Kumaravadivelu's "Problematizing Cultural Stereotypes in TESOL"

The author provides an overview of cultural stereotypes attributed to Asian students: They are "obedient to authority , lack critical thinking skills, and do not participate in classroom interaction."

The author challenges these perceptions by arguing that these characteristics that are considered specific to Asian students only can be "seen among mainstream North American students"especially when they are in a foreign language class.

The author also cites authorities to show that Indian and Chinese cultures have proverbs and philosophers that encourage the learner not to accept the teacher's view as the norm and to always question it.

However, do these quotes actually change the "reality" in the second language classroom or in a graduate study in a foreign language? Why do these students remain quiet in the classroom? Is the teacher not creating a welcoming environment? Could L2 learners' passivity in class be attributed to their possible fear of the teacher's comments or corrections? To their lack of proficiency in the target language? To the fact that their views or thoughts have not been considered as valid as their native speaker counterparts?

There are so many variables and factors that may be affecting what is actually preventing nonnative speakers of English from participating in classroom discussions. I don't think it is as simple as the author puts it.