The "insider vs outsider" debate

Prior to reading anything pertaining to this controversy, I had my own semi-uneducated (on the topic) opinion about the matter. I felt that regardless of whether or not a person defines him or herself as an insider or outsider to a culture, both could write quality, meaningful, and realistically authentic literature for children. I did not feel that the label of insider or outsider really defined the book. In other words, I do not think a piece of literature should be validated on the basis of the author claiming "insider" and those books by "outsiders" be disregarded. I think that writers from both categories can be quite flawed in their writing. The first example that pops into my mind is a book discussed in previous class readings and in class. This book is "Ten Little Rabbits" and is claimed to be written by someone with a deep, almost insider, experience to the Native American culture. With any sound knowledge of Native Americans, a reader of that text would find numerous flaws with its depictions. Writers from both categories can also write wonderful literature though.

Initially I feel that one should think that an "insider" should be more easily praised and found worthy to write, since by claiming insider-ship they have lived some of the experiences they intend to write about and thus, would be writing from their true lives. However, I do not believe that simply because someone is an insider they or their work should be placed to speak about an entire culture, especially if that is not the desired goal of the work.

I guess it actually depends on who places the label of insider and outsider on an author, why they do so, and how many other people agree with that label. I may not be able to fully explain my thoughts here, but I shall try, and I will continue to revise my ideas. If someone is labeled as an insider from a large group, particularly from the group being discussed, their work should likely hold more instantaneous credibility than someone labeled as outsider. However, I feel that overall both insiders and outsiders can write amazing work if they seek out the information they lack and present it truthfully, whether they are trying to write about an entire culture, one specific experience, or attempting to create a piece of writing that is universal in its experiences and content.

Through the readings this week and in the course, I feel that my ideas about this controversy are fairly sound, though could use some touching up and clarification in certain areas. I will attempt to address this in a future blog.