Question

journal entry #2
why we need ethnic studies in high school
hannah gedion - tedxmanhattanbeach
watch the video, then answer
heads up: there will be multiple answers to each questions, try to write at least 2 things or summarize it in your own words!

1. what does ethnic studies do for students?
2. why is it important to look at multiple perspectives?
3. what was the first state to make critical ethnic studies a graduation requirement in high school?
4. “our differences are what makes this world so beautiful” - what do you think about this quote? do you agree or disagree? why?

Explanation:

1. Based on the content of Hannah Gedion's TEDx talk: Ethnic Studies helps students feel seen and represented by centering marginalized histories and experiences, and it builds critical thinking skills to analyze systemic inequities.
2. Examining multiple perspectives in Ethnic Studies avoids one-sided, dominant-narative biases, and fosters empathy by teaching students to understand diverse lived experiences.
3. California was the first U.S. state to make Critical Ethnic Studies a high school graduation requirement, starting with the class of 2030.
4. The quote frames human diversity as a source of collective richness. Agreeing means recognizing diverse cultures, identities, and ideas drive innovation, empathy, and global connection; disagreeing might stem from viewing differences as sources of division, though this overlooks the unifying potential of inclusive, equitable engagement with diversity.

Answer:

1. Ethnic Studies validates students' identities by centering marginalized histories, and builds critical thinking about systemic inequities.
2. It avoids biased single-narative learning, and cultivates empathy for diverse lived experiences.
3. California was the first state to implement this requirement.
4. (Example agreement) I agree: diversity fuels cultural innovation, empathy, and a more nuanced understanding of the world, making it inherently beautiful.