Last week in class, I showed a TED Talk that has radically affected me: The Danger of a Single Story, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She’s a current Nigerian writer whose novel was labeled by critics as not having “African Authenticity.” I’ve watched the video 3 or 4 times before showing my class; each time I’ve been challenged by Ms. Adichie’s quest to view places, people, and individuals by all their stories.
At the end of the video, I asked my students, “What’s the single story you know of Africa?” The answers weren’t surprising. Being at a T.A.G. school, I then asked, “What’s the community’s single story of this school?” “That we’re privileged, nerdy white people,” remarked a student of color whose family is far from wealthy. I let that hang a moment, then asked, “What’s the single story people believe about you?” A raucous dialog was reduced to the loudest silence as many winced at the question. “Don’t answer that aloud. Think about it while I share with you two single stories people have believed about me.” I took a deep breath, for courage, and said, “In high school, I was the abused kid from a poor single family. Many didn’t realize I was in 3 different bands, 2 different choirs, drama, and cheerleading…. Today, some have thought of me as the widowed, single father of 3. People are surprised when they find out I teach middle school.” There were puzzled faces around the room.
Sadly, sometimes I’ve believed this last single story of myself, but God’s been changing that focus through my year of gratitude (and I’m only 14 days in).
Today, a you go through your day, ask God to show you the people of whom you have believed a single story, and ask Him to reveal to you the stories you are missing. I’m positive the rounded view of these people will surprise you and warm your heart.
Good Grief?!? 