LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Define cultural appropriation; describe how it affected one student who experienced it; identify and describe ways to encourage respectful representations of culture in the school environment 

HEALTH ED STANDARDS

NHES 8: Demonstrate how to influence and support others to make positive health choices. 

 

CASEL COMPETENCY: Social awareness; responsible decision-making 

KEY VOCAB

sacred, stereotypical, exploitative

Lesson Plan: Standing Up for Her Culture

Lemiley was upset about the way her Native American culture as represented at her new school. Read on to find out how she took action and made history along the way.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can I encourage respect for other cultures in my own life and at school?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. Why was Lemiley sad and angry after going to her first pep assembly at her new high school? She felt this way because a white student wore a plastic feather headdress, which Lemiley found disrespectful to her Native American culture. 
  2. What does Lemiley say headdress feathers symbolize in Native American culture, and how do Native American people acquire them? Headdress feathers are symbols of bravery and honor in Native American culture, and the Native American people who wear them must earn them. 
  3. What is cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation happens when one culture uses something like food, clothing, or music from another culture without understanding its history and importance.

 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. Prior to reading this article, had you ever learned about, seen, or been affected by any incident that you think might be an example of cultural appropriation? Describe the incident below. Possible answers: Wearing any type of Native, Indigenous, or foreign culture’s clothing or accessories as a costume; wearing blackface as part of a costume; using African American hairstyles such as dreadlocks or cornrows if you are not part of that culture
  2. Consider your answer to the first question. Why do you think this example of cultural appropriation is harmful? Possible answers: A Native American or Indigenous costume could make someone else feel as if their culture is just a joke or irrelevant to others; the use of blackface as part of a costume is associated with specific and painful parts of our nation’s history; Using dreadlocks and cornrows, if you are not African American, ignores the creators and history of those hairstyles.
  3. What are some positive ways to show appreciation for a culture you are not a part of? List at least two ways. Possible answers: Seeking out literature, historical texts, films, or documentaries made by people from that culture in order to understand it better; going to a cultural festival or museum exhibit that can give you an idea of what that culture is like. 

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

WATCH & DISCUSS

NHES 7

CASEL Competency: Social awareness; responsible decision-making

Now that students know how one student was affected by cultural appropriation, have them consider just how widely such appropriation happens in the U.S., namely on holidays such as Halloween. In this video from Teen Vogue, MY CULTURE IS NOT A COSTUME, students will watch and discuss the experiences that six young women have had with cultural appropriation. (Click here to find this Skill Builder.)

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

NHES 8

CASEL Competency: Social awareness; responsible decision-making

Put your students in groups and direct them to investigate SPORTS STANDING UP FOR CULTURE—that is, sports teams who have changed their names or mascots after becoming more culturally aware. Have small groups of students investigate at least three such teams and share what they learned with another group. (Click here to find this Skill Builder.)

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