I've learned about a few different topics in English class so far, but these are the ones that really stand out:
Normal. What do we define as normal? I've learned that there is no exact definition, and that the society we live in decides normal. Fashion trends, attitude, personality etc. all decides what "normal" is. This topic and subject is really interesting, and I've been having really deep thoughts about what 'normal' is. It isn't one of those topics where you have to pretend like you understand, because 'normal' affects everyone. It's basically impossible to go through life without ever wanting to be 'normal'.
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USA stereotypes... |
I come from a school where English class is as simple as 'as red as an apple' or 'She (decides/decide) to make lunch'. My understanding of the world was limited to what I studied in the classrooms. I didn't know or cared much about international affairs because the school never encouraged us to read newspapers or watch the news, as it was less important than what we studied in school curriculum. When I did watch the news however, I believed everything they told me. They told me all Russians are terrorists, I believed them. They told me stereotypes about different races of people, I believed them. As I grew older, I gained access to the internet. And in my English class, I learned that every story has two sides to it. I learned about how the media is so powerful and it can manipulate stories in any way. This topic has made me realize that it's important not to give power to stereotypes and that a single story has the power to make you believe anything.
These units have really enriched my understanding of the world.