Racial stereotypes are often found in
textbooks due to the fact that they are not very multicultural and in my
opinion the textbooks mirror what the greater population looks like which is
white Males in the business world. “A common held notion is that images in EFL
textbooks are neutral, apolitical, or even an enjoyable part of learning
English” (Taylor-Mendes). I believe that the images represented in the
textbooks send a message of who is included or excluded in society and
unfortunately it is depended on race. Furthermore, certain images can create
opinions and make a statement indirectly and that’s why I feel that images
cause conflicts in textbooks. In my opinion it is important for the students to
have texts that they can relate to and see themselves depicted in so that they
feel included in the classroom.
The article by Cosette Taylor-Mendes,
depicted a study that explored how the images in textbooks, which represent
English culture(s), shaped students' and teachers' impressions of the target
foreign language culture. The study took place in Brazil and there are various
schools where English is taught for the purposes of business or travel as we
previously stated in our class discussion. The study allowed the EFL instructor
to view her teaching differently because her students called her out on her
racial privileges and now she views EFL textbook images, her students, and her
own position in the world in a different way. She mentioned that she was
offered three jobs with in the first week of her arrival and for other Brazil
residents they last months or years without jobs.
Some of the results were that the
participants “expressed enthusiasm and concern about the importance of English
in their work or education; thus, they study English (a) to communicate with
foreign management; (b) to further their professional opportunities within
their companies, or to apply for positions which require one to communicate in
English; and (c) as a personal interest”(Taylor-Mendes).
What does an English speaker look like? What
does a Spanish speaker look like? What does a _____ speaker look like? All of
these questions can appear as biased or prejudice as the article stated. “What does an American look like? The answer
is simple: White, wealthy, powerful, isolated with members of their own race,
and free of problems” (8). These are the portrayals that diverse students see
in EFL textbooks. They are unable to relate to them because of the difference
of appearance among other things.
After reading the article I began to wonder
about my own classroom. What can we do to eradicate racial stereotypes in
textbooks as well as our own classrooms?
I personally plan to promote multiculturalism
in the classroom and equity by making sure that all students are represented
around the classroom. For example, I want to depict every student in bulletin
boards and posters so that they do not feel excluded from the curriculum. It
will also promote diversity in the classroom and I want to teach my students to
accept difference and embrace who they are. Students will understand
multiculturalism and equity because of the environment they are in within the
classroom and the school.
