Human Family, Maya Angelou

Poem, video and conversation activity

Read the following poem, watch the clip, and answer the questions below.

HUMAN FAMILY  by Maya Angelou* I note the obvious differences in the human family. Some of us are serious, some thrive on comedy. Some declare their lives are lived as true profundity, and others claim they really live the real reality. The variety of our skin tones can confuse, bemuse, delight, brown and pink and beige and purple, tan and blue and white. I've sailed upon the seven seas and stopped in every land, I've seen the wonders of the world not yet one common man. I know ten thousand women called Jane and Mary Jane, but I've not seen any two who really were the same. Mirror twins are different although their features jibe, and lovers think quite different thoughts while lying side by side. We love and lose in China, we weep on England's moors, and laugh and moan in Guinea, and thrive on Spanish shores. We seek success in Finland, are born and die in Maine. In minor ways we differ, in major we're the same. I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.

* Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an American author and

poet born in Missouri.

She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays,

and several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays,

 movies, and television shows.

1.What is the best sumary of the poem? 

A)We are all humans.

B)Family members are similar in the way that they act.

C)Many people have the same smile or the same face gesture.

2.Which of these points are mentioned?

different races

concepts of beauty

names

customs

gestures

similar struggles

friendship

Features of Culture:

Think of one example common to most people around the world or particular of a specific culture.

• Styles of dress
• Importance of time
• Values
• Literature
• Attitudes about personal space/privacy
• Holiday customs
• Music
• Celebrations
• Concept of fairness
• Nature of friendship
• Foods
• Greetings
• Facial expressions and hand gestures
• Work
• Religious beliefs
• Concept of beauty
• Rules of polite behavior
• Attitude toward age
• The role of family

Adapted from PeaceCorps

Answers here!