Two primary school textbooks used in Hong Kong have come under fire for its blatant promotion of stereotypes.
The New General Studies P3 textbook (Book 6) features a fill-in-the-blanks exercise in its “Living in Hong Kong” chapter that implies all Japanese people in the city-state own sushi restaurants and that all Filipinos are domestic helpers, among others.
Primary 4 textbook The Wonderful World invites students to match physical characteristics to races.
Both books were printed by Singapore publisher Educational Publishing House Ltd.
Media and citizen platforms like ABS-CBN, The Inquirer, South China Morning Post and Stomp Singapore have all jumped on the story, inviting criticism from netizens regionally.
The Equal Opportunities Commission of Hong Kong have released a statement illustrating their stand on the matter:
“The EOC believes that educational material should reflect diversity, cultural values, customs, lifestyles and the social realities of Hong Kong. It should not reinforce stereotypes of any kind. We believe that ethnic stereotypes must be viewed with caution.
Education should play a significant role in removing stereotypical perceptions, and schools, teachers and textbooks are catalysts to change. The EOC hopes that the Curriculum Development Institute and the Education Bureau should jointly develop equal opportunities educational materials for schools. Professional development and in-service training for teachers should aim at raising awareness of stereotyping issues and developing teaching skills in handling these issues.”
Photos: Hong Wrong
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