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Off-Topic Messages/Final Thoughts on Women's History
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From: James Elliott <j_c_elliott>
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2004 16:46:34 -0500
I think it nice that in recent years, books for younger readers has exploded with books devoted to women's roles in history. Everything from the
'American Girl' series to 'Royal Diaries', etc.
However, I also see a long way to go in terms of HOW women in history are presented. So often the reality of the drudgery of existence is ignored in an effort to show strong women characters, and thus only presenting one side of a story. It would be nice to show the contrast, a l? Dicken's "Tale of Two Cities", the differences in lifestyle between an Emily Bront? or Elizabeth Caddy Stanton and the life led by a parlor maid. Or in Royal Diary form, have a chapter from the perspective of the Queen, princess, etc. followed by a chapter showing the same events from the perspective of a female servant of that royal personage. (or a flip book, one side the Queen, turn the book over and see the servant's P.O.V.)
Yes it's nice to show the successes, and we need to continue doing so, but in showing how far we've already come, we present hope for going further.
Jim Elliott Children's Librarian Tallahassee, FL.
Received on Wed 17 Nov 2004 03:46:34 PM CST
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2004 16:46:34 -0500
I think it nice that in recent years, books for younger readers has exploded with books devoted to women's roles in history. Everything from the
'American Girl' series to 'Royal Diaries', etc.
However, I also see a long way to go in terms of HOW women in history are presented. So often the reality of the drudgery of existence is ignored in an effort to show strong women characters, and thus only presenting one side of a story. It would be nice to show the contrast, a l? Dicken's "Tale of Two Cities", the differences in lifestyle between an Emily Bront? or Elizabeth Caddy Stanton and the life led by a parlor maid. Or in Royal Diary form, have a chapter from the perspective of the Queen, princess, etc. followed by a chapter showing the same events from the perspective of a female servant of that royal personage. (or a flip book, one side the Queen, turn the book over and see the servant's P.O.V.)
Yes it's nice to show the successes, and we need to continue doing so, but in showing how far we've already come, we present hope for going further.
Jim Elliott Children's Librarian Tallahassee, FL.
Received on Wed 17 Nov 2004 03:46:34 PM CST
