Problem
In this Lesson, you were asked to consider how you define yourself to a stranger, by focusing on various aspects related to culture.
By asking you to define yourself, you have been given the power to focus on those aspects that you felt were important to facilitate your understanding of how you choose to be defined.
Now you are being asked to consider how "power" plays a role in our understanding of cultural issues. You have been given the power to expose those misunderstandings to a larger audience through an editorial write on one of the following topics:
Research and respond to an article about power dynamics as related to cultural issues. For example, the issue of Indiginous right to self-government. Explain how the dominance or lack of specific voices in your research sources affects your understanding of the issue(s).
Research and respond to an article related to cultural stereotypes in the mass media, such as movies, television, music, fashion. An example could be the depiction of what a 'family' looks like in commercials or the complaints of cultural insensitivity against H&M in 2013 for their faux "hipster" headdress as a mockery of aboriginal culture. Explain how the dominance or lack of specific voices leads to misunderstanding and/or misrepresentation of a culture.
Research and respond to an article related to privilege, oppression, equity and equality. For example, the proposed Quebec Charter of Values that would make it mandatory to have one's face uncovered when providing or receiving a state service - what can be construed by such a requirement? Explain how the dominance or suppression of specific voices creates an imbalance of power.