A new study has drawn a bleak picture of cultural inclusiveness reflected in the children‘s literature available in Australia.Dr.Helen Adam from Edith Cowan University’s School of Education26_ the cultural diversity of children’s books. She examined the books27_in the kindergarten rooms of four daycare centers in Western Australia. Just 18 percent of 2413 books in the total collection contained any 28_of non-white people.Minority cultures were often featured in
stereotypical or tokenistic ways,for example, by29_ Asian culture with chopsticks and traditional dress.Characters that did represent a minority culture usually had30 _ roles in the books. The main characters were mostly Caucasian.This causes concern as it can lead to an impression that whiteness is of greater value.
Dr. Adam said children formed impressions about “difference”and identity from a very young age. Evidence has
shown they develop ownrace31 _from as young as three months of age.The books we share with young children can be a valuable opportunity to develop children’s understanding of themselves and others. Books can also allow children to see diversity.They discover both similarities and differences between themselves and others.This can help develop understanding, acceptance and32_of diversity.
Census data has shown Australians come from more than 200 countriesThey speak over 300languages at home.Additionally,Australians belong to more than 100 different religious groups. They also work in more than 1000 different occupations“Australia is a multicultural society.The current33 _promotion of white middleclass ideas and lifestyles risks34_children from minority groups. This can give white middleclass children a sense of35_or privilege,” Dr. Adam said.
A)alienating(separating)
B)appreciation
C) bias (prejudice)
D) fraud (cheating)
E) housed (kept or reserved)
F)investigated(examined)
G) overwhelming (massive or prevailing)
H) portraying(describing or depicting)
I)representation (embodiment)
J) safeguarded (protected or defended)
K) secondary (minor or subordinating)
L) superiority