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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insights 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.
insights 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.
insights 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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In 'I Heard What You Said', Jeffrey Boakye recounts his journey as a teacher, highlighting the challenges faced by black students and educators in the UK. The book reflects on the power of anti-racist education and the need for transformative change in the classroom. Through personal anecdotes, Boakye addresses systemic racism and the importance of student agency in education.
This Is America
Race, Gender, and Politics in America’s Musical Landscape
Katie Rios
This book examines how contemporary American artists, such as Childish Gambino, Laurie Anderson, Beyoncé, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, incorporate gestures of resistance into their works, challenging societal norms and advocating for social justice. It delves into the intersection of race, gender, and politics in American music.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements[3][4][5].
In recent years movements to change school curricula have argued that all students at schools and universities should be able to see themselves reflected in the books they read. But others argue that moves to recolonise the curriculum to include more diverse authors should be based on the universal value of their work rather than the identity of the individual. So how do we best go about updating those reading lists that include some of the most well-established classics in literature and academia? Jeffrey Boakye, former English teacher and author of the acclaimed memoir I Heard What You Said, and journalist Tomiwa Owolade are our guests for this debate to discuss this timely topic. Our chair is the writer, academic and broadcaster, Shahidha Bari.
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