P6 - Decolonial Theory

Working alongside students who are typically labeled minority, even though they compose the majority of our student body, presents a complex dynamic to both teach and learn from. Most of our students are of Latinx background, though there is a split between students who are American born and those who’ve immigrated. Therefore teaching our students about colonization, and decolonization, is difficult given the different histories our students are have been presented with. In her explanation of decolonial theory, Angela Haas provided the following description that stood apart from the others (191):

• How we individually and collectively have been affected by and complicit in the legacy of colonialism

While I have taught colonialism before, particularly the effects it has had on students of color, I don’t think I’ve ever been as intentional in discussing our complicities. In focusing specifically on Native Americans, she describes their representation as promoters of all things natural and eco friendly (189). However she also goes on to describe the lack of representation of Natives progressing with 21st century technology. This has made me curious about the spaces media and western narratives permit people of color to hold and our role in promoting said roles. I think of the content my students watch, specifically when it comes to individuals who look or speak or come from similar backgrounds as them. I think that asking my students to analyze this would help us have conversations about how we can disrupt the ways in which our world sees us, how we see ourselves, and how we see others.