Transcript Multicultural Children’s Literature

Accuracy and
Authenticity in
Multicultural
Children’s Literature
“Accuracy” and “Authenticity”
These terms are notoriously almost
impossible to define. As we’ve discussed
in previous classes, even defining
seemingly simple terms like “childhood,” or
“children’s literature” is difficult, and
subjective terms like “accuracy” and
“authenticity” are even tougher.
We must make an attempt though, because
literature is a potentially powerful factor in
the child’s construction of knowledge
about people and the world (Mendoza and
Possible Definition for Accuracy
Accuracy: “richness of details, authentic
handling of dialogues and relationships, and
sensitive treatment of issues” (Yokota qtd. in
Mo and Shen 86)
In her introductory PPT lecture, Dr. Wannamaker
mentioned some forces that shape literature, such
as business, cultural expectations and norms, and
school curricula. These types of forces can create
problems and debates surrounding the accuracy or
authenticity of a multicultural text…
Debates Surrounding “Accuracy”
1. It is so subjective. There are different
levels of accuracy, so if you leave
something out, is the rest of it still
accurate?
Example: Almost anything! But, let’s take
a look at A Gift from Papá Diego…
Debates Surrounding “Accuracy” (con.)
2. In terms of authorship and
illustrations, does this eliminate the
possibility of sensitive research, and only
allow books “by and about” minority
authors?
Stereotypes and misconceptions may
arise, or something may be just plain
wrong.
Examples: Little Black Sambo and Sam
and the Tigers (previously discussed), and
Arrow to the Sun
Debates Surrounding “Accuracy” (con.)
3. In terms of schooling, there may not be
enough time to delve into the depth of
detail needed to be completely accurate.
Also, which facts are emphasized and
how they are presented will affect the
“accuracy.”
Example: Persepolis describes some of Iran’s history, and
in its way is indeed accurate, but cannot give all the
details needed to really understand Iranian culture, or
Iran’s history.
(Same with Number the Stars, and its lack of detail about
the atrocities of the Holocaust. Even though this is not an
Debates Surrounding “Accuracy” (con.)
4. Also in terms of schooling, authors
must adapt the text to make it
comprehensible to outsiders, AND must
be careful what they introduce (i.e. ideas
of arranged marriages, footbinding,
drinking ages, etc.) and how adaptation
is “cultural filtering” (Mo and Shen 90).
Example: The story of Cinderella has changed
throughout history, and cultures.
Possible Definition for Authenticity
Authenticity: “Non-stereotyped portrayals,
positive images, lack of derogatory language,
accurate historical information and cultural
details, and realistic illustrations” (Mo and Shen
86)
OR
Being true to myself and my particular way of
being (Taylor 28)
Another Possible Definition
for Authenticity
Authenticity: Representations of characters,
situations, relationships, customs and values that
the culture as a whole would consider
authoritative, trustworthy, and worthy of
acceptance or belief as confirming to fact or
reality (partially from Webster’s dictionary, Mo
and Shen, and me)
However, the first definition uses the word “accurate,”
illustrating ironically how subjective the definitions for
“authenticity” are just like those for “accurate.” This
brings us to debates surrounding “authenticity”…
Debates Surrounding “Authenticity”
1. In terms of postcolonialism, an
“authentic culture” is basically impossible.
Cultures absorb values from other
cultures, and new customs are fighting to
replace old traditions within the culture
based on so many factors (technology,
religion, media influence, etc.).
In other words, cultural values are not
stagnant (Mo and Shen 87). Look again
at A Gift from Papá Diego…
Debates Surrounding “Authenticity” (con.)
2. In terms of realistic content, what
about multiracial families, characters,
communities, etc.? Often multiracial
relationships are depicted through
difference (Sands O’Connor 413), and a
focus on difference is not necessarily
accurate, authentic, or helpful in creating
“positive depictions” – this sets the
minority culture even farther away from
majority readers.
Example: Black, White, Just Right!
Debates Surrounding “Authenticity” (con.)
3. In terms of readership, members of
seemingly similar cultures may view a subject
or viewpoint differently (as either authentic or
inauthentic).
This is where cultural expectations and norms
enter into the debate. One person in a culture
may expect one thing, while another expects
something totally different.
Example: Christmas traditions for a Midwestern, white,
middle class family…
Debates Surrounding “Authenticity” (con.)
4. In terms of business/consumer society,
there may be a tendency to romanticize or
over-dramatize subjects, or ignore certain
subjects, in order to sell books, which would
certainly detract from authenticity.
And of course that so few multicultural books are
published anyway (recall stats from Dr.
Wannamaker’s PPT).
Refer to: Gangi, Jane M. “Inclusive Aesthetics and Social
Justice”
Aspects of Multicultural Picture Books
Affected by Accuracy or Authenticity
1. Aesthetic elements: Different cultures
appreciate different aesthetic values (i.e.
order vs. chaos, detailed sketching vs. broad
strokes, etc.)
2. Detailed meaning: Different cultures attach
different significance to identical illustrations
(color, shapes, symbols, order of words, etc.)
3. Characterization: Speech (or language) may
be different, necessitating translation, but
more importantly, characters are often where
choice enters a narrative. This is subjective,
and thus may not seem authentic or accurate
Example:
Yeh-Shen
1. Frames are not completely traditional, but
simple page design, blank space, etc. are
very traditional.
2. Basic imitation is not authentic either though,
so small changes may be necessary, and
welcome (frames). “Authentic art form should
not be rigidly interpreted as the typical
traditional style” (Mo and Shen 92).
3. If we want to get really specific, mechanical
reproduction through printing presses is not
really authentic either…