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Re: Boys and Books
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From: Maia Cheli-Colando <maia_at_littlefolktales.org>
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:50:18 -0700
Keith,
I do think though that it is important to untangle privilege. Most boys (and men) are allowed to exist in a universe of maleness -- they aren't expected to think from other perspectives. I'd argue that most young men in this country *need* to be knocked out of the perspective of their privilege. If they can't read a book because it has a female heroine, I'd argue that is a sexism that we don't really want them to maintain.
I'd say the same about race & culture, of course. The sense of "whiteness" as the norm is so amazingly persistent and pervasive... and it just ain't reality, nor who would want it to be?
When I objected to Girl-Land books, I wasn't talking about books with female protagonists. I was talking about a Disney-ish world that is not welcoming of boys, nor of girls that don't feel or act princessy enough. My son doesn't have a problem with female protagonists, whether they are mice, robots, or humans... he has a problem when he is locked out, or made to feel like a peculiar apple in box of swedish fish. And I have a problem with girl-visions that are locked down and Disney-ish rather than robust and interesting.
Cheers, Maia
On 4/21/2010 5:55 AM, keitschr_at_hssd.k12.wi.us wrote: When they refer to a "girl" book I have found that it is categorized that way due to the main character being female. I think stressing a good balance of literature, not just genres, but also a balance of characters is a good practice and something I stress to my staff.
-- Maia Cheli-Colando Arcata, Humboldt Bay, California -- blogging at http://www.littlefolktales.org/wordpress -- -- or drop in on Facebook! --
Received on Wed 21 Apr 2010 08:50:18 AM CDT
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:50:18 -0700
Keith,
I do think though that it is important to untangle privilege. Most boys (and men) are allowed to exist in a universe of maleness -- they aren't expected to think from other perspectives. I'd argue that most young men in this country *need* to be knocked out of the perspective of their privilege. If they can't read a book because it has a female heroine, I'd argue that is a sexism that we don't really want them to maintain.
I'd say the same about race & culture, of course. The sense of "whiteness" as the norm is so amazingly persistent and pervasive... and it just ain't reality, nor who would want it to be?
When I objected to Girl-Land books, I wasn't talking about books with female protagonists. I was talking about a Disney-ish world that is not welcoming of boys, nor of girls that don't feel or act princessy enough. My son doesn't have a problem with female protagonists, whether they are mice, robots, or humans... he has a problem when he is locked out, or made to feel like a peculiar apple in box of swedish fish. And I have a problem with girl-visions that are locked down and Disney-ish rather than robust and interesting.
Cheers, Maia
On 4/21/2010 5:55 AM, keitschr_at_hssd.k12.wi.us wrote: When they refer to a "girl" book I have found that it is categorized that way due to the main character being female. I think stressing a good balance of literature, not just genres, but also a balance of characters is a good practice and something I stress to my staff.
-- Maia Cheli-Colando Arcata, Humboldt Bay, California -- blogging at http://www.littlefolktales.org/wordpress -- -- or drop in on Facebook! --
Received on Wed 21 Apr 2010 08:50:18 AM CDT
