The Danger of a Single Story and ChiArts Core Values

Well we are already into our third week of school, and you are truly embracing your individual and collective identity as the phenomenal freshman class of scholar-artists! Three cheers for the scholar-artists of 2015!

In our Survey of Literature class, we've begun to explore this idea of "danger," and "the danger of a single story." I introduced a denotation of the word, which was new to most of you. Now we are exploring the concept of danger as meaning when someone is "under the power or control of another." You've suggested that the relationship between "danger" and stories has something to do with having knowledge, power, and freedom of speech--the freedom to TELL OUR stories, and to be HEARD. For truly, when we tell our stories, we exercise power, and we tell the truth.

Please visit Class Links for the video we watched in class of the Nigerian writer Chiamanda's stirring speech, "The Danger of a Single Story."






You have a clear sense of the ChiArts Core Values. I've heard and read your references to all six core values, in your contributions to class discussions and in your writing.

What are the six? Well, this is not a quiz, but soon you will remember them ALL. The ChiArts Core Values are Creativity, Community, Integrity, Balance, Humility, and Perseverance.  They are so much more than words, and I encourage you to reference the definitions that explain these values (see "class links").

Thank you for an inspiring beginning for the 2011-12 academic year. This is my third year at ChiArts, and I'm even more excited than I was in the fall when we first opened! You inspire me.

With utmost respect for your incredible talent,

Ms. Arbeiter