My favorite quote of the last article is the reference to "tourist's conception of multiculturalism." The image evokes the caricature of the fat, uber wealthy, fanny-pack wearing flashing camera on sore feet. A person who may record evidence of social inequalities, but carefully places the snapshot under a plastic sheet in a photo album rarely to be opened again. People need reminding that even if their life is good, there's still work to be done. From what I gather from the article, this is also what Cai is speaking about. Multicultural literature can be used to expose children of the dominant race/class/religion, and so on to other cultures that do not have as loud a voice--but there is so much more it can do. One article mentioned that children's books should not be "burdened" with the call for social change. Why not? Why not discuss the problems of the world with children--their own school world isn't perfect, it too is riddled with bullies and inequality--so why should they think the bigger world is any different? Children can discuss possible solutions and adults can help facilitate.
Anyway, when it comes to who should be writing muticultural children's literature, the basic idea is simple: people who know a culture intimately should be able to write about it in a truthful way. There should be precautions--some kind of reminder to the readers that while the book may be giving a voice to a person of a traditionally-muffled group, this person does not represent everyone else of that group. We cannot acquiese to accepting, "will always be more comfortable with the farm animals" as Sims Bishop criticizes, and must remember what Harris says, "Yes, "Tar Beach" depcits differences of many types, but at its most basic level, it is the bittersweet remembrances of one African American woman."
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4 comments:
Oh my gosh Mandy, what a great metaphor! Your imagery of the tourist placing the picture of inequalities under the protective sheet in an album never to be touched again was incredible. (I'm into photography so it meant even more to me!) I have to say that I completely agree with you and a little jealous you were able to describe your stance so eloquently. This is often a tough subject to discuss and your way of doing so will enlighten many!...I especially related to the part where you said, "people need reminding that even if their life is good, there is still work to be done." I have to be honest and say that before my TE classes like 250 (where my prof literally forced me into talking about tough issues) 348, and 448 I was guilty of that way of life. I lived in a perfect little Alicia bubble. The older I get and the more I dicuss big issues with passionate and informed people like you in our classes, I realize that the old me was helping no one! (not even my self). So thanks for a great post, I'll definately put your at the top of my list.
ps I had a lot of fun in the debate with you :)
I'm wondering why you weren't our spokesperson for the debate, you've surely got a way with words.
You throw out some very valid points though. I definitely agree with your comments on social change, it is by no means something to be ignored. They live in the "real" world, they have to understand the complicated issues that compose it somehow.
Also, in terms of who should write multicultural children's literature, I agree with your simple basic idea that if the specific culture is understood and portrayed in a truthful manner then it should be an acceptable account of that culture.
Mandy, like Alicia and Nick said- You sure do have a wonderful way at putting words together!
The main lines that stood out to me in your post was:
"One article mentioned that children's books should not be "burdened" with the call for social change. Why not? Why not discuss the problems of the world with children--their own school world isn't perfect, it too is riddled with bullies and inequality--so why should they think the bigger world is any different? Children can discuss possible solutions and adults can help facilitate."
I couldn't agree more. That is what education and the school systems are about; finding out and understanding the differences, and most importantly figuring out how to solve problems that may arise. If a children's book can help facilitate this type of learning and discovering- Perfect, we as teachers are supplying the right books in our classrooms.
Great post Mandy. It made me think and also compelled me to look deeper into what I believe.
:)
My reaction to this post is also to the first half of your post. I enjoyed the image of the tourist, but what I really connected to you on was when you bring up the question of "why not talk to children about social issues?"
I totally agree. Often I feel that we limit children because we believe they can only achieve or understand a certain about of knowledge and information with a certain level of complexity. However, if we never strech these limits, if we never see how much they actually can understand, they will never be the best students they can be and we will never be the best teachers we can be.
In addition, I believe the reason we have such stereotypes and social issues plaquing our country and our world is because children are not educated. They are taught and raised without fully understanding either of these things and that in itself is one cause of the stereotypes and social inequalities we are facing today.
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