I taught Ashley Joohyun the various interpretations of a piece of art by Ken Lum. The art is located on Malkin Avenue in the False Creek Flats industrial zone. It is two large billboards which at first glance appear to reinforce stereotypes about student achievement by race and gender (Asian girls achieve more than caucasian boys). The dominant Asian mother lording over her assumed daughter, praising her cognitive strengths and resultant pride. Contrast to the anxious Caucasian boy, hands on a fire hydrant, being accused of idiocy and uselessness.
Ashley, being a teacher of art, was quickly able to absorb the above interpretation, as well as the opposite interpretation: that the artist is commenting on the stereotypes he presents. Isn’t it true that the Asian mother is just as likely to admonish her smart daughter with “what an idiot” and the Caucasian mother just as likely to praise her little slacker? What does this say about the usefulness of stereotyping?
She taught the lesson confidently to other students, balancing both interpretations and introducing her own perspectives to the mix. She asked questions of the students and didn’t stuff ideas down their throats, rather letting them contemplate and arrive at their own conclusions.