Insider / Outsider Debate

I feel that the insider / outsider debate is a difficult one to fully be committed to one side or the other. On one hand I feel that when someone writes from an insiders perspective, they write accurately and give a sense of intimacy into their writing. I think an insider has the ability to add personal details and information that an outsider might never be able to have access to in the same way. I think this can often make a story more believable and therefore engaging to the reader. It is also easy for the reader to know that what is being said in the text is legitimate and accurate information and therefore does not have to question the validity of it. This helps readers focus on the content of the book instead of having to question it. I also think an insider has a cultural perspective that an outsider can never fully obtain on the same level and that sort of personal connection will often come across in a story.

However, I do not think that outsiders should not be allowed to write stories about other cultures, especially if they are well informed about the subject or culture. I think many of time there are outsiders that have a great passion for another culture or have experiences that allow them to feel deeply connected with that culture or group. I think people are more likely to question the validity of a book writen by an outsider but it is not to say that the validity will always fall short of expectations. Insiders often experience things that although does not make them experts it does allow them to have some insight into a group or culture. I think with research and personal experience, an outsider can create a wonderful peice of literature that is accurate and compelling.

I think it is important to incorporate books from both insiders and outsiders into the classroom because it may be more inclusive for students. For example, if a student is not an insider about the Jewish Religion, but have researched it and have had friends that are insiders, they may feel that they are more connected to that religion than another student. They should feel that it is okay to have a liking towards groups and other cultures and I think by incorporating books that are written by a variety of authors teachers can accomplish this. When a student feels like they can relate to an author, whether an insider or outsider, that is when the books are most successful in reaching out to kids. Again I find it to be a difficult debate but ultimately I think when a person is well informed and well exposed to a different group or culture they should be welcomed to write about those experiences and knowledge.