Insider/outsider debate

For the insider vs. outsider writer I would say that it depends on the person. An insider may have more knowledge on a certain topic but they might also have a generalized view and not report everything in the most accurate way. However an insider may have researched the topic throughly and can write an article in a not bias way. Either way just because they are an insider does not make them an expert, it just gives them a few more resources than an outsider who does not have the same circle of friends or the same type of friends that an insider has access to.

However an outsider can also write just as well about a topic. If an outsider researches a topic and writes about it from a non-bias viewpoint it can be just as useful. The outsider must be knowledgeable otherwise it won't be accurate and may produce or support stereotypes that are already in place.

I agree with the Bishop article in which he talks about how multicultural children's literature is the same as children's literature. Everything we read can be used to talk about multiculturalism since many people can connect with many different works or examples.

Questions I have for class would be examples of good and bad works by insiders and outsiders. I want to see how they differ and if there is a huge difference in view points, and/or bias.

Intro

Hi, I am christa and I am in my 4th year at MSU studying child development. I am really excited that this is my senior year and cannot wait to start teaching! The reason I am taking this class is because I am interested in learning more about diverse literature. I know how much I learn from books and how much they have opened my eyes to the world around us and I want the children in my classes to have the same response from reading. Of course with younger children it is more difficult since you have to break everything down to their level. So I am looking forward to seeing what kind of books are out there for them to read.