Who is American? What does it mean to be American?

Updated Lesson plan: ​http://www.oneglobalclassroom.com/who-is-american.html

Video and discussion lesson.
There are a few ways to complete this lesson, however, it is best to ask students questions and let them drive the conversation.
Objective: To get students to reflect on their own stereotypes,

1) "Honorable Journey" - Pause at about :58 seconds in and ask the students what they think the author looks like? Why? What evidence gives them that conclusion? [Let them have their own conclusion then continue watching.] Pause and discuss as needed. Point out the relationship between the Hawaiian and the Mainland Japanese Americans. You may also want to point out the importance of learning history. It took 30 years for vindication for refusing to fight.

2) "What kind of Asian are you?"
- Who was more offended, the man or woman? Why? Explain. Who do you think this happens to more often? Why? Allow students to discuss and reflect.

3) READ: the story from Chapter 1 (pg 1-3) of "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America" by Ronald Takaki - He tells a story about his experience with Asian stereotypes in America. (This can go before the "What Kind of Asian Are You?" Video)

4) "The Colbert Report" - 1/23/2014 - If desired, this is a great clip to talk about media literacy, copy right, stereotyping.  Show the opening sequence then skip to 10:38 watch to14:40 (mute 13:00-13:03, skip 11:40-11:48)

5) "America the Beautiful - Coke Commercial" - Ask students what they think. Does this reflect America?

6) Discuss & Reflect: Allow students to express their ideas and thoughts. If desired have students complete a journal entry/exit slip with thoughts and ideas. Re-ask the questions from the beginning: What does it mean to be an American? or Who is American?