Week 8

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.