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[CCBC-Net] Alexie's True Diary of ....more thoughts
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From: N. R. Caldwell <inpeacencw>
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:12:16 -0400
Greetings Everyone,
?
Over several days, I have read with great and growing interest the posts concerning Alexie's - True Diary and the reference to phrases in the text that are less than celebratory about individuals who happen to be gay. This is not the intent of his book -- no not at all. He is simply putting into writing the language of youth today within the context of teen characters who happen to be Native experiencing life in these United States. He is not endorsing bigotry against gay, lesbians or even toward indigenous peoples themselves. For one to arrive at this conclusion would indicate that person is looking for reason to take offense. I know that place in the heart very well - -that is the place were offense comes easy. And now I work for peace, and justice and reconciliation through re-education of what it means to be an indigenous person in this moment of time.
?
This novel was awarded and rightfully so the American Indian Youth Literature Award Young Adult honor for 2008. We (the committee I chaired) carefully considered the text - our focus being primarily the accurate portrayal of indigenous youth in modern times and a well-written text. Debbie Reese was so on target to take the discussion to the place where we focus on the indigenous writers being able to tell their own stories and their way. ?When we consider books we do so with the responsibility in mind that we are answerable to our elders and our communities nationwide. That
responsibility entails honoring our traditional native beliefs with regard to respect, integrity, humility and?thanksgiving coupled with?the impact our decisions will have. We understand that our decision will have the force to effect seven generations into the future. WE do not take this privilege and responsibility lightly as the very lives of all youth are at stake. We know first hand that sticks and stone can break bones and names hurt the spirit for a long time after the physical bruises have healed.?
?
I should like to share an anecdote -- on numerous occasions during the conference in which we awarded Alexie - We (the committed and other honored guest) had the opportunity to listen and engage Alexie in conversation on a variety of topics. One of which was how he views individuals who happen to be gay, lesbian or transsexual in orientation. He spoke from an indigenous perspective and acknowledged how traditionally speaking individuals described as "gay" in some indigenous circles were/are honored and not disrespected. In this particular conversation he spoke of disdain for anyone who chooses to be bigoted in this way.
??
?
Finally, my recommendation to those who struggle with the references to homosexuality and sex in Alexie's True Diary?engage a group of young people in a conversation about this novel. Asked them what they think. While I think it is vital to highlight and point youth to the best books we also need to trust that they can tell the=2 0difference between the context of the phrases and terminology used in True Diary... and the reality of the hope?Alexie presents to us to in his story.
In peace,
Naomi Rachel Caldwell, (Ramapough/Lenape) Ph.D.,
American Indian Library Association, Youth Literature Award Committee, Founding Member and Immediate Past, Chair
American Indian LIbrary Association, past president
Associate Professor Graduate School of Library and Information Studies The University of Rhode Island 11 Rodman Hall Kingston, RI 02881-0815
(401)874-2278 office
(401)874-4964 fax email: inpeacencw at aol.com http://www.uri.edu/artsci/lsc/People/caldwell.html
The Best is here and now and yet to come.
The triumph of the teacher is always in bringing his student to his own understanding, and even more than that, endeavoring to inspire within the student the possibility of going beyond himself in his search of knowledge and truth. J.G.Lake
All things are possible only believe. Mark 9:23
Received on Mon 13 Apr 2009 04:12:16 PM CDT
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:12:16 -0400
Greetings Everyone,
?
Over several days, I have read with great and growing interest the posts concerning Alexie's - True Diary and the reference to phrases in the text that are less than celebratory about individuals who happen to be gay. This is not the intent of his book -- no not at all. He is simply putting into writing the language of youth today within the context of teen characters who happen to be Native experiencing life in these United States. He is not endorsing bigotry against gay, lesbians or even toward indigenous peoples themselves. For one to arrive at this conclusion would indicate that person is looking for reason to take offense. I know that place in the heart very well - -that is the place were offense comes easy. And now I work for peace, and justice and reconciliation through re-education of what it means to be an indigenous person in this moment of time.
?
This novel was awarded and rightfully so the American Indian Youth Literature Award Young Adult honor for 2008. We (the committee I chaired) carefully considered the text - our focus being primarily the accurate portrayal of indigenous youth in modern times and a well-written text. Debbie Reese was so on target to take the discussion to the place where we focus on the indigenous writers being able to tell their own stories and their way. ?When we consider books we do so with the responsibility in mind that we are answerable to our elders and our communities nationwide. That
responsibility entails honoring our traditional native beliefs with regard to respect, integrity, humility and?thanksgiving coupled with?the impact our decisions will have. We understand that our decision will have the force to effect seven generations into the future. WE do not take this privilege and responsibility lightly as the very lives of all youth are at stake. We know first hand that sticks and stone can break bones and names hurt the spirit for a long time after the physical bruises have healed.?
?
I should like to share an anecdote -- on numerous occasions during the conference in which we awarded Alexie - We (the committed and other honored guest) had the opportunity to listen and engage Alexie in conversation on a variety of topics. One of which was how he views individuals who happen to be gay, lesbian or transsexual in orientation. He spoke from an indigenous perspective and acknowledged how traditionally speaking individuals described as "gay" in some indigenous circles were/are honored and not disrespected. In this particular conversation he spoke of disdain for anyone who chooses to be bigoted in this way.
??
?
Finally, my recommendation to those who struggle with the references to homosexuality and sex in Alexie's True Diary?engage a group of young people in a conversation about this novel. Asked them what they think. While I think it is vital to highlight and point youth to the best books we also need to trust that they can tell the=2 0difference between the context of the phrases and terminology used in True Diary... and the reality of the hope?Alexie presents to us to in his story.
In peace,
Naomi Rachel Caldwell, (Ramapough/Lenape) Ph.D.,
American Indian Library Association, Youth Literature Award Committee, Founding Member and Immediate Past, Chair
American Indian LIbrary Association, past president
Associate Professor Graduate School of Library and Information Studies The University of Rhode Island 11 Rodman Hall Kingston, RI 02881-0815
(401)874-2278 office
(401)874-4964 fax email: inpeacencw at aol.com http://www.uri.edu/artsci/lsc/People/caldwell.html
The Best is here and now and yet to come.
The triumph of the teacher is always in bringing his student to his own understanding, and even more than that, endeavoring to inspire within the student the possibility of going beyond himself in his search of knowledge and truth. J.G.Lake
All things are possible only believe. Mark 9:23
Received on Mon 13 Apr 2009 04:12:16 PM CDT
