Multicultural and Anti Racist literature
The issues of fighting racism and stereotypes in children's literature have been addressed in two ways: through multicultural or anti racist literature. These issues have been presented in bodies of work for the very young to older children. Patricia Polacco and Eloise Greenfield have revolutionized children's literature with their stories that address societies needs. Greenfield's style is distinctive from Polacco's; her stories address multiculturalism, whereas Pollaco's is anti racist literature. The reason for this difference in style is due to the era in which these authors wrote their books. Although Greenfield has recent books published in the late 1990s, her books were mostly written and published during the 1970s. Polacco, on the other hand, wrote and published her books in the 1990s to present. Therefore, these two authors have distinct presentation, styles, and goals of their work. Their work, although written two decades apart also focus on two different age groups ranging from preschoolers to elementary children. For this reason their style may house similarities, such as the goal of multiculturalism of their work, but it is distinct, as in the route, multicultural or anti racist, they chose to take to achie
One uses multiculturalism to identify that regardless of race, children are individuals and feel similar feelings to the similar situation, whereas anti-racist literature increases awareness of racial and religious barriers, aiming to educate the reader about minority group's sufferings, culture, and ceremonies. At times anti-racist books, incorporated multiculturalism, with emphasis on specific anti racist behavior that reduces prejudice and increases acceptance. These two authors are known for their contributions to multicultural and anti racist literature. Their styles are distinct, Greenfield's aim is the incorporation of all children through her character portrayals, so that regardless of the race of the reader they can identify with the issues of growing up and family dynamics. She provides insight that somehow, all children in all races are alike, in as they face similar problems at their age. Polacco's literary style aims at teaching about the difference in cultures, especially the Jewish family increases awareness and understanding of another's culture and background inducing acceptance. She hopes that her books may increase the confrontation and ability to surpass the racial and cultural barriers and to reach a multicultural society. Language is able to transport people in different places and times, such as Greenfield's Africa Dream and Easter Parade and Polacco's The Butterfly. Easter Parade shows the interaction and love between to African American cousins indifferent cities that celebrate Easter at the same time although being miles apart. She also presented the interaction and support between family members when they have worries and problems, such as the worry of a husband away at war. The Butterfly is about the Second World War and the help, generosity, and risk non-Jewish people faced in hopes to help another human being and to save lives. Not all children are aware of the suffering of war and how it affects families, however, by using 'time-slip fantasy grounded in the knowable world' (Stephens, p.122), Greenfield and Polacco showed the worry and suffering, strength and weaknesses of the characters in times of suffering and times of joy. These stories emphasize respect and understanding for other cultures and that all people have similar feelings and emotions (Norton, p.581). Learning about the Second World War allows children to understand that people who belong to other racial groups are people that have feelings, emotions, and similar needs. The other racial groups are human beings that have individual suffering and should not be taken as part of a whole. Polacco, P (2001). Mr. Lincoln's Way. New York: Philomel Books. Polacco, P (2000). The Butterfly. New York: Philomel Books. Greenfield, E (1977). Africa Dream. New York: Harper Trophy. Greenfield, E (1974). She Come Bringing me that Little Baby Girl. Harper Collins. Norton, D (1999). Through the Eyes of a Child: An Introduction to Children's Literature (5th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 3210
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)
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