Insider/Outsider Debate

After reading these articles I find myself more interested in the definition of multicultural literature then the discussion of who writes it better: insiders or outsiders. But since this post is about the latter, I am going to stick with the topic and share my views.

Insider or outsider? Well, we have all seen and read that it is easier to find books written by the outsiders but should we be using them? I think that to write multicultural literature you do not necessarily have to be an insider to the culture. I think that an insider has an easier time writing about their culture and sharing ideas then an outsider but that doesn't mean that it is necessarily going to be better. If an outsider takes the time to "get to know a culture intimately" as Sims Bishop says, why wouldn't they have an accurately portrayal of those people? Harris gives us a great example of author Donnarae McCann, an European-American who "possesses the critical consciousness that enabled her to create an excellent examination of the depiction of Native-Americans". That being said, outsiders can and do have the opportunity to write multicultural literature about another cultural group that is beneficial to its readers.

With multicultural literature, the culture being portrayed needs to be looked at carefully. Both insiders and and outsiders need to avoid stereotyping. Even if a book is written by an insider it doesn't mean it is an accurate reflection of the entire culture. One person does not reflect an entire culture but just one aspect and one person living within that particular culture. With that being said, should readers assume that if a book is by an insider that they are more credible than a book about the same culture from an outsider? I think there are many questions to ask about the quality and authenticity of multicultural literature and who the author is and what their relationship to the culture is just one of them and should not be the determining question. With that being said I believe that there should be a combination of insider and outsider written books about a culture in a classroom to show that everyone has the ability to write about a topic whether it is close to them at home or an interest they have taken expert credibility in. Outsider literature should not be turned away but should be looked at just as critically as an insiders piece of literature to make sure that the culture is being represented the best and honest it can be.