Entry Question
What was your experience in NYC or elsewhere regarding the teaching of Puerto Rican culture? Were Puerto Rican/Caribbean topics, narratives, and figures included in the curriculum?
Bio
The interview published in BOMB between Mathangi Subramanian and Rajiv Mohabir discusses his book “Antiman: A Hybrid Memoir.” Here are the main ideas of the interview:
.The title of the book, Antiman, is a term that Rajiv is reclaiming from its homophobic origins and using as a queer symbol of his philosophy of poetry and writing, as well as a means of survival.
.The intended audience for the book is people who can relate to his queer, Indo-Caribbean journey. He hopes to provide more representation of Indo-Caribbean literature in the US.
.Although Rajiv has won prizes for his poetry, this memoir is his first book of prose, and it fits into his body of work by bringing together his obsession with poetry, prose, translation, hybridity, postcoloniality, Creole, and Hindu mythology.
Referenced Reading
.How does author Jane Yolen elaborate on the historical context of conquest and colonialism in her book? What is the role of the narration and the illustrations?
.How does she challenge the traditional notion of “encounter” concerning the European intrusion in the Americas?
.Why do you think she decided to have a Taíno boy as a narrator? How does this narrative choice illuminate a commonly neglected perspective?
.How do the boy’s mistrust and warnings foreshadow what happened to the Taíno in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean?
Critical pedagogy is an educational philosophy and approach that emphasizes developing critical thinking skills, social justice, and the transformation of oppressive social conditions. It aims to empower learners to become active and engaged participants in their learning and society by challenging dominant power structures and promoting social change.
How does Mohabir’s lesson on Columbus offer an example of critical pedagogy?
Discussion Questions
“Mister Javier’s Lesson Plan”
.The school in Bushwick is an essential place in Mohabir’s memoir. What is the significance of the school setting for Rajiv’s relationships, identities, and experiences of belonging?
.Considering Mohabir’s lesson plan, how does he challenge the limited educational experiences and opportunities available to Puerto Rican and Caribbean students in these areas?
.How does Rajiv’s portrayal of Brooklyn’s school system reflect broader themes of migration, assimilation, and cultural diversity relevant to Puerto Ricans in NYC?