Debating Historical Statements

1. Westerners created Pacific Islanders in their own image.

2. Princess Ruth embodies the triumph of traditional Hawaiian womanhood.

3. The discoverers’ view of Pacific islanders sharply contrasted with the missionaries’ view of Pacific islanders.

4. Western attitudes toward Pacific islanders were heavily influenced by the intellectual and cultural currents in their own countries.

Directions:

• Choose a statement for your free write.
• Spend the first 5 minutes freewriting on whether you agree or disagree with it.
• Spend the second 5 minutes freewiting on the opposite point of view.
• Working in pairs, debate the issue (each choosing a side, doesn’t necessarily have to be the one you agree with).
• Sharing with the larger class. (Have your ideas about the statement changed?)