Why ethnic studies matters | Ron Espiritu | TEDxAmherstCollege

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. A growing body of research from education scholars shows that an Ethnic Studies pedagogy taught at the K-12 level exposes students to an empowering and academically rigorous curriculum that has proven positive academic and social benefits to students of all races. In his talk, Ron Espiritu, a high school Ethnic Studies teacher in South Los Angeles shares the approaches he uses with his students and challenges teachers and school districts to adopt Ethnic Studies classes and frameworks into every school’s curriculum.
Ron Espiritu graduated from Amherst College in
2006 with a double major in History and
Interdisciplinary studies with a focus in Chicano
and Nuyorican Literature and received a Five
College Certificate in Latin American and
Caribbean Studies. Upon graduation, Ron moved to Los Angeles where he has taught high school for the past nine years. In 2008, he graduated from Loyola Marymount University earning a Masters degree in Education. That same year he began teaching Ethnic Studies and Chicano/African - American studies at Animo South Los Angeles High School. He is a founding member of The People’s Education Movement, a grassroots community organization that mobilizes educators
to fight for social justice in and out of the
classroom. Espiritu also participates in local and national campaigns that defend and promote Ethnic Studies approaches to teaching.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@caitlinbutcher9885]

I had to watch this for an assignment. I am very glad that I did, it has opened my eyes by a lot and makes me proud to be Chicana! I just wish we had more ethnic studies here in the Midwest. But Ron did a great tedtalk! I need more of his content.

[@irmaaldana4952]

my daughter sought Chicano studies class through a community college experience while in high school because her high school in LA didn't offer any such courses. She noticed how world history only dedicated a small section on the Aztec and or America's empires. As a result and love of Chicano Studies this fall she enrolled at UC Davis as a Chicano studies major. She is proud of her major regardless of the negative comments she receives from others who look at her major as less.

[@jocelynbarrera2251]

We can do anything we want with Ethnic Studies majors (just like any major)! I graduated from UC Berkeley last year and am finishing up my Masters in Education at UC Santa Cruz and still plan on applying to Law school in the future. Congrats to your daughter on getting into Davis! I am sure she will love it💙💛! External opinions don’t matter. She will do amazing!!!!

[@mountaindew3201]

Nice of her. I didn’t get accepted into UC Davis but I did here at Sac State

[@ARAMA.77]

Graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Chicana/o studies & minor in human rights. Love the professors, faculty and community built around the chi department, definitely felt heard and seen.

[@ShadowLove1231]

You go Mr.Espiritu! Proud and honored to of had you as a teacher.

[@saytax]

Did he also tell you how capticalism is based on slavery and oppression?

[@AngelRodriguez-nf4en]

ATAX Never had him as a teacher. But I am sure capitalism is based on slavery and oppression. One instance would be the disfranchisement of low wage workers with forced overtime and probed to policing.

[@bng_cortez7105]

where are you right now you still in LA?

[@indulgentenhydra5997]

@@saytax He was never my teacher, but it literally was based on that.

[@lissettediaz7354]

How can we find him to see if he would like to help in other state?

[@DelgadoAlexander-hs2kh]

My name is Alexander Delgado. I learned that ethnic studies are important it can be empowering to some groups.

[@ReFuzTion]

Greatest educator to take part in my education. His classes were very I intellectually stimulating. Always in support of our influential teacher who impact students' lives everyday. Go Panthers! Dub '14

[@johncfoster7949]

The law banning ethnic studies was ruled unconstitutional on August 22, 2017.

[@tamaratorres6636]

Hope to influence others like he does and help grow our communities. I love learning and empowering our people.

[@mariaclark6313]

I love erhnic studies. It is the root, the platform of of culture, language and who we are. I appreciate your presentation. I teach Spanish but feel the need to expound on ethnic background to the raices. Reflection on the semilla, the seed. You are a profound person with rich raices through your familia. Your abuela, you parents help bring forth this strength and I thank all of you. Siempre luchando. Bendiciones a todos. ❤🙏

[@abyespinoza4297]

This video taught me so much and really opened my eyes on a topic I knew about but I guess didn't process the importance of.

[@GBuaccc]

I recommend Aztlan Underground to all my young brothers; they opened my eyes when I was a 15 year old M.E.Ch.A historian.

[@derekroh4785]

This is what I stand for too. Want to get better at understanding and teaching ethnic studies. Currently in junior year at CSUF for Child and Adolescent Studies.

[@brip80]

This is my bosses nephew! And this talk is amazing. I'm surprised I didn't find it through my boss telling me lol

[@tom-ot8kg]

I live in Casa Grande, Arizona. Mexican-american myself and i'm a senior in high school. It makes me sad that our community is mostly mexican american but our history is irrelevant in school and everyone is clueless about our history. I've been living here my whole life and our culture is stereotyped and looked at as "anti american". Our school board is a mess and it's obvious they don't care about students. It's sickening that they want us learning a certain way. My main question is why is america scared of diversity? Especially in a land where the school is a majority of hispanic students.

[@saytax]

Because, the purpose of ethnic studies is a Marxist based school of thought to use race based "studies" to legitimize the idea of oppression. Which is a farce.

[@albertogutierrez8653]

midnight marauder Why should Americans pay for specialty education. That is your business not the public charge.

[@ramonz.8857]

@@albertogutierrez8653 it's not "specialty education." it's american history, one that is never taught and hushed, that everyone deserves to know about.

[@eliasserna4284]

Inspirational and informational talk, precipitated Ethnic Studies requirement at LAUSD, San Francisco USD, Sacramento, Santa Monica .... consciousness raising is the engine of social change ... and Viva the Xican@ Pop-Up Book Movement !

[@democracymontano]

Q Vo?! I was reading this post and realized it was you; the OG Intellectual...and a friend of my uncle Marco Antonio Firebaugh right? ANIMO!!! Have you heard the stories and history of the 2nd Battalion 141st Infantry Company E from the 36th Texas Division? I bet you have :) One of the most decorated combat groups from WWII...all Mexican-American fighting unit :) TODOS SOMOS AMERICANOS!!!

[@albertogutierrez8653]

Consciousness raising. Que pendejo eres. Un torpe a la educacion.

[@karlaDCF]

YOU ARE AMAZING. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION. IN SOLIDARITY.

[@zapatasghost]

"...it's time..." I agree. The key is the infusion idea. Many or even most schools will not have or really need separate courses of study called "Ethnic Studies" or "Chicano Studies," etc. But EVERY school has U.S. History, World History, Geography, Literature, etc. classes. The goal in k-12 public schools to render the need for "Ethnic Studies" irrelevant because so much of the content and critical pedagogy has been infused into the "normal" curriculum that EVERY kid gets. That's when you know you've changed the institution. Right on to our gente, like Espiritu and many others, on the front lines in our schools.

[@BeiraBeas]

Anyone who calls ethnic studies racism is threatened by the knowledge we are spreading around the world about US History

[@devilcwesker5980]

Then just include it in a history book rather then forcing and economicly benefit from it

[@garyshepardjr2342]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Rosa1993]

One of the best professors at my old High school! Very inspirational and empowering.

[@soniagalvez432]

Thank you for helping students engage in meaningful community building.

[@dreyestud123]

Excellent Talk!!! I wished they'd had ethnic studies when I went to school. Very thought provoking.

[@aricars6263]

Just another bigot activist organization. like the black panthers , skin heads, kkk....

[@eliasserna4284]

***** wow, you must not be listening... this is a teacher that cares, that looks after people, especially young folks whom this country and education system sees as worthless... I've seen him inspire students to excel academically and find a meaningful path in academia. "Bigot??" I disagree with you very much.

[@aricars6263]

Elias Serna Ethnic studies is based on racism, think about it.

[@aricars6263]

Funny how most pointless arguments lead to name calling like mr serna did.

[@TownMobbin]

+aricars6263 read "Seize the Time" by Bobby Seale, and really learn about the Black Panthers.

[@kincamell2]

Much Appreciations.

[@TyDanie]

I will continue to fight for my fellow brown people im 29 and never had an option to take ethnic studies. It really saddens me that learning about your culture can be banned. The lack of accountability is sad in our histories however sweeping our history under the rug will not work.

[@KellyKelly-qd7my]

Lol! You don't see that they want you to self segregate? You go ahead and consider yourself a Chicana or African American while they consider themselves Americans. Get it. The subconscious programming: they belong here, you don't...not until you simply start referring to yourself as an American. Please don't be so gullible. Pride comes before destruction.

[@EvilLordLex]

Awesome Ted Talk Espiritu!

[@belladsenso]

Timeless wisdom

[@mariavasquez6065]

Go Ron! 🎉🎉🎉

[@KevinOlivas24]

I'm not sure if I'll go into educatibg vut I do wanna know more about how to infuse science education with ethnic studies pedagogy.

[@NewToneProducer]

I see you, Ron!

[@lucymendoza6339]

How can I find him?

[@Ibelieveinpubliced71]

Thank you.

[@kwamezulushabazz]

African Americans and Latinos must stand in solidarity. Stop allowing elites to keep us weak and divided, fighting over crumbs.

[@WillReusch]

its about HOW it is taught

[@maribelmendoza438]

SPEAKING TRUTH TO OUR REALITIES !!!!!!!!!!!!!! SUPER INSPIRING

[@ksf30]

My teacher for 9th grade

[@jennyfferbonilla36]

WERK IT ESPIRITU!🙌🙌

[@reynaaguirre4873]

Can someone tell me why people are against it ?

[@mapple_aidsjr2833]

I get the importance of empowering people to learn about other ethnic groups. It allows people to feel like they aren’t different and can phase out certain biases. However, I see the harm in telling students they are victims of society based on their race. Telling people that they are at a disadvantage is doing an injustice to young people. Someone could avoid trying as hard to achieve their goals if certain road blocks emerge, but that’s not always gonna be a race issue. A person who was taught the victim mentality, might try to see race in everything. That’s where it can be harmful and we need to keep that in mind. You’ll have a bunch of young people giving up when life gets tough. Possibly even try to overthrow governments that aren’t necessarily suppressing them. If you’re receiving that type of push back for it being harmful, intellectually, we should open ourselves to other perspectives.

[@karimemendiola6882]

Nope. See, there was never a time when white boys and girls were not allowed to go to school because of the color of their skin. There was not a time they were humiliated and made to feel less because of their native language. Coming from a Mexican American, brown girl, I KNOW I have faced disadvantages BECAUSE of the color of my skin. But NO I do NOT have a victim mentality. However, it was not until my sophomore year in college when I took an ethnic studies class that I was equipped with knowledge and support to understand that there were struggles I faced as a child because of the disparities in our education system. As a little girl I felt that it was me, it wasn't. It was others. The point is not to tell kids "poor you, you're a minority and are a victim," but, "hey look, here are books that represent you and your culture, here is history that is more representative of the class, here is language that explain why you as a minority may fee a certain why AND you are not alone." Ethnic Studies is so important in middle and high school because it we need to learn more about ourselves, and others should too.

[@bloodyhell2460]

Ethnic studies is anti nationalist tho it teaches about in more detail really the rthnic history of thr us and what parts of how thr united stats functions effects people of color ​@DeepestTempest

[@Amazingfilms148]

4:39-13:31

[@KellyKelly-qd7my]

I'm a child survivor of Armenian Massacre Baku Azerbaijan January 1990 and a granddaughter of a survivor of Armenian Genocide of 1915. A third generation of Armenians in the row to be persecuted. You want to do ethnic studies? Come to me, I'll tell you all about it. To this day victims of Armenian Massacre in Baku and Sumgait are not heart, the perpetrators are not jailed, the Azerbaijani government just finished stealing some more Armenian land and the world is blind and deaf getting together sipping coffee while discussing hypothetical issues. 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 Christian Armenian Karabakh was forced under the Muslim Turkish rule!!!!!!!!! Where are you, world????

[@markenzoalt]

You're sister is my teacher 👍

[@TheJackben3]

TrueSolarMark you're not studying grammar.. That's clear.

[@markenzoalt]

Wanye Kest its just a comment bro

[@tboned70]

I know wat he says is true because my Uncle fought the State Department of Education in Arizona and had much thrown out because the European Americans and their Government deemed it as Anti Government,.......even though it was Native American studies,......We were told to learn the European's version of History,....that is a Total Disrespect to History and the Peoples of these Lands as well,........Hopefully and it looks like that All gonna Change soon for the Better,....!

[@yrmomm]

❤‍🔥

[@Yash-os2gu]

Ron

[@TheBrideOfJesus]

☀️🌈☁️🕊️🙏🏾

[@soniacastro1136]

is this man a Filipino trying to pass as a chicano Mexican American

[@karimemendiola6882]

LOL this is exactly why we Ethnic studies is important 🤣

[@user-wi7er7uy6z]

16:12

[@petenrita]

D

[@dibensy59]

If we didn't have mass migrations of non whites into the US because of the 1965 Immigration act, we wouldn't have to be coerced into appreciating ethnic studies. I do appreciate some books on the Aztecs or about slavery, but I prefer to choose what I read, and I don't want ethnic studies to be required reading for school kids..

[@TheDilla]

"Coerced" into learning about the culture of people who were here long before your furthest ancestors? Do you consider yourself "coerced" when your children have to read about math, science, or white American History? Or are you just afraid someone's going to tell them the truth?

[@dibensy59]

@@TheDilla You have a point. I'm looking to read a book by an Ancient Indian. Do you have any suggestions?

[@ventana100]

In that logic, there is no possible assigned reading without "coercion." You are proving Ron Espíritu's point: American schools are plagued by histories that exclude non-whites. Should we start calling that coercion? That's why Ron is giving this talk.

[@dibensy59]

@@ventana100 I would love to read a book by an Ancient west African so I could learn about all the great history of ancient Africans. Any suggestions? The fact is, if they didn't write history, there is no history to read about. Got that?

[@Yash-os2gu]

Es

[@wallysee]

15:39 yikes!

[@betha8566]

I disagree when anyone starts condemning Columbus (the Native Americans were warring tribes-against-tribes before Columbus--for 1. territory 2. power 3. scarce resources); no one living in America today should condemn what had to be done in Columbus' times to make America what it is today. Not saying wars aren't terrible, but find one place on Earth where humans weren't fighting a war there . . .

[@guylewis7418]

Sounds like it would be an easy A. I’m sure it would be an easy major. I’m sure the people who it caters to will have nice and warm fuzzy feelings.

[@annechomyn]

" A growing body of research from education scholars shows that an Ethnic Studies pedagogy taught at the K-12 level exposes students to an empowering and academically rigorous curriculum that has proven positive academic and social benefits to students of all races. " There are only two studies, conducted on 9th graders, that show that ethnic studies improve grades, and they are poorly done and poorly analyze studies. They don't really prove anything. Even the authors say that the results cannot be extrapolated to other grades.

[@zapatasghost]

Here's just a taste of how wrong you are: Aronson and Laughter’s (2016, p. 197) meta analysis found that culturally responsive curriculum resulted in; Increases in student motivation (Bui & Fagan, 2013; Civil & Khan, 2001; Dimick, 2012; Ensign, 2003; Hill, 2012; Tate, 1995; Wortham & Contreras, 2002) Increases in student interest in content (Choi, 2013; Dimick, 2012; Ensign, 2003; Feger, 2006; Gutstein, 2003; Martell, 2013; Robbins, 2001) Increases in student ability to engage content area discourses (Civil & Khan, 2001; Gutstein, 2003; Martell, 2013) Increases in student perception of themselves as capable students (Robbins, 2001; Souryasack & Lee, 2007) Increases in confidence when taking standardized tests (Hubert, 2013) Dee and Penner (2017) found that Ethnic Studies participation in one study of 1,405 students over five years “increased student attendance (i.e., reduced unexcused absences) by 21 percentage points, cumulative GPA by 1.4 grade points, and credits earned by 23 credits” (p. 129). Cammarota (2007) explains that a social justice curriculum such as what is the basis for Ethnic Studies “links learning to the students’ lived experience so that he or she can realize how education can be a tool to transform one’s existence...When these social injustices are engaged and critiqued, students begin to clear intellectual and emotional space for education. They become further engaged in learning when their education becomes a means by which they may challenge oppressive forces within their social contexts. Doing well in school makes sense for disadvantaged youth when it is linked to promoting social justice for themselves, their peers, and their communities.” (p. 95). Here's the full citation for the meta analysis study: Aronson, B., & Laughter, J. (2016). The theory and practice of culturally relevant education: A synthesis of research across content areas. Review of Educational Research, 86(1), 163-206. That's just for "Ethnic Studies" - what would the results be for the rest of the "normal" curriculum and instructional methodology were to be updated to be culturally responsive??

[@sl123sl]

We should all strive to be Americans...dovided we will fall

[@dayonmage3946]

When man first warned his contemporaries that the world was round....he was met with opposition and disagreement by the ordinary people. When man first cautioned sanitation precautions to as-of-yet unaware village-folk....he was met with disbelief by ordinary people. When man first struggled to harness the power of electricity....he was met with astonished terrified expressions by ordinary people. ______________________________ Now its the 21st century. Today, the millions of misled ordinary people hold firm to relativism, nihilism, and cuckoldry.

[@runforest]

Ah, yes I sure want my Ethnic Studies teacher not be able to properly speak Spanish 🙄

[@Ivan-gt4ln]

Trump is trying to get rid of this.

[@saytax]

Apparently not hard enough.

[@aricars6263]

@@saytax VIVA TRUMP 2020!!

[@robertmasina4610]

if one is interested in learning about any one ethnic group, one can find such books at a local library.

[@ijustwanttosleeepp]

If one is interested in learning about white american history, one can find such books at a local library. keep white history out of our required education

[@johncarapinha5600]

Ethnic studies, huh? Probably really gonna pay off in the real world...

[@CRWeaventure]

nearly 40% increase in graduation passing rate. So yea, it already paid off in the real world. get rekt

[@ijustwanttosleeepp]

yeah cuz in the real world, different ethnic backgrounds, histories, and struggles don't exist!

[@johncarapinha5600]

"Why ethnic studies matters....NOT."*

[@ioniiKxFreeZeX]

ethinc studies are woke and leftist democratic agenda

[@andreabrown4541]

Then stay socially and culturally illiterate then.

[@logondash]

Useless education. Waste of time.

[@silentseiiko3737]

not as useless as you.

[@bruceswank9807]

NO This is the United States where ENGLISH IS OUR LANGUAGE SO LEARN IT - You want to learn 'ethnic studies' then go to college BUT UNTIL OUR KIDS START GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL KNOWING HOW TO READ, WRITE & SPEAK ENGLISH AS WELL AS KNOWING HOW TO COUNT CHANGE & basic studies - Study ethnic studies in college NOT grade & high school.

[@lives9030]

It’s ethnic studies where they do speak English in, not a Spanish class lol