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Debbie Reese wrote: > A few moments ago, I sent our an update of additions to American Indians in >Children's Literature, and I got this reply: > > ------------------ > ...For those that want to study the American Indian ways and beliefs, good for >them. For now I will read and enjoy books, just because. > > -------------------- > I would add to Debbie's reply that there is undoubtedly an omission in the person's final sentence: "For now I will read and enjoy books THAT PRESENT AMERICAN INDIANS FALSELY AND DISRESPECTFULLY, just because." I share Debbie's feelings that this is both arrogant and frightening coming from anyone, and especially from an educator. Are there any other groups of people (I include all North American indigenous peoples) whose cultures are still appropriated, blended together and misrepresented in modern literature in this way? I can't think of any. I wonder if it would help people struggling with understanding this to imagine if some powerful culture landed in Europe (for example) and treated all Europeans the way North American Indians were and are being treated: then there would be cute picture books from that powerful culture's folklore which featured animals dressed in 'costumes' made up of German (Bavarian) lederhosen, Ukrainian headdresses or French berets, Dutch wooden shoes and Greek blouses, all mixed together; various religious symbols would be scattered throughout the illustrations as well, just because they look interesting. The stories would have nothing to do with the remaining people of these original diverse cultures, and the dominant culture wouldn't care to find out the histories or significance of these spiritual symbols, or the accuracy of the depicted 'native dress'. It would just be a cute story for children (non-European children) to enjoy. Does this help? Lesley Johnson, Teacher-Librarian MJ Shannon Elementary School Surrey, B.C., Canada johnson_l@sd36.bc.ca -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------