So what is the big deal about multiculturalism? What difference does it make whether children see people of their culture represented correctly in the books they read? Maybe these are not even questions we ever thought to ask but, thankfully, somebody did! As I have studied children's literature in this class, the recurring admonition is the importance of selecting books that are relevant for children...ALL children.
When we are looking to include stories about other cultures in our reading materials, we need to make sure that the cultures are properly portrayed. Doing so can help children feel their culture is as import as the culture of the majority. Sharing other cultures in the proper way can cause all children in the class to become familiar with, respect and appreciate cultures other than their own. It is beautiful to see children together with total disregard for their differences and embracing their commonalities.
It will take effort to include literature representing some cultures because there have not been many books written about the people in that culture or some that have been written present it in a negative light. In comparison with their representation in the American population, African-Americans, Latinos and Native-Americans are not proportionally represented in children's literature. Thankfully, this is changing as more and more authors that are native to these cultures are realizing the importance of sharing their perspectives. Some cultures, even on the international level have very little written about them. This is sometimes because of the cost of publishing.
One of the most interesting things for me in my interactions with others is learning about other cultures. It is good to realize that, even among our "own race," there are many differences and much to be learned. In learning about other cultures, it is important to help children understand that people do not have to be exactly like us, nor do we have to agree on everything. Everyone needs to be respected and everyone needs to be recognized as important and special. We will appreciate ourselves and our culture much better when we properly appreciate the culture of others.
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