LESSONS ON PERCEPTION
Ms. Chan,
I’m writing to you to let you know that many in our class had a problem with one of the slides that was shown on Tuesday. The image came up during our discussion of perception. It was the second slide, the one with two black and white drawings, the elephant and the “Indian or Eskimo”. These terms “Indian” and “Eskimo”, while still commonly seen and heard elsewhere, are both considered derogatory and racist by many here in Canada. These are words that our class may be particularly sensitive to given some of our cohort's recent experience in our Aboriginal Education class and our involvement in the events and exhibitions surrounding The Year of Truth and Reconciliation.
Please know that no one I’ve spoken to has felt that this was done intentionally, only that you were likely unaware due to your more recent arrival in Canada. We would be happy to talk about this further if you wish, but that isn’t necessary. Please just remove the slide before showing this lesson to other classes in the future.
Thanks,
Chris
