I have just started the chapter of CITIZENS SF in which LATINOS IN THE USA are discussed. The book is very diverse and inclusive. Although it was, to the best of my knowledge, written by white Norwegians and perhaps a native speaker of English or two; this textbook includes a series of excerpts, short-stories, poems and different samples of writing that belong to people of color. Throughout the past 24 years and 9 months, I have been met with anything ranging from microaggressions to full-blown racist statements whenever Black culture was mentioned in my classes. Students seem to believe the only aspect of Black History that is relevant is that my ancestors were slaves, that they were beaten, that they were mistreated, that their voices were not heard. If I have one important piece of criticism of most Norwegian teachers of EFL is that they dwell too much in the misery Black people went through and they do not teach BLACK EXCELLENCE.
It must be clear that Black Excellence is not about being a target or victim of racism. Black Excellence is about the achievements of Black people in History. As a Latina who is also Black, I am a part of both worlds. I speak as a Black Latina when I teach the difference between Chicanos, Hispanics, and Latinos. The book itself brings the example of a person from Brazil. Therefore, it is only natural that I bring in my personal lived experiences. Some students do not like this. I have been told that ''it is stupid that you use yourself as an example. You are setting us up.''. I have zero idea what this student thinks I am setting them up for, but that is what I was told.
Today, I showed my students the documentary Selena y los Dinos as part of their course of studies in the chapter VAMOS LATINO CULTURE ON THE RISE.
We will be discussing the documentary next week!
