Reading response assignment forThe Danger of the Single Story,by Chimamanda Adichie

Yesterday, we discussed the definition of a stereotype and what it means to stereotype someone or to be stereotyped. We looked at the Gary Trudeau cartoon,Street Calculus, which you analyzed. Finally, we listened to Jesus Colon's story, "Little Things are Big," and you wrote discussion board reflections.

There is one more piece I would like you to read and watch the film, titled, "The Danger of a Single Story," by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The link is in the folder, Week One Covey-Adiche. The text of the story is there also.

Write a response as follows:

1. Summarize the story in the first paragraph

2. What is the single story? What does she say is the danger of the single story?

3. Is there a single story that others use to define you? Write about a time when you or someone you have known experienced being stereotyped. If you do not think you or anyone you know has been the victim of stereotyping, you may offer one from the news or other media source- there are a lot on Facebook for example.

A reminder of the examples given yesterday: The friend who told me that "women bosses are the worst." Or the other example of the Dominican student who went to buy a handbag at Neiman Marcus, and after the student chose the one she wanted, the salesclerk told her "You can't buy that bag. You can't afford it." Many of you shared similar examples, which you may use in this reflection.

Write a three- paragraph reading response as follows:

1. Write a summary of the text: include what she defines as the single story. What does she say is the danger of the single story?

2. Write about a time when you were subject to stereotyping or been subject to being defined as a single story.

3. Choose a quote that stood out for you and copy it as the topic sentence for the third paragraph. Explain why you chose that quote.