A counter-narrative at its most basic level is an argument that disputes a commonly held belief or concept. We all need mirror books. Hunt pointed to decades-old research out of the University of Pennsylvania that showed a correlation between a range of topics as presented on TV ― violence, integration, women's rights ― and how people thought about . Often faced with a heteronormative family situation in media and literature, children of LGBTQ+ families . The BBC defines representation as how societal aspects such as race, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, and social issues are presented. The visibility of minorities in the media is an extremely important arena of representation, one that has been extensively studied and debated. representation positions a responder. An example is talking about important historical or cultural figures. The movement aims for more diverse children's books to actually be created and for these works to be available to young people. Children's representation is a key issue for child development and growth, and it has taken different forms over time. Why Is Representation Important? LGBTQ+ literature provides an excellent framework for introducing themes about tolerance, acceptance, and celebration of our differences. The lack of representation of LGBTQ+ characters in literature is detrimental to the wellbeing of young adolescents who are questioning their orientation or identity. As . Diverse representations of characters in multi-cultural books are beneficial to all readers. Literature can provide answers. There are so many autobiographies about interesting . Here are 5 reasons why you should introduce the younger Black generation to Black literature. Over the last two decades, the rate of women's representation in national parliaments globally has incrementally increased from 11.8 percent in 1998 to 17.8 percent in 2008 to 23.5 percent in 2018. Addressing humanity. As an art form, literature has existed for thousands of years, with the oldest texts dating back to the 26th . To all viewers, on-screen representation serves as an important (if undervalued) way to glean information about the world. representation is the result of conscious or unconscious selection and arrangement according to codes and conventions. Jesse Beason's experience in communications, public policy, government relations and partnership development gives him a unique perspective on why representa. Librarian Joyce Deaton believes in the importance of literature as a way to broaden perspectives. As countries become more and more divers, they are looking for better understanding on descriptive representation and the driving force in regards to the minorities within their nation state. According to LGBT Fans Deserve Better, a website dedicated to tracking queer representation in media, queer women made up only 1% of characters on TV in 2017, but made up 10% of overall deaths on TV. These Literature essays have . There are two primary reasons why representation is important: inclusivity and perception. In the 1960s, children's books became a powerful ideological tool during times of protest and civil unrest. Pride is a time to celebrate our diversity, whilst also taking time to reflect on the current challenges faced by society. When children read books that only depict one kind of protagonist, it can skew their perceptions of themselves in a negative way. Do it because it means better art, do it because it means exciting stories . Representation matters because it can shape how minorities are viewed by society and how they view themselves. It is important that the voices of people of all backgrounds and ethnicities are amplified and that they see themselves represented equitably across all disciplines and media. Variety is the spice of life The New York Times recently ran an article about the importance of winning over the "pink dollar" and . Since the first open presentation of queer characters in The Dickson Experimental Sound Film, along with the series, The Gay Brothers in 1895, queer representation in the media has come a long way.. .at the time, I needed to see those multitudes of reactions. Black literature holds history. What our young people see around them positively or negatively shapes their expectations for themselves and for each other. Seeing ourselves in literature is a gift. Every kid (or adult) likes to imagine themselves as their favorite character or superhero. As countries become more and more divers, they are looking for better understanding on descriptive representation and the driving force in regards to the minorities within their nation state. Canadian literature, the body of written works produced by Canadians. When students see themselves represented in the literature they read in school, it helps them create a counter-narrative about themselves. Keep supporting art that supports us and lend your voice to the discussion on why representation is so vitally important. This is because Black female representation (or the lack thereof) leaves Black . When it comes to our classrooms and schools, let's do our part to make sure that they can see themselves and all of their peers as strong, creative, capable, happy, and connected. Representation in the media means that America can finally see itself in all its multicultural, multiracial, beautiful self. For many of us who are LGBTQ+, queer literature can provide solace, joy, a lifeline. In writing this post I realized another reason why diversity in YA literature is important: education. As King further argues, "Stories are wondrous things. And while we need people to actually write them, we also need . Gene Roddenberry, Frank Hampson and Terry Nation all gave strong roles for women and minorities in their work. March 24, 2020. In medieval Europe, Robin loses the use of his legs, and a monk carries him around, like Hodor does for Bran in Game of Thrones. For readers and viewers, seeing themselves represented on the page or screen can open up to them what's possible. The Stats On Disabled Representation In Children's Books. representations may be intentionally objective or subjective. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors . This is why reading, listening to, and critiquing Indigenous stories are so important. Lack of representation isn't anything new, but it's not as often acknowledged in the literary world. It can provide a safe haven of knowledge and reassurance for those whose feelings stray . Literary agent Ammi-Joan Paquette's article in the March/April 2018 Writer's Digest is a primer on the movement taking publishing by storm. African-American literature deserves better representation in the publishing industry (Image via Storify) Why You Should Read African-American Literature Year-Round. representation is the result of conscious or unconscious selection and arrangement according to codes and conventions. We need to know that our schools think we are important enough to have our stories on the library shelves. What is literature good for? 2. For example, there's a diversity gap in the . 15 Dec 2018. Often children have misunderstandings about disabilities, so accurate literature clarifies these misconceptions (Ostrosky et al . Posted Mar 2021. I grew up outside of London, in a town without so much as a gay bar, and where I didn't know any other LGBTQ+ people my age. Representation creates relatable and powerful role models and sources of inspiration. The media is currently failing Black women and girls. Reading books with accurate representations of students' own cultures can contribute to self-worth within students, while allowing them to connect with themselves and their culture on a deeper level. Indeed, multiple identities on the gender and sexuality spectrum need to be reflected and represented, both respectfully and accurately. 1. Postcolonial literature also becomes relevant because it is capable of providing a representation of the suppressed as well as the suppresser, and hence offers a representation of conflicting . Literature provides a new perspective on the world, an understanding of experiences very different from your own, and an insight into different environments and cultures through the writings of authors past and present . There are many examples of beauty in . Novels, short stories, poems and plays offer readers an unique opportunity. Thankfully, people are starting to speak up and defend themselves. We Need Diverse Books aims to "produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people." An 11 year old African-American girl, Marley Dias, launched the . The importance of descriptive representation in regards to minorities has been the subject of many debates in the past. Well, many of those authors, poets, or playwrights used literature to expand their writing. Literature is important in everyday life because it connects individuals with larger truths and ideas in a society. Some regions have seen particularly dramatic increases, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, where in . 1. Representation is just as important in literature as it is in other forms in life, such as media, workplaces, positions of power, etc. but also from the actual: poets, concerned with representation, are far from the reasoned consideration of the ideal which Plato espouses. By not including representation in books, it's damaging to marginalized communities. If straight characters died at the same rates that queer women died on broadcast television last year, 38% of straight characters would be dead. Representation in the media is a topic that has gotten much more attention in the past few years. Mahogany Books: "We take a leadership role in the African American community by promoting reading, writing, and cultural awareness as tools to improve self-esteem, self-love and ultimately our communities to enrich the lives of motivated individuals.". Please read with caution. Allowing children to see similar family situations to their own in stories can comfort them greatly. A 2012 study on media representation found that young Black girls experienced lowered self-esteem after watching more television. Also, members of other groups, especially majority groups . It is important that illustrations show a true representation of disability and ethnicity, portraying it as a normal part of life rather than a token or something to be pitied or inspired by. . We need to see ourselves in the literature that society values enough to publish and purchase. Representation in literature in the classroom is part of a larger process as well. With this year's theme as 'One Voice, Many Stories', we're focusing on highlighting the experiences of some of our employees globally. And they are dangerous" (9). I encourage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous . One of the main reasons I think that people within the entertainment industry keep making out that representation does still matter is because they want to make themselves look better. 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