People, including our students, are exposed to various types of messages through various forms of media such as art, television,movies, books, and social media. Some of these messages tell us about how we are seen, how we should see ourselves, how other people are seen, and how we should see other people. Not all of these messages are truthful and respectful; in fact, many of these messages are based on and reinforce systems of oppression,misconceptions, and stereotypes, and have harmful consequences.Particularly during this time of the year, with holidays such as Día de los Muertos and Thanksgiving, we are given messages about Latin@and indigenous people that are often based on misconceptions and stereotypes. Aesthetics, customs, and traditions from these cultures are taken out of context, striped of their significance, and stereotyped, often under the pretense of multiculturalism. In this unit,students will investigate, deconstruct, and unlearn the misconceptions and stereotypes.
