Lesson Plan, Video, Activity :

Lesson Plan, Video, Activity Between Black and White: Asian Americans Speak Out - A Seat at the Table

Grade Level 9th-12th Grade
Time Period 2010 - Present

Introduction

“A Seat at the Table” is about the Lunar Collective, a group of people identifying as Jewish and Asian who haven’t fit neatly into demographic categories. Asian American Jews embrace identity, become more visible, and stand against hate.

This resource explores the complex identities of young people who don’t fit neatly into demographic categories. Students learn the interlinkages between the Jewish faith and Asian Americans as a racial and ethnic group—especially their shared typecasting as “model minorities.”

This resource includes a background essay, discussion questions, and activities. Students explore how their own identities have shifted over their lives. Extension activities include studying intersectional identities—religion and sexuality—and digging deeper into the “model minority” stereotype.

Essential Questions

How does religious faith intersect with racial identity?
What does it mean to be a “model minority”? How do these stereotypes negatively impact groups such as Asian and Jewish Americans?
The Lunar Collective explains that, like the moon’s cycles, “one side of someone’s identity may be fully and openly illuminated, another may be kept private or misunderstood.” What do you think about this statement?
What parts of your identity are out in the open? What parts are lesser known or understood? How so?