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'Not a badge of honor': how book bans affect Indigenous literature

Jul 31, 2024
Explore the underrepresentation of Indigenous literature in education. Discover how recent book bans affect visibility for marginalized authors while critiquing the impact on diverse storytelling. Learn the difference between sacred Indigenous tales and folk tales, emphasizing the need for accurate representation in children's literature. Hear from an Indigenous Hawaiian author about cultural identity and the significance of preserving Hawaiian narratives. Delve into the relationship between literature and identity within Indigenous communities and the responsibilities that come with it.
34:17

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Quick takeaways

  • The marginalization of Indigenous literature through book bans exacerbates the lack of representation and visibility for Indigenous voices in education.
  • Classic children's literature often perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Indigenous peoples, highlighting the urgent need for authentic and diverse narratives.

Deep dives

The Representation of Indigenous Literature in Education

There is a concerning lack of representation of Indigenous authors and characters in educational literature. Many students, including the speaker, struggle to recall any significant works featuring Native Americans during their formative educational years. Classic works, often steeped in stereotypes and historically inaccurate portrayals, dominate school reading lists, perpetuating harmful narratives about Indigenous peoples. This gap in representation not only impacts Indigenous students but also shapes the understanding of their peers, emphasizing the need for more authentic voices in literature.

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