Intelligence Squared

Debate: It’s Time To Ditch the Canon of Great White Men, Part 1

6 snips
Jun 24, 2023
Jeffrey Boakye, a former English teacher and author, teams up with Tomiwa Owolade, a critic and writer, to tackle the heated debate on revising school curricula. They explore whether to maintain the traditional canon of great white men or shift towards a more inclusive selection of diverse authors. The discussion covers the historical roots of Eurocentrism in literature, the implications of cultural dominance, and the need to balance artistic merit with representation. Their insights challenge listeners to rethink what constitutes greatness in literature.
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INSIGHT

Origins of the Canon

  • The National Curriculum aims to introduce students to "the best that has been thought and said."
  • This phrase, originating from Matthew Arnold, reflects a Victorian-era belief that culture prevents anarchy.
INSIGHT

Education and Social Inequality

  • The education system's design historically prioritized the aspiring middle class, reflecting social inequalities.
  • This design, rooted in ideology and class, aimed to instill culture as an antidote to perceived working-class anarchy.
INSIGHT

Identity and Power

  • Dominant ideologies, tied to identity constructs like race, gender, and class, influence cultural narratives.
  • Acknowledging these power dynamics is crucial for understanding how certain viewpoints are privileged.
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