Statues removed

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/16/us/baltimore-confederate-statues.html?mcubz=1

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/16/us/confederate-monuments-removed.html

There are many statues and monuments in America today of leaders from the 1800's who believed people of different race were not equal. These men were soldiers and generals who fought to keep black people as slaves and believed only white people should be free. They fought for the Confederate army in the American Civil war 1861- 1865.

The statues show people who had very different ideas to those most Americans have today. For example, Roger B Taney has a statue in Annapolis. Taney was the chief author of the 1857 law that stated African-Americans could not be American citizens.

Many of these statues are being taken down because people want to show that America has changed. Some people think the statues should stay where they are, some say the statues should be moved to museums, some say the statues should go altogether because they represent racism and slavery.

A monument in Boston has been covered up while the council decide what to do with it. Governor Charlie Baker said, "We should refrain from the display of symbols, especially in our public parks, that do not support liberty and equality."

What's happening in the picture?
What are they doing?
Why do you think they are taking down a statue?

Explain the story

- Why do we have statues today, what are they for?
- Why do you think statues of Confederate leaders were put up in America 100 years go?
- 100 years ago did we have equality for different races, genders, gay or lesbian people?
- What has changed today?
- In the UK today what law do we have about equality? (The Equality Act 2010)
- Why do you think some people are calling for the statues to be removed from public spaces?
- Some people say the statues should stay up because they show history; what do you think?
- What does the removal of these statues tell us about the world today?
- What does this story show us about ideas? (ideas can change)
- The Governor in Boston says we shouldn't have monuments 'that do not support liberty and equality', how do you think he could replace those monuments?
- What can we learn from this story?
- Why is this about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

equlaitiesprimary

Diverse Little Mermaid

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/little-mermaid-star-addresses-racist-critics_us_59907c89e4b090964297c55b?utm_hp_ref=asian-voices

Diana Huey is an Asian-American actress currently touring the USA in a Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. Diana plays the part of Ariel.

Some people have reacted to Diana's role negatively, saying Diana should not play Ariel because of her ethnicity. Some Disney fans said only a white woman should play the part of Ariel.

Diana said that when she auditioned for the part, she didn't think she would be successful because she was Asian; "Looking back on that now, that thought makes me so sad. No one should feel like they aren't enough because of the colour of their skin or the shape of their eyes or any factor outside of WHO THEY ARE"

Diana continues; "I want to believe in a world where racism and bigotry no longer exist. I want to believe we can truly have equality in this world- and the arts are a damn good place to start."

What do you see in the picture?
Any guesses who the character is?
Say the character is Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Do you notice anything about the actress playing Ariel?

Explain the story

- Why are some people saying Diana can't be Ariel?
- Why do you think Diana got the part? (because she was the best actress)
- Who decided Diana should play Ariel? (The director / the producers of the play)
- What does this decision show about how the director and the producers feel about an Asian actress playing Ariel?
- Diana is playing Ariel successfully in a tour all over America; what does this show us about America today?
- Why did Diana think she wouldn't get the part? Why did she keep going?
- Why does Diana say, "No one should feel that they aren't enough because of who they are."?
- What can we learn from Diana?
- Why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

equalitiesprimary