3. OBJECTIVE
SWBAT define and explain new vocabulary that shows
one reason why we need to care about English class
VOCAB:
oppression
dominant narrative
counter narrative
4. NEW VOCABULARY
What is oppression?
Oppression is unjust or cruel exercise of power over
groups of people. While privilege opens doors of
opportunity, oppression slams these doors shut.
For example, during the years of segregation and
slavery, whites oppressed blacks.
Oppressor in this scenario = whites
Oppressed in this scenario = blacks
5. What does this quote mean?
The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor
is the mind of the oppressed.
--Stephen Bantu Biko,
South African Activist
6. How do we believe the things that we believe?
TV
Movies
Government
School
Family
Etc.
Stories that are most often told in society are called
dominant narratives.
Dominant = powerful and controlling
7. Examples of Dominant Narratives
Stereotypes
(all Black people like rap music, all Asians are good at
math, etc.)
Money = power
Being gay is not normal
What other dominant narratives can you think of?
8. :60 seconds
QUICK CHAT
1. Do you agree that money equals
power?
2. Who decides that money equals
power?
9. Answer this…
1. Do you agree with dominant narratives?
2. Are dominant narratives always telling the
truth?
3. Who decides what the truth is in our society?
10. What is the purpose of this class?
To understand the dominant and counter narratives
being told to us through texts
To capture and express our voices to tell our own
truths or counter-narratives
Counter narratives are narratives that go against
dominant narratives.
11. Example of a counter narrative:
http://www.upworthy.com/bullies-called-him-pork-
chop-he-took-that-pain-with-him-and-then-cooked-
it-into
