Insider/Outsider Debate

To be honest, the "Insider/Outsider" debate really isn't something I had ever thought about before this class and reading this week's articles. So when I had to develop a position on the topic I really had no idea what it would be. First, let me say that I think it is silly to say with 100% certainty that either an insider point of view or an outsider point of view determines the quality of children's literature. I think that each example has to viewed individually and carefully to determine it's quality and it should not be based entirely on the background of the author. That being said, there are certainly many instances where someone who is considered an insider can produce better work than an outsider, if by better you mean more ethnically or culturally realistic. At the same time however, I believe that an outsider could study a particular culture and produce quality literature worthy of the subject. I also don't believe that just because an author is from a particular background, he or she will produce quality literature. Just because I grew up the daughter of an Italian-American and an Irish-American and because my parents separated when I was very young and eventually divorced, can I write a great book for children? No, and I know that. I know that I would not create a quality piece of literature about my background--because I don't think I possess the skill needed. Does that mean I can't talk with someone about my particular experiences and that they can then create something using those experiences? I don't think so. I don't think I can take a position on either side of this debate. I think that each piece of literature has to be critiqued individually and its quality not determined by the background of the author.

Welcome!

Hi there!

My name is Laura and I'm in my 4th year studying Special Education at Michigan State University. This blog is for my Diverse Literature class. I am interested in diverse literature because I honestly have no idea how to go about finding quality examples of diverse lit to incorporate in my classroom. My hope is that at the end of the semester I will have new ideas about how to judge the literature I use with my future students.