My group met last Monday at discussed Confessions of a Closet Catholic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was pleased as to how our discussion went. We talked about how some of us in the group went to Catholic school and attend a Catholic church, it was interesting for me to hear some of their perspectives on the book. Although I may not be very religious, I have been raised Catholic and attend a Catholic church (although I don't attend it nearly as much as I should). Because I'm still figuring out what it means to Catholic and all the beliefs that follow with this religion, I was unaware of stereotypes held within the book. We discussed how having a big family is a stereotype of being Catholic, which I never knew about or had even heard before. I realize that to be Catholic and the traditions you follow may be different across different families. We talked about how in the book when Justine went to church with Mac, they were kneeling before Communion. To many of us, we never we experienced the kneeling. I've only experienced it once within my grandparent's church. It may be because it's following the more traditional practices. This led us into discussion as to if the Catholic faith was represented accurately, because it seemed as if some of the traditions the author mentioned were old traditions and ones that aren't necessarily followed everywhere today.
We also talked about how Justine's parents became upset when she was contemplating switching religions when her grandparents have survived the holocaust. Although I can understand how a parent can be upset or at least confused as to why a child may switch faiths, but because I'm not very religious, I think I would support my child no matter what. We also talked about how it was interesting that her parents weren't that religious, and yet they were upset to hear her thinking about switching. Again, I feel like I would be even more supportive because if they are finding faith and belief, then I would want them to be happy and to follow whatever they believed in. Personally, I'm still trying to find my faith and what I believe, and it can be a very complicated process. I can identify with Justine in the book about being confused and believing in one thing, but definitely being curious about another. I really appreciated that within the book, the author didn't make it out that Justine was picking a 'right' or 'wrong' religion, but was just trying to find her own faith by gathering more information. It was also nice to see that the priest and Rabbi both supported her while she was in confusion as to which religion she should believe in.
I think everyone, including myself, should learn a little bit more about other religions, just so you have more knowledge and understanding of those faiths. One other thing I can identify with Justine is that I was raised a certain way with a certain religion, but to me it seemed as if because I was raised Catholic, then I didn't have a lot of exposure to other religions that may have fit me more. If I was given a choice when I was younger, or exposed to more, rather than learning prayers and beliefs that I didn't necessarly agree with, I may have chosen a different religion. Then again, maybe I wouldn't have chosen any, but I feel that children should at least have the knowledge base of many religions; that way, they could follow which fits them most.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The KKK Fundraising Quilt of Chicora, MI
Hello!
The article, "The KKK Fundraising Quilt of Chicora, Michigan" by, Marsha MacDowell, Charlotte Quinney, and Mary Worrall, was definitely an interesting read for me. It gave background information on the Ku Klux Klan and the quilt-making that some of the Klans had done. Before I read the article, I didn't understand as to why Michigan State's Museum would carry such an artifact; especially at a University that greatly promotes diversity. I almost felt uneasy to think that someone would want to display something like that. After reading the article, however, I have a better understanding to quilt-making and the involvement of some members within different Klans.
At the end of the article it says, "In an age where we continue to struggle with local, national, and global issues of tolerance, social justice, and human rights, this artifact can help us understand the roots of fear and intolerance and to serve as a powerful reminder not to perpetuate the mistakes of the past," which I definitely agree with (MacDowell 115). As a future educator to young minds, it's important for children to feel accepted, welcomed, and equal, no matter what their ethnicity, race, culture, religious views, sexuality...etc. For me, it's devastating to see our society still having trouble accepting others with different views and lifestyles, and that some feel the need for segregation and do still discriminate. Especially in a time of war, this is when we should be making ties and building connections among others, to establish trust.
I'm not trying to get into the issue of war right now. I'm just trying to get an understanding as to why others do discriminate and how it happens. The article (written in 2006), mentions that in 2005 that the Klan is still active and that "a number of hate organizations continues to grow" (MacDowell 115). It's a little disturbing for me to read this. I know I may live with a naive mindset, but I would like to think that everyone gets along and respects one another for who they are, and not based on what people see. Yet, I know that's not the true reality of how things are. It starts with the individual making a difference, and having the knowledge, background, and understanding of things that can help promote positive ideas to others.
That's why I now understand why it's important to have such an artifact. It can help "educate present and future generations about a darker aspect of American history" (MacDowell 114). In order for the now and the future to make a difference, we do need to recognize our past and learn from it, rather than ignoring it and pretending like it never happened. History tends to repeat itself, but let's hope this type of repeating doesn't continue on for much longer. Again, it begins with the knowledge of the individual to make a difference.
MacDowell, Marsha, Charlotte Quinney, and Mary Worrall. "The KKK Fundraising Quilt of
Chicora, Michigan." Uncoverings (2006).
The article, "The KKK Fundraising Quilt of Chicora, Michigan" by, Marsha MacDowell, Charlotte Quinney, and Mary Worrall, was definitely an interesting read for me. It gave background information on the Ku Klux Klan and the quilt-making that some of the Klans had done. Before I read the article, I didn't understand as to why Michigan State's Museum would carry such an artifact; especially at a University that greatly promotes diversity. I almost felt uneasy to think that someone would want to display something like that. After reading the article, however, I have a better understanding to quilt-making and the involvement of some members within different Klans.
At the end of the article it says, "In an age where we continue to struggle with local, national, and global issues of tolerance, social justice, and human rights, this artifact can help us understand the roots of fear and intolerance and to serve as a powerful reminder not to perpetuate the mistakes of the past," which I definitely agree with (MacDowell 115). As a future educator to young minds, it's important for children to feel accepted, welcomed, and equal, no matter what their ethnicity, race, culture, religious views, sexuality...etc. For me, it's devastating to see our society still having trouble accepting others with different views and lifestyles, and that some feel the need for segregation and do still discriminate. Especially in a time of war, this is when we should be making ties and building connections among others, to establish trust.
I'm not trying to get into the issue of war right now. I'm just trying to get an understanding as to why others do discriminate and how it happens. The article (written in 2006), mentions that in 2005 that the Klan is still active and that "a number of hate organizations continues to grow" (MacDowell 115). It's a little disturbing for me to read this. I know I may live with a naive mindset, but I would like to think that everyone gets along and respects one another for who they are, and not based on what people see. Yet, I know that's not the true reality of how things are. It starts with the individual making a difference, and having the knowledge, background, and understanding of things that can help promote positive ideas to others.
That's why I now understand why it's important to have such an artifact. It can help "educate present and future generations about a darker aspect of American history" (MacDowell 114). In order for the now and the future to make a difference, we do need to recognize our past and learn from it, rather than ignoring it and pretending like it never happened. History tends to repeat itself, but let's hope this type of repeating doesn't continue on for much longer. Again, it begins with the knowledge of the individual to make a difference.
MacDowell, Marsha, Charlotte Quinney, and Mary Worrall. "The KKK Fundraising Quilt of
Chicora, Michigan." Uncoverings (2006).
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Coretta Scott King Award
The purpose of the Coretta Scott King Award is to encourage artistic expression of African American experiences via literature, graphic arts, and biographical, historical, and social history treatments by African American authors and illustrators. The award was established in May of 1970 to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King. Since no African American author or illustrator won the Newberry or Caldecott award before 1970, this award was founded to point parents, teachers, and librarians toward the best Afro-Centric children's literature. The ALA recognizes this award as an association award and it is sponsored by Johnson Publications, World Book Incorporation, Encyclopedia Britannica, and Book Wholesalers Incorporation. Although the award is named after her, Coretta Scott King did not have any involvement in its inception. The two founding libraries chose her as inspiration because of her advocacy and fight for peace and civil rights. Criteria for the award must portray some aspect of the African American experience as well as being written or illustrated by an African American. The work must be written for Preschool-12th graders.
For more information on the criteria and the award please visit: http://www.ala.org/ala/emiert/corettascottkingbookaward/abouttheawarda/cskabout.htm Many books who win the award do not have a seal, ribbon, or any recognition on their cover.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Class Discussion of Insider/Outsider Debate
Hello again.
The other week we had a class discussion about the insider/outsider debate. In my last entry, I couldn't exactly decide which was more important, or who should actually be writing the books. After the discussion, I still feel that both types of authors should write the books. Many people brought up some great points that I would like to address.
Some believed that because insiders are acculturated to that group, then they know more about it than an outsider would. I definitely agree with that. They also have the personal experience which many outsiders may never have. Experience something first-hand always seems more authentic because they were actually there. But then we brought up who exactly is an insider. Can a person live within a certain culture for about 20 years and know that culture as well as someone who's lived within it their whole lives? That was a tricky question to address because of course they weren't born or raised in that specific area, yet they have a much better understanding of that culture for being there that long. But someone who lives in an area for about 2 months and does research, I wouldn't necessarily consider them an insider, only because they don't completely understand the norms and customs of that culture since they aren't really "living" in it.
Next point brought up was if outsiders should write. Someone mentioned that it's better to have some cultures that aren't represented at all in writing by insiders, be at least represented by an outsider. I definitely agree. It's important that children of different ethnicities and cultures be able to see someone like themselves, as well as for others to learn about diverse backgrounds of people. It's better to have representation than no representation, but it's better to make sure that the portrayal of that group is accurate and isn't stereotyping.
Lastly, someone raised the point that authors should at least verify if they are an 'insider' or 'outsider' and if their story actually happened to them or made it up. Some people in class mentioned how the book Memoirs of a Geisha wasn't real, and the man who wrote it, actually used the story from someone else and portrayed it in a way that wasn't accurate. People said that they loved the book and after they found out the truth behind it, they didn't like it as much. The same was for another book about a man who was drug addict, but later told the press his story was fictional and didn't really happen to him.
After hearing these two comments about the books, my initial thought was that if the book made you feel a certain way and made you think about things you may never have thought of, and effected in, then it shouldn't matter the background behind it. Books are supposed to effect people in different ways and to move people, and make people feel something; at least, that's what I feel makes a book good. Yet, after thinking about it, I realized that if I found something to have touched me, and I looked to it for comfort, or for strength, and it turned out to be false or fake, then I, too, would be upset and have a different outlook on it. I suppose it comes down to if the author is being true to their readers, which someone had mentioned in the discussion. If the authors straight up and say that their story is fictional, then I would respect them more, and then take the book as it is; rather than getting upset and disappointed that what they wrote actually didn't happen when they said it did. Authors need to be true to their readers, as well.
The other week we had a class discussion about the insider/outsider debate. In my last entry, I couldn't exactly decide which was more important, or who should actually be writing the books. After the discussion, I still feel that both types of authors should write the books. Many people brought up some great points that I would like to address.
Some believed that because insiders are acculturated to that group, then they know more about it than an outsider would. I definitely agree with that. They also have the personal experience which many outsiders may never have. Experience something first-hand always seems more authentic because they were actually there. But then we brought up who exactly is an insider. Can a person live within a certain culture for about 20 years and know that culture as well as someone who's lived within it their whole lives? That was a tricky question to address because of course they weren't born or raised in that specific area, yet they have a much better understanding of that culture for being there that long. But someone who lives in an area for about 2 months and does research, I wouldn't necessarily consider them an insider, only because they don't completely understand the norms and customs of that culture since they aren't really "living" in it.
Next point brought up was if outsiders should write. Someone mentioned that it's better to have some cultures that aren't represented at all in writing by insiders, be at least represented by an outsider. I definitely agree. It's important that children of different ethnicities and cultures be able to see someone like themselves, as well as for others to learn about diverse backgrounds of people. It's better to have representation than no representation, but it's better to make sure that the portrayal of that group is accurate and isn't stereotyping.
Lastly, someone raised the point that authors should at least verify if they are an 'insider' or 'outsider' and if their story actually happened to them or made it up. Some people in class mentioned how the book Memoirs of a Geisha wasn't real, and the man who wrote it, actually used the story from someone else and portrayed it in a way that wasn't accurate. People said that they loved the book and after they found out the truth behind it, they didn't like it as much. The same was for another book about a man who was drug addict, but later told the press his story was fictional and didn't really happen to him.
After hearing these two comments about the books, my initial thought was that if the book made you feel a certain way and made you think about things you may never have thought of, and effected in, then it shouldn't matter the background behind it. Books are supposed to effect people in different ways and to move people, and make people feel something; at least, that's what I feel makes a book good. Yet, after thinking about it, I realized that if I found something to have touched me, and I looked to it for comfort, or for strength, and it turned out to be false or fake, then I, too, would be upset and have a different outlook on it. I suppose it comes down to if the author is being true to their readers, which someone had mentioned in the discussion. If the authors straight up and say that their story is fictional, then I would respect them more, and then take the book as it is; rather than getting upset and disappointed that what they wrote actually didn't happen when they said it did. Authors need to be true to their readers, as well.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Insider/Outsider Debate
Before reading the articles, I'm pretty split on the insider/outsider debate. I feel that it's very important for people to be an 'insider' when writing diverse literature. It's necessary to have literature by people who have experienced something within their culture. The reader gets an inside look as to what that culture is like for the author, and it seems more 'authentic.' Then again, sometimes authors aren't always clear and specific with the facts, and could be making generalizations about that culture. Yet, authors who are 'outsiders' may be making generalizations as well. I still feel it's important to get those perspectives as well. Even though they may not be of that certain culture they're writing about, it could be very good multicultural literature, and they could have done their research and have the facts correct. But to some people, they don't want to believe those stories because it may not be authentic. That's where some of my questions come in. What makes a diverse book 'authentic' and should we criticize those who are an 'outsider'? But isn't it consider stereotyping if we say that 'outsiders' can't write good diverse literature? Just because they may not have that cultural background, they could possibly be more basic with the facts and not be bias towards certain practices. I feel that sometimes 'inside' authors tend to be bias towards other groups because maybe a certain experience could have effected them negatively. So how do we know if an author is being bias and stereotyping? Shouldn't we let everyone be able to write diverse literature, as long as there's no stereotyping and the facts are correct and unbiased? I believe it's a good story and gets the reader to think about that new culture and learn new things about that background, then that story should be told.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Hello!
Hi there!
My name is Melanie Bendick and I'm currently a senior at Michigan State University, studying Child Development. I'm specializing in Language Arts, and working towards becoming an elementary teacher. I love working with younger children, primarily grades kindergarten to 3rd grade. I'm very interested in diverse literature because in my classroom one day, I'm going to have many different students with diverse backgrounds. I believe it's important as a teacher to understand diverse literature, as well as have it within their classrooms. This way, many different students can relate to, as well as learn about different cultures. I know when I was younger, I found books that I could relate to and I found stories that I fell in love with. I want other children to have the same positive experience that I did; and by having a diverse, unbiased library collection, I can help many students to open their eyes to the society around them and to have a better understanding of people who they meet.
Some questions I would like to explore within this course is how exactly to pick books which portray cultures accurately, as well as enjoyable for students. I also hope to be able to have more of a critical eye when it comes to looking at diverse literature, and making sure stereotypes aren't seen and cultures are not misrepresented. I'm looking very forward to TE448, and can't wait to learn more!
My name is Melanie Bendick and I'm currently a senior at Michigan State University, studying Child Development. I'm specializing in Language Arts, and working towards becoming an elementary teacher. I love working with younger children, primarily grades kindergarten to 3rd grade. I'm very interested in diverse literature because in my classroom one day, I'm going to have many different students with diverse backgrounds. I believe it's important as a teacher to understand diverse literature, as well as have it within their classrooms. This way, many different students can relate to, as well as learn about different cultures. I know when I was younger, I found books that I could relate to and I found stories that I fell in love with. I want other children to have the same positive experience that I did; and by having a diverse, unbiased library collection, I can help many students to open their eyes to the society around them and to have a better understanding of people who they meet.
Some questions I would like to explore within this course is how exactly to pick books which portray cultures accurately, as well as enjoyable for students. I also hope to be able to have more of a critical eye when it comes to looking at diverse literature, and making sure stereotypes aren't seen and cultures are not misrepresented. I'm looking very forward to TE448, and can't wait to learn more!
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