As we approach the end of the course, reflect on the texts, discussions, and concepts explored in Multicultural Literature. What is one significant lesson about culture or identity that has stood out to you? Explain why this lesson is meaningful and analyze how it connects to your own experiences or perspective.

Prompt Response: I was personally a large fan of our unit on Wild. For most of the year the analysis of various cultures didnt really surprise me or make me heavily think, but when analyzing personal identity and the way it morphs and changes throughout life, it made me start thinking more about what ill do as an adult. It reminded me to have hope for things in the future and hold onto the idea that everything will turn out okay.

What is the most exciting thing about graduating high school for you personally? In your response, explain what you are looking forward to most after graduation (college, career, independence, travel, etc.) and why it matters to you.

 Prompt Response: Being able to fully be away from my family and judgement of being around people I know, I dont know anyone up in Denver and im so excited to not care about pleasing old friends and family.

Summary: we wrote down our goals and ideas for post graduation

Reflection: no matter what I want to do art.

Clothing is often tied to identity and culture. Describe an outfit or style you like that may not fit what others expect from you. How have people responded, and what does this reveal about stereotypes in society?

 Prompt Response: Since my entire life ive dressed pretty out there and loud, sometimes people are surprised when I actually dress "normal". Occasionally i just wear regular cut jeans and a t shirt with no fun design or style, and people comment on it. People just kind of decide for you what kind of person you are, and once you are labeled as weird its strange for you to appear "normal".

Summary: we watched a short film and then spent the remainder of the class working on our projects.

Reflection: Being raised by parents who refused to push any norms on me and my sibling, I never had struggled feeling ashamed of how I dressed, and im really grateful for that.

Think about a film that represents your culture (or a culture you identify with) in a positive and meaningful way. Explain how the film represents the culture and why this portrayal matters. Be sure to include specific examples from the film.

 Prompt Response: I saw the tv glow is a really nice representation of the trans experience, focusing more on personal identity rather than just being about a character who likes crossdressing. It doesn't need to outright say exactly what the character is thinking, using common trans experiences to communicate what the main character is going through and realizing.

Summary: We worked on our film project

Reflection: 

The short film Born With It shows how stereotypes can shape the way people see others and even how individuals see themselves. Reflect on the main character’s experience and explain how stereotypes impacted his identity and sense of belonging. Then, connect this to a broader idea: how can stereotypes influence the way a culture or group is understood by others? Use specific examples from the film to support your response.

 Prompt Response: The way the boy is treated in the film is due to the lack of prior exposure any of the other kids have had to black people, causing them to make odd generalizations based on stories from their parents and the news that dont tell the whole story, meaning the main character is told he has aids. Without proper education children tend to do this, taking the first thing they hear and running with it, not knowing its hurtful and offensive.

Summary: we watched and reviewed the short film

Reflection: 

 

Think about the most stereotypical film you have ever seen. This could be a movie that represents a specific culture, race, gender, or group in an oversimplified or unrealistic way. In your response, explain what film you are referring to, what stereotypes were present in the film, and how those stereotypes shaped your understanding of that group at the time

 Prompt Response: The movie I choose is Pocahontas, considered a beautiful Disney princess movie, but the way is glorifies the colonization of Native Americans and portrays Natives as these witchy magical creatures rather than just people is really off-putting, it seems pretty and nice but its dehumanizing, acting like they were magic spirits rather than victims of a genocide.

Summary: 

Reflection: Stereotypes aren't always in your face and obvious, but they really are everywhere.

Hair can be a powerful way people express who they are and where they come from. Think about your own hair, your style, texture, or how you choose to wear it. How does your hair connect to your culture or your identity? Describe a moment when your hair made you feel proud, uncomfortable, or misunderstood, and explain why.

 Prompt Response: Since third grade I've been dying and styling my hair in unique ways, for me it was always an important way to communicate how I felt different from my peers and my love for creativity and customization

Summary: We reviewed a short film about the cultural importance of hair.

Reflection: Hair is such a deeply important thing to not just humans, but every species with feathers, fur, scales and hair. For all of us its a way of showing off and impressing others around us, and its an important social skill across species.