“I Hate Slavery, Too”: A Linguistic Analysis of PragerU’s Leo and Layla Series

• In Event: And some will speak...

Abstract

This study critically examines Leo and Layla’s History Adventures, a cartoon web series by PragerU–a right-wing media organization approved for use in public schools in ten U.S. states. We focus on four episodes featuring historical figures associated with slavery. Using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), we investigate how verb processes position actors and ideologies within these narratives. Relational processes were used to normalize slavery, obscure responsibility, and portray white figures as leaders in its abolition, while associating Black figures with language that framed slavery as a necessary compromise for national unity. As PragerU expands its presence in schools, this study underscores the urgent need for linguistic analysis to reveal how educational media shapes national identity, historical understanding, and moral narratives.

Authors

• Edgar Díaz, Utah State University

• Matt DeRoo, Florida International University

• Kate Arnold