The first part (10 minutes) tells the story of an Israeli soldier who tried to put himself in the shoes of Palestinian families. The second part (12 minutes) chronicles how a professor at a Palestinian university brought his students on a trip to Auschwitz so that they might understand the horrors of the Holocaust. The episode closes with an excerpt (7 minutes) from the play “Wrestling Jerusalem” by Aaron Davidman.” (Transcript not available.)

Video:

The Danger of A Single Story (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)

This TED Talk explores why we all need to hear, read, and experience as many different stories as possible. (Subtitles available)

East of Main Street: Asians Aloud (HBO)

In this powerful 37 minute video (closed captioned), HBO presents a collection of different voices from the Asian Pacific American community; people of different ethnic groups, religions, genders, and sexual orientations share their experiences and stories.

Malala Yousafzai’s speech at the Youth Takeover of the United Nations (Malala Yousafzai)

A Pakistani teenager nearly killed by Taliban gunmen for advocating that all girls should have the right to go to school gave her first formal public remarks at the United Nations on her 16th birthday in 2013. Her strong remarks included “We call upon all governments to ensure free, compulsory education — all around the world for every child.” (Video and Transcript available.)

So You’re Not Sure If You Should Ever Use The Word ‘Gay?’ Here’s The Handiest Flow Chart Ever. (Ash Beckham)

“Meet Ash Beckham. She has some really smart and hilarious things to help you out the next time you are thinking about using the word ‘gay.’” (Subtitles available)

Laverne Cox Explains the Intersection of Transphobia, Racism, and Misogyny (And What to Do About It) (Laverne Cox)

Watch Laverne Cox explain the unique positionality and context behind being a Black trans woman in the United States and propose a solution for the fact that trans women of color are the most targeted victims of violence in the LGBTQ community. (youtube Closed Captions available.)

Latino Vs Hispanic (Jessica Hernandez-Cruz)

Young adults who self-identify as Latino and/or Hispanic share their personal perspective on how and why they self-identify in a particular way demonstrating the idea that the identities are not interchangeable. (Subtitles available)

I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much (Stella Young)

“Stella Young is a comedian and journalist who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn’t, she’d like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society’s habit of turning disabled people into “inspiration porn.”” (Subtitles and Transcript available)