From: ogleduff <ogleduff+>
Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 17:51:53 -0500

I think it is sheer arrogance to assume that one can define another's culture. The voices of those from within that particular culture should speak for that culture in as many of its manisfestations as possible. Those are the authentic voices. Others may write about their engagement with someone from that culture, there has already been too much speculation about others and their culture. Usually that speculation has left a negative taste in the mouths of the culture that has been misinterpreted. In the US most of us are aware of the distortions of history and the stereotypes created as representatioins of designated minorities.

You may ask where does this leave creativity? I think you have to be honest and say whose voice you're portraying. You may also explain how you gain so much insight about that culture. It is interesting to note who speaks for whom. I always wonder why. Is it further evidence of power? The rationale is that this is just a story and the writer has literary license to craft what ever. I don't think it is that simple or that innocent!

ogleduffogleduff at pitt.edu


Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die, Life is a broken winged bird That cannot fly.

Langston Hughes
Received on Mon 08 Jan 2001 04:51:53 PM CST