A set of tasks

AmLa 80 TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Adichi

Now that you have completed these previewing strategies to become familiar with her TED Talk, consider and answer the following questions during and after your viewing:

1. What does Chimamanda Adichie mean by “the single story?”

2. What does she say about stereotypes?

3. What does she mean when she talks about one story becoming the only story? What are people robbed of when one story becomes the only story?

4. What does she mean when she talks about “a balance of stories?”

5. How does Reyna Grande’s story allow other people to tell their story, too? In other words, how does her story give other people permission to share their story?

6. Did you have any stereotypes about people from Mexico? If so, explain how Reyna’s story forces you to reconsider (think again) these stereotypes regarding Mexican culture.

If you are from Mexico, what stereotypes have you had about people from other cultures? How have your classmates’ additional stories helped change your view of these cultures?

7. Adiche talks about how a single story robs someone of his/her dignity. Are there any terms or words that you can think of which rob immigrants of their dignity?