The African philosophy of Ubuntu teaches us a remarkable lesson: that we are human only through the humanity of others. Ubuntu means
- I am because you are, or
- We are because of each other.
The Ubuntu philosophy can be found in many African countries. When we take the time to learn how other cultures or communities lead their lives, we amplify our own lenses and perspectives. These learnings allow us to honor the global world we live in. To me, this kind of learning goes above and beyond “celebrating diversity,” because we are making an intentional effort to live in a world rooted in inclusion, justice, and freedom.
I’ve worked with multilingual learners for over two decades. It is a misconception to believe that only teachers who work with students who speak other languages should invest the time in learning about different countries, their traditions and beliefs. This responsibility and responsiveness should come from everyone who is part of an educational system.
I understand how overwhelming it can be when you are learning alongside students who come from so many different countries and cultures. An educator’s heart is invested in doing what is right by students. Yet, this is a journey rather than a destination. There are no “finish points” or goals to achieve. We must always become more knowledgeable and aware of other cultures.
If you are wondering how you can make room in your life for learning about the ways of being and learning in other cultures, I have curated a list of things I have done and tried throughout the years. I also believe in learning in multimodal and multigenre ways, so you’ll notice that this list is not limited to one format of learning only.
As you go through this list, I invite you to think of a couple of key questions that may guide your thinking as you choose resources for your own learning.
Who is telling this story? Is it someone from within the culture or is this written by an outsider?
Do you have access to the backstory and/or research for this work? What kind of research was done to put this learning together?
Does this resource (story, movie, video, novel) contain tropes that reinforces stereotypes about a culture?
Does this resource come from a reliable source? Have they published or produced anything in the past that supports their credibility?
Questions like the ones above help us think critically before we invest the time in any recommended sources. This level of criticality and research will serve us as a tool for life as we live in a world that is constantly producing materials and resources.
Podcasts
Latino USA
One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that Latinos are a monolithic group, that our languages, points of view, and culture are all the same. As a Latinx, I can affirm that this is far from true. This podcast Latino USA provides wonderful insights into the experiences of Latinx communities in the United States. The stories shared here are wide in experiences, rich in languages, and accurate, as they are told through people’s testimonies.
Code Switch
In Code Switch the topic of race is at the center of all conversations. You will learn so much through each conversation as the hosts and guests explore how race is connected to every aspect of life. This podcast was voted Apple Podcast’s Show of the Year in 2020.
Movies
The Good Lie (2014)
This movie influenced my life and teaching in incredible ways. It was created based on the true story of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Reese Witherspoon is not only an acclaimed actor but also a film producer who exemplifies what it means to research deeply and widely before creating something for the world to view. This movie does justice in honoring the lives of Sudanese who were victims of wars. Many people in the United States may not really understand the process people go through to enter the country as refugees. It is painful and slow. I have watched this film with educators to build our cultural understandings as we welcome refugees in our schools and communities.
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
This four-part documentary on Netflix is based on the work by scholar Dr. Jessica B. Harris as part of the intense research she has done on the connections between the foods of West Africa and the United States. This documentary traces the brilliant and excellence of Black cooks across time. It is also a tribute to and celebration of African American cuisine in a way that is long overdue.
Reading
When it comes to reading work of either fiction or nonfiction, I make an intentional effort to keep my eyes open for authors who are centering culture, language, and traditions from an insider point of view. I try to follow authors who are from different countries and/or cultures and who honor their communities’ values and beliefs through their work. I also enjoy following these authors on social media (especially on Instagram) as they share insights into their lives. Here are some of my favorite authors/scholars to follow:
Erika L Sanchez: Author of the book I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican American Daughter (soon to be turned into a film). Instagram account: @erikalsanchez
Aida Salazar: Award-winning author of the books The Moon Within and Land of the Cranes. Instagram account: @aida_writes
Nicole Chung: Author of the book All You Can Ever Know. She is also a contributing writer for The Atlantic with a column called I Have Notes. She brings an important Asian American voice into the conversation. Instagram account: @nicolejchung..
IllumiNative is a Native woman-led racial and social justice organization. They focus on building power for Native people through the amplification of Native voices, stories, and testimonies.
Learning in communities, about communities, and from communities can look many different ways. I hope you find something in this list that helps you amplify your lens as we continue to live and thrive in a global world.
