Multicultural Literature

“Bridging the Cultural Gap by Teaching Multicultural Literature” by Yu Ren Dong discussed the importance of teacher’s understanding the different cultures in order for the multicultural literature to “serve as an entry point to validate expression of cultural knowledge, perspectives, and differences that their diverse students live by every day.”
I thought it was interesting that the reason teachers often feel uncomfortable teaching multicultural literature is because they are not sure if students can handle the “racial and cultural issues.” Students, however, are always surrounded by different cultures, and even without cultural literature they are exposed to these issues in their every day life. Teachers should understand that discussing these problems through literature is in actuality good way for students to learn how to handle cultural differences.
In order for teachers to successfully help students learn about different cultures, they should expand their knowledge in order to be able to better discuss the issues and differing perspectives rooted in people’s cultures.
Copper Sun and Esperanza Rising are the most prominent examples of multicultural literature we have read in class. Despite the books’ happy endings and somewhat cliché plot, these books are both informative and a good way for students to see the effects of cultural differences in the world, and how they have been dealt with over the years.
I think the cultural response approach is a way in which teachers should consider teaching multi-cultural literature because it allows students to set aside preconceived notions about different cultures, and focus on the text. By discussing the ideas presented in the text students can better understand the characters identities and the motives for their actions. This allows students to understand different cultures without judging or being critical.