Sunday, December 7, 2008
Multicultural Literature
I have to admit that ever since I came across an introduction to a Christian children's book which stated that the events of Noah' Arc were scientifically proven, I have been sceptical of any social messages in children's literature. I would like to think that, because youths are so impressionable, children's literature could serve as a safe ground where politics should be avoided. However, if any message is to be present in children's literature I would side with multicultural democracy over assimilationist pluralism. I do believe that it is important for children to understand inequities in power especially since stereotypes and inequility are so prevalent in what children see on TV and in movies. For this reason it is important to have some source which attempts to counteract the messages in mainstream media. I also agree with the author that introducing multiracial democracy in a "safe" way into children's literature will better-prepare them for what they will encounter in adulthood.
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I agree fully with the above post. While I do believe that childrens' literature should be a safe and open forum for learning, I also think that politics and "scientific theories" (as mentioned above) should be left out. But, prepping children for the realities of life (multiracial democracy, homosexual relationships, etc.) is important. I particularly enjoyed Isabel's presentation on the book "I have an Aunt who is not a Nun." I thought it was a funny yet appropriate way to introduce homosexual relationships to children in a family-friendly yet honest way. It was true to the stereotype that either a woman is heterosexual or is a nun, but brought humor and light into the subject of having homosexual relatives. It was disheartening, though to learn that the book is hardly available to the public!
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