Scholastic Book Fairs gone political

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

People who view it as “a superficial concern” tend not to have it as a concern. They think that their issues and their cultures are somehow both relatable and universal. So, yeah, you can “‘see’ yourself in anyone to some extent , but culture is real, as are different experiences in society. I assume that’s why people like the Virginia book banning lady are pressing so hard: they don’t want other readers seeing themselves in Ruby Bridges, or someone gay, or someone who’s an immigrant, or developing empathy .

Maybe ask yourself why you’re pressing so hard, PP. It’s one thing to choose to not read certain books. It’s another thing altogether to see that the adults making decisions about which books and topics and interests and lives are valuable and worthy of being written about and read — decide that the ones “like you” and that speak to your concerns have either been segregated in a special case or are absent altogether.

It’s ok to not get it PP. It’s odd, though, to be so insistent about an issue that apparently doesn’t impact you at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

Not to get all ivory tower on you (no pun intended) but you just don't know what you don't know. This is 100% not a superficial concern. This is like...an actual thing. But carry on. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

People who view it as “a superficial concern” tend not to have it as a concern. They think that their issues and their cultures are somehow both relatable and universal. So, yeah, you can “‘see’ yourself in anyone to some extent , but culture is real, as are different experiences in society. I assume that’s why people like the Virginia book banning lady are pressing so hard: they don’t want other readers seeing themselves in Ruby Bridges, or someone gay, or someone who’s an immigrant, or developing empathy .

Maybe ask yourself why you’re pressing so hard, PP. It’s one thing to choose to not read certain books. It’s another thing altogether to see that the adults making decisions about which books and topics and interests and lives are valuable and worthy of being written about and read — decide that the ones “like you” and that speak to your concerns have either been segregated in a special case or are absent altogether.

It’s ok to not get it PP. It’s odd, though, to be so insistent about an issue that apparently doesn’t impact you at all.

Perfect response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Well, yeah, I managed to identify with Snoopy for much of my youth. And I'm no beagle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

Not to get all ivory tower on you (no pun intended) but you just don't know what you don't know. This is 100% not a superficial concern. This is like...an actual thing. But carry on. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

“This is like . . . “ not an actual thing.

Hope you are not still paying off student loans; you did not receive a quality education.

It is a superficial concern.

[Anonymous]

I’m a minority and don’t see a problem. Scholastic has made it much easier to choose diverse books by grouping them into 1 section. Just have your school include that section when buying the books.

Schools that are not interested in diversity were not buying those books anyway. You can choose the books you buy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is this place - a place online - where you can: order books!

I will share a little secret with you: it is called

Amazon.com

Thanks for sharing your secret PP! Guess what: Most kids, especially kids who like to read, enjoy looking at the covers, flipping through the pages, comparing one book with another. That’s why Book Fairs have been successful for many decades.
It’s no secret.

Oh you’re welcome! No problem. Happy to help.

Glad you agree OP is raising a superficial concern.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is this place - a place online - where you can: order books!

I will share a little secret with you: it is called

Amazon.com

Thanks for sharing your secret PP! Guess what: Most kids, especially kids who like to read, enjoy looking at the covers, flipping through the pages, comparing one book with another. That’s why Book Fairs have been successful for many decades.
It’s no secret.

Oh you’re welcome! No problem. Happy to help.

Glad you agree OP is raising a superficial concern.

It’s clear that I don’t agree — but I’m sure you realize that, unless you didn’t read or didn’t understand my comments. Have a blissful evening!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

People who view it as “a superficial concern” tend not to have it as a concern. They think that their issues and their cultures are somehow both relatable and universal. So, yeah, you can “‘see’ yourself in anyone to some extent , but culture is real, as are different experiences in society. I assume that’s why people like the Virginia book banning lady are pressing so hard: they don’t want other readers seeing themselves in Ruby Bridges, or someone gay, or someone who’s an immigrant, or developing empathy .

Maybe ask yourself why you’re pressing so hard, PP. It’s one thing to choose to not read certain books. It’s another thing altogether to see that the adults making decisions about which books and topics and interests and lives are valuable and worthy of being written about and read — decide that the ones “like you” and that speak to your concerns have either been segregated in a special case or are absent altogether.

It’s ok to not get it PP. It’s odd, though, to be so insistent about an issue that apparently doesn’t impact you at all.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but kids attending scholastic book fairs share the same culture. There may be some slight differences here and there, but for the most part, yup it’s the same.

I don’t know why you think I am being insistent about anything, however. I don’t give a rat’s behind what you or your kids read. But I think you are doing your kids a disservice to not teach them how much human experience is actually universal, if you allow yourself to see yourself in a character who isn’t exactly like you. Maybe you’re the one who doesn’t understand empathy and you’re projecting?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

People who view it as “a superficial concern” tend not to have it as a concern. They think that their issues and their cultures are somehow both relatable and universal. So, yeah, you can “‘see’ yourself in anyone to some extent , but culture is real, as are different experiences in society. I assume that’s why people like the Virginia book banning lady are pressing so hard: they don’t want other readers seeing themselves in Ruby Bridges, or someone gay, or someone who’s an immigrant, or developing empathy .

Maybe ask yourself why you’re pressing so hard, PP. It’s one thing to choose to not read certain books. It’s another thing altogether to see that the adults making decisions about which books and topics and interests and lives are valuable and worthy of being written about and read — decide that the ones “like you” and that speak to your concerns have either been segregated in a special case or are absent altogether.

It’s ok to not get it PP. It’s odd, though, to be so insistent about an issue that apparently doesn’t impact you at all.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but kids attending scholastic book fairs share the same culture. There may be some slight differences here and there, but for the most part, yup it’s the same.

I don’t know why you think I am being insistent about anything, however. I don’t give a rat’s behind what you or your kids read. But I think you are doing your kids a disservice to not teach them how much human experience is actually universal, if you allow yourself to see yourself in a character who isn’t exactly like you. Maybe you’re the one who doesn’t understand empathy and you’re projecting?

Nope, not bad news at all. Like any random anonymous internet poster, you’re entitled to your opinions and all that they reflect. Since you genuinely believe that every kid who attends every scholastic book fair — from recent immigrants to Native Americans from multiple backgrounds to students from a wide array of ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds ALL “share the same culture” and that that those kids are ALL equally well-served by the books that have been chosen to placate the book banners, then there’s not much that I can say that you’ll be capable of understanding. Enjoy playing with your “rat’s ass”. That’s not something that I can relate to — fortunately— but whatever serves you well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a minority and don’t see a problem. Scholastic has made it much easier to choose diverse books by grouping them into 1 section. Just have your school include that section when buying the books.

Schools that are not interested in diversity were not buying those books anyway. You can choose the books you buy.

Are you ADOS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

Not to get all ivory tower on you (no pun intended) but you just don't know what you don't know. This is 100% not a superficial concern. This is like...an actual thing. But carry on. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

“This is like . . . “ not an actual thing.

Hope you are not still paying off student loans; you did not receive a quality education.

It is a superficial concern.

I did. And I'm teaching your children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why would you need to find a character who looks like you in a book? It’s not TV…

Rudine Sims can help you out with understanding how it might be helpful to "see" yourself in a book (and why it can be helpful to "see" people who are different from you, too):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wgvu.org%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

But that’s one of the joys of books! You can “see” yourself in anyone! (Why do you think there was controversy about the casting of Rue in the Hunger Games movies? Because lots of white readers just assumed she was white… it’s a totally natural response people of any race have…)

It’s also why so many books have male protagonists, even when authored by women (ahem! Harry Potter). Girls have been conditioned to be able to “see themselves” even in boy characters, and boys typically can’t do the reverse.

Ultimately this is a superficial concern.

People who view it as “a superficial concern” tend not to have it as a concern. They think that their issues and their cultures are somehow both relatable and universal. So, yeah, you can “‘see’ yourself in anyone to some extent , but culture is real, as are different experiences in society. I assume that’s why people like the Virginia book banning lady are pressing so hard: they don’t want other readers seeing themselves in Ruby Bridges, or someone gay, or someone who’s an immigrant, or developing empathy .

Maybe ask yourself why you’re pressing so hard, PP. It’s one thing to choose to not read certain books. It’s another thing altogether to see that the adults making decisions about which books and topics and interests and lives are valuable and worthy of being written about and read — decide that the ones “like you” and that speak to your concerns have either been segregated in a special case or are absent altogether.

It’s ok to not get it PP. It’s odd, though, to be so insistent about an issue that apparently doesn’t impact you at all.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but kids attending scholastic book fairs share the same culture. There may be some slight differences here and there, but for the most part, yup it’s the same.

I don’t know why you think I am being insistent about anything, however. I don’t give a rat’s behind what you or your kids read. But I think you are doing your kids a disservice to not teach them how much human experience is actually universal, if you allow yourself to see yourself in a character who isn’t exactly like you. Maybe you’re the one who doesn’t understand empathy and you’re projecting?

Nope, not bad news at all. Like any random anonymous internet poster, you’re entitled to your opinions and all that they reflect. Since you genuinely believe that every kid who attends every scholastic book fair — from recent immigrants to Native Americans from multiple backgrounds to students from a wide array of ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds ALL “share the same culture” and that that those kids are ALL equally well-served by the books that have been chosen to placate the book banners, then there’s not much that I can say that you’ll be capable of understanding. Enjoy playing with your “rat’s ass”. That’s not something that I can relate to — fortunately— but whatever serves you well.

Our culture is unbridled capitalism, and it’s the truth whether you agree or not. How do you think Scholastic selects books in the first place? (Answer: it’s about which books will make them money. They also don’t give a rat’s ass what your kid reads.)

[Anonymous]

They have to do it that way precisely because of the “book bans” and increasing scrutiny around what kids can read. It covers their ass and the asses of the people at your kid’s school who order the book fair books. If they know they’re in a political climate where the diversity books are closely scrutinized, they can avoid ordering them altogether and that way no controversy is inadvertently created.