Thursday, November 13, 2008

Problems with the idea of Western Civilization

Recently my students were asked to write an essay defining Western Civilization. I strongly dislike the question and this graphic came up that describes one of my problems.

1. See Map---->

2. I teach in a school that is 80% Hispanic. Where is that element in "Western Civilization"?

3. Africa, a whole continent with amazing culture also falls no where in the definition.

4. I feel like in the world of globalization it would be a better idea to look at how a country exerts their culture on other cultures.

5. Civilization is a rather large identity group. It's also one that encourages ignoring the oppressed.




2 comments:

ellen said...

good map!

problematic all around. i wonder what a better frame for a unit like that would be. i like your spheres of influence suggestion. i don't know...

muddledmind said...

Hm..Maybe that is another reason why a lot of students that I've talked to think that Africa is a country.