What's Wrong With Questions?

So far in class we have talked a lot about questions and a lot about asking questions. We have done "questioning the text" papers and been asked to answer questions in class and on this blog. As a class we have been trying to come up with answers about multicultural literature, its meanings, and who has the right to write multicultural literature. These questions were again raised in the novel Bronx Masquerade and in the articles we had to read.

In the novel the students are asking questions about themselves, about the things that make them unique. All the while the other characters are questioning who has the right to write and read poems. Although, the class decides that everyone should have a chance to read they are still asking questions about each other. They found an answer to a hard problem, a lack of interest was keeping them from reaching their potential, but with the help of their teacher they were able to open up and share. They were also able to ask more questions. Mostly questions about each other, they were allowed to make friends with new people this way, through questions.

Also, in the article the author writes about her struggle of insider vs outsider. She talks about the questions she asked because it is something that allows her to have guidance in her writing.It also asks questions about where does she fit and does she have the right to tell this story.

In each discussion answers to the original question was debated but no one came up with a solution, just more questions. I just have to say, what's wrong with questions. I think we should have students stop looking for answers, but instead look for questions.

Who can write multicultural children's literature?

Throughout the last couple of weeks much of our class discussion as well as in many of the articles in class the major debate was over authenticity. The idea of the insider/outsider debate. Who can write multicultural literature? Do you have to be a part of the culture you are writing about?

In his article A Reply to Shannon the Canon, Rudine Sims Bishop, writes, "I do know the difference between race and culture, and what I tried to say is that you have to know a culture intimately if you're going to reflect it accurately in your fiction." I agree with Bishop in this statement and feel that it is a good response to the debate. It should not matter what culture the author identifies with if they can accurately depict the culture they are writing about.
Patrick Shannon writes, "multiculturalism is about changing the definition and reality of America until they stand for equality, freedom, and justice." If a book achieves this it doesn't matter who writes the book.

I hope to further look into this discussion on how do you determine if an author is a credible source, specifically a credible source to be writing multicultural literature.

Michigan Indian Day

In thinking of our studies on Native Americans in children's literature I thought that this might be something of interest to people. I think that you can find more information by searching on MSU's website. Some of the presentations look really interesting.

Michigan Indian Day 2008
Free spaces are still available to attend the 2008 Michigan Indian Day Event on Friday, September 26 from 8:15 am - 5:00 pm on the second floor of the Union. This statewide event will feature nationally recognized keynote speakers and a variety of breakout sessions. More information on the day's activities is available here. Thanks to a partnership with the Honors College, the first 15 students to reply to this message will receive free registration (normally $15)! Free spaces are available while they last; submit your requests to mclemor4@msu.edu before Friday, September 12.

About Me

Hello!

As you probably assumed from my blog title. My name is Colleen Gitter. I'm a senior Elementary Education Major at Michigan State University and my teaching major is Social Studies with a concentration in History. After my student teaching I hope to teach abroad in a third world or developing country, possibly through the Peace Corps. Eventually, I would like to teach a 4th or 5th grade class somewhere in the U.S. I'm incredibly passionate about both respecting diversity and global literacy which drew me to TE 448. I believe that diverse literature is incredibly important to all students for several reasons. Understanding, new cultures and identities helps students to think critically because they have to think outside of their comfort zones. Students learn about acceptance. They learn that although we are all different we are equal and can learn something unique from each individual. In the classroom diverse literature allows ALL students to relate to at least one piece of literature. Students that feel connected to literature are likely to continue reading. Thus they will continue to spread literacy, which is a powerful tool for all students to have!