From: Lesley Colabucci <lcolabucci>
Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 10:34:35 -0700 (PDT)

Sorry if I'm "behind" in the discussion.

I really appreciate this discussion of labels with regard to multicultural children's literature (including GLBTQ in that canon). I teach a class on "gender and race issues in children's literature" to undergraduates and we constantly grapple with the idea of a how a label is different from an identity. Labels are often used for discrimination purposes while identities tend to function as sources of pride. However, both categorize. I think the question is who is doing the categorizing and who benefits from it. I've noticed recently that when we talk about GLBTQ literature in my class, the students argue that they are not homophobic at all, that they just see people as human first. I have been really moved by this argument at times as students describe finding themselves relating to characters who truly are "windows" for them. Yet, I am still worried about the lack of mirrors GLBTQ children and families have available to them in literature and my life
 experience as a lesbian has led me understand that while universal connections are powerful, the need for affirmation of marginalized identities and exploration of issues of injustice endures.

Has E. Lockheart's book Dramarama been discussed at all? It's in my bedside book queue but I haven't read it yet. I understand it is not "catalogued" as gay but that's it should be.

Lesley

Lesley Colabucci, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Elementary and Early Childhood Education Millersville University of Pennsylvania PO Box 1002 Millersville, PA 17551-0302

51 Lyte Road 322 Stayer Hall

(717) 871-5462 (fax)
(717) 871-5618 (office)

lesley.colabucci at millersville.edu




      
Received on Thu 29 May 2008 12:34:35 PM CDT