Resource #1: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - "The Danger of a Single Story"
Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural
voice — and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a
critical misunderstanding. The single-story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes
is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete,” Adichie says in the video. “They make
one story become the only story.” Instead, she explains, we must seek diverse perspectives —
and in turn, writers must tell our own stories. Telling the stories that only we can tell, about our
experiences, hopes and fears, helps break down the power of cliches and stereotypes.
Resource #2: Katherena Vermette - "Heart"
Katherena Vermette uses the power of words through a poem to change the reputation of
violence and racism for Winnipeg. In the poem “Heart”, Vermette states that people from other
provinces call her hometown “ That north end but we call it home”, she is trying to tell everyone
that this is home, and no matter where home is, it is a place where people belong. The poem
states that “if you say broken, I will say healing. If you say beaten, I will say rising”, the message
Vermette is trying to convey here is that no matter where home is it is beautiful. A home is a
place where people grow up, live and dream. However, more importantly, she is trying to deliver
the message that her hometown is not a bad place despite its reputation. Rather, what makes a
place wonderful, what makes it home, is the heart of the people who live there. The sincerity and
sense of community are what matters. Vermette's message is that no matter where you are, what
matters the most is the heart, and having the best of thoughts and a kind heart.
Works Cited
Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. “The Danger of a Single Story.” TED,
https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?la
nguage=en.
Vermette, Katherena. “Heart: by Katherena Vermette.” CBC,
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2665745078.