East Asian Representation in Comic Books
This lesson plan is part of our “Art through a Social Studies Lens” lesson plan series. Click here to view all 8 lessons.
This kit contains:
Lesson Objectives
This lesson plan focuses on: Common Core Social Studies 9-10.RH.6.; 6-8.RH.6.
Identity Development: Look at representation of different characters and how they impact readers.
Intellectual Development: Learn the history of comic representation.
Criticality: Analyze the impacts of characters and how racism is dealt with in comic books.
Skills Development: Draw a basic character and look at what representation means in the physical drawing.
Essential Questions
What is the history of Asians in comics?
How does accurate representation benefit viewers?
How is it powerful to see popular characters actively fighting against racism in art?
Introduction
Comic books have always been a widespread form of art that many people read, as well as identify with the characters and look up to the characters as role models. The comic books industry is widely successful, but it severely lacks in one area, which is representation. People of all races, genders, and sexual orientations read comics, but only a small fraction of the audience regularly sees themselves being represented. This lesson on the history of comic books, as well as the breakdown of a successful and groundbreaking graphic novel helps to show consumers that the comic industry still has plenty of room for progress. Students will practice analyzing parts of a story by looking at historic and modern examples, as well as reflecting on the importance of representation.
Lesson plan created by Lily Caldwell