James Beck

A pile of books in the Oxfam Bookshop at Hay Festival.
A pile of books in the Oxfam Bookshop at Hay Festival.

Looking beyond the single story

Challenging stereotypes, prejudices and cultural misunderstanding in everyday reading.

Many interwoven stories make up the life and identities of each one of us. However, all too often, we only hear single narratives about other people and places, leading to the creation of stereotypes, prejudices and cultural misunderstanding.

With a colourful photo pack and links to the English, Geography and PSHE curricula, these activities encourage learners aged 7-14 to think critically and widen the scope of the stories they know about other people and cultures.

  • Identify and value our similarities and differences
  • Consider where our ideas about people and places come from
  • Critically examine news reporting
  • Recognise prejudice and stereotypes, understand their impacts and start to challenge them