At the beginning of this course, diverse literature to me was about a group of people, culture, race, religion, etc. that was underrepresented in literature. Little did I know there was so much behind what makes up quality diverse and multicultural literature.
I thought the course was very organized and before we even got to reading multicultural books I was thrown into the chaotic mix of what classifies as diverse/multicultural literature and who is allowed to write these books. The insider/outsider issue was one that was engraved into my head throughout the course of the semester. Even though all the books we read were written by insiders, not always were they a perfect, quality representation of a group. I believe overall the books were a good representation but by engaging in questioning the text and group discussions there were always extremely good points and questions brought up that made me question the text. I will continue to look for books by insiders and if so, by outsiders and treat them the same paying particular attention to what the purpose is and how the group of people is represented.
The readings that corresponded with the books on a particular group of people really changed how I read and interpreted the text. There is so much information out there that can help readers identify a quality and authentic multicultural book and I think these readings really showed me that in order to choose books for my collection I need to take several things into consideration. I know that I am unfamiliar with many aspects of other cultures and these readings have helped me learn the basics about what should be represented and what should not be represented. Even though it is hard to come across a book without a stereotype, I have learned that stereotypes can serve a purpose in a book and if you look into why the author chose to write the book the way they did then this question might be answered. I also really enjoy the list of books that many of the readings shared. This gave me an idea of some of the books I can go out and look for and by reading and analyzing these books there is a chance I will be able to pick up an unfamiliar book and decide whether it constitutes as a quality multicultural book.
After taking this course I have realized how important it is for students to have a variety of multicultural books available to them. Even though it may take time to develop a collection that represents everyone equally, I look forward to building a library for all that represents everyone. This course has showed me that my experience with multicultural literature as a student was very slim and with the exposure that I have gained this year, I believe that I would have been a better well rounded person with a more complete knowledge of my surroundings and people. I grew up in a place with a lot of diversity but the literature I was exposed to never represented my peers. I think that I, as well as my peers, would have benefited from more exposure to diverse literature.
This course has made me look forward to building a collection of multicultural literature but I am still unsure of if the books I choose will be an accurate representation. As I continue with my education and eventually get my own classroom where multicultural literature will be a MAIN part in the classroom I believe my understanding will increase and I will learn from books as well as my students.
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