Where I Stand (Insider/Outsider Debate).....

The insider versus the outsider debate is one which seems to be an ongoing questioning factor in multicultural literature. Before I began reading articles assigned to the students of TE 448 I believe that I felt as though one must have detailed and experienced knowledge in the chosen topic that they would write about. Therefore I felt that one must have "insider" knowledge in order to create stories of different cultures.

After reading the articles, this debate seemed less obvious. I believe that multicultural literature is literature which is hard to define and is the main reason for such debate. The articles of Shannon, Bishop, Harris, and Cai give different perspectives and answers to the debate. I would have to first comment on Shannon's article and say that it seems to be the most unappealing and least research article on the topic of multiculturalism. First, I do not believe that it was necessary for Shannon to start his article defining his own race, religion, income..etc. He makes himself a victim as stated by Harris. A good writer should be less selfish when it comes to such a strong and at the same time sensitive debate. Although I do agree that multiculturalism is defined by more than just race alone, however such topics are needed in order to better understand these different cultures and experiences. Bishop's article in response to Shannon's makes some great points; points that I agree with. "Culturally conscious books were not defined by authorship but by content," as stated by Bishop"(6). He also makes comments that if multicultural literature is to include literature from all cultures than why not just call it children's literature. He also points out that he believes that the word multicultural functions as "a more desirable term than "minority" or "ethnic" literature"(6). This he states is the reason why Shannon is limited to think that multicultural literature is a synonym for racial issues. People seem to be frightened by what multicultural means and because these people are not part of a certain culture represented in some of these books they tend to alienate themselves from this type of literature.

Cai states that if "discussion stops at seeking out the experiences that the readers has in common with the characters and does not examine closely the social inequality and injustice caused by racism..it misses the point of reading about the Other" (322). I absolutely agree with this comment by Cai. Not every single culture is going to relate to all students in a classroom. This is OKAY! "America is, and has been for centuries, a racialized society"......It is because race matters that people confuse race with culture" (Bishop 7). He further goes on to state, something that I absolutely agree with, that there are potential risks in being all inclusive and that by doing so we are furthermore maintaining the status quo.

In conclusion my stance on the "insider/outsider" issue is somewhat complicated. I feel that with enough information and research someone considered an outsider could create a piece of literature that is not only though-provoking but also informative. I also feel that an "insider" would be able to give accurate information to students and have the ability to connect to their reader through their own experiences. I am on the fence still but this could be the reason for such a debate; it is one that is not easily answered. I do however believe that diversity should not be distinguished between dominated and dominating cultures and everyone should be able to enjoy such literature without it pertaining to all students especially since multiculturalism deals with all different types of cultures.