Pros And Cons Of Cultural Authenticity

The Cultural Authenticity Debate Who is paying attention to children’s literature and the potential negative messages that it could send to multi-cultural children? The debate about cultural authenticity continues, does it matter and if it does, can we solve this diemma so that everyone is satisfied? There does not seem to be a clear-cut method and some say that it would be a crime against art if we did. Should we let educators decide what is appropriate? Should the parents of these children have some input? What about the artistic integrity of the authors and illustrators? These questions and many more have been asked repeatedly, and unfortunately there is no definitive answer. There are numerous reasons cultural authenticity is important and they should not be ignored. Ensuring cultural authenticity is a complicated matter, and there are many differing opinions. What should be in the forefront of consideration is that some children are looking to these books as a source of identity. …show more content…
It is unfortunate that what starts out as good intentions ends up with unintended consequences. Authors and illustrators are part of the problem by perpetuating unrealistic scenarios in books. The movement to protect and promote cultural authenticity is vital and often overlooked for lack of understanding and perspective. Responsiveness once enlightened is key. These issues are complicated, however, I believe thought, consideration, and exposure could help bridge the gap between art form, educational integrity, and cultural authenticity.

Works Cited
Short, Kathy G., and Dana L. Fox. “The Complexity of Cultural Authenticity in Children’s Literature: Why the Debates Really Matter.” Stories Matter: The Complexity of Cultural Authenticity in Children’s Literature. Ed. Dana L. Fox and Kathy G. Short. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English, 2003. 7.