How do you address the stereotypes and outdated biases in children’s literature?
|
< 1 min read
I grew up reading a lot of popular and classic children’s literature. While it never occurred to me as a child, as an adult I can see that many of the stories stereotyped the characters – for example books where the male characters are usually in the “doing”roles, while the female characters are in the “caring” roles. I have some of these books on my bookshelf and would like to read them to my nephews, but I would also like to talk to them about how perspectives and perceptions have changed and how books written in the past often reflect the worldview at that time. I know that kids are smart and insightful and that they may have questions, but even if they don’t I would like to be able to talk to them about how the world has changed to become more equitable and inclusive. If this is a conversation you’ve had with your kids, I would love to hear how you have discussed these topics.     
 Marked as spam
|
♥ 0 |
Answers (4)
Best answer chosen by asker
There are some really great books out there that should not be missed. I think it's wonderful that they spark these conversations. I agree in that I often say that this is just how things were in the past, but things are always changing and now they are much different. To add to some of the other comments, I do like to suggest the future to my kids - "how could things get even more different?!"...They have seen so many positive changes in their lives (a female Vice President in the USA), I love to see what they can dream for the books that are written in the future.
Marked as spam
Best answer chosen by asker
Teaching our kids to critically reflect and to think deeply about things is a great skill for life .I think that reading a wide range of literature should be encouraged but ensure that you allow time to reflect on the controversial themes with your child. It's also a great time to bond with your child by sharing things from your past eg. 'when i was a child it was common for......but now people don't generally find that acceptable anymore'. Ask your child what they think about that. Its important that we teach our kids how to think rather than what to think....literature provides such a great basis for deep reflection.
Marked as spam
Best answer chosen by asker
I may not be the politically correct person to answer this question, but I will give my input as my family does enjoy reading some of the classics and old-time favorites. We, adults, have found the stereotypes actually to be quite outrageous for some of these books and have had some pretty good conversations surrounding this topic.
Some of the older books have great lessons for the children to learn on life skills and about dealing with adversity, so I am not opposed to reading all sorts of literature. However, at times there needs to be some discussion to accompany the book as well as current literature to balance the classics.
When reading a book that may show glaring stereotypes and biases, I often will say, "that is how people thought or talked in the old days". I then will point out a more current opinion on the topic, especially if there may be hurtful references. We discuss how we should treat others or act in such a situation. It is a great conversation starter.
I am happy to see that you are bringing out some of your older favorites, as I am sure there was a reason that you enjoyed the books. Now your little ones can have the same pleasure as they delve into classic literature.
Marked as spam
Best answer chosen by asker
This is a conversation I've had with my daughters many times over the years. I absorb their insights and ponder them, but I may have a different take on it than most.
I believe we should not try to rewrite history. It happened, much of it is tragic, but we cannot, and I believe should not, attempt to make it less than what it actually was, nor should we inflate it to more. While the many events in our world's history have been evil, despicable, and completely against human rights, there is no way to learn from the mistakes of the past without acknowledging that they existed - and leaving that existence to remain for future generations to see.
So, when my daughters and I talk about this topic, I ask them open-ended questions, in order to spark dialogue. Questions like:
1. What is a stereotype?
2. Do you see specific stereotypes being presented in this book?
3. Is the book encouraging or discouraging those stereotypes?
4. How would you, if you were writing the book, look to either dispel or perpetuate the stereotype?
5. How does today's culture articulate stereotypes? Which ones?
6. What box do you put yourself in, in regards to this stereotype? Do you put others in a different box? (An example for this could be something like "all girls play with dolls," or "all boys like to play football," things of that nature.
With these types of questions, it causes a lot of critical thinking, individual reflection, and a breakdown of perceptions we each have. My daughters have opened my eyes to a lot of things, and I appreciate knowing more because of that!
Marked as spam
