Diversity is a common presence in our daily lives. We see and interact with people of all different backgrounds everyday, especially at an international school like ISB. Whether it be race, culture, gender, sexuality, or disabilities, we celebrate/explore our differences: ISB’s Intercultural Week is an example of that.
But how does the diversity we experience in real life translate into fiction - namely, literature? Well unfortunately, for a long time, it didn’t.
This can be seen in the books that many consider “classics”: books like Fahrenheit 451, Crime and Punishment, Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, etc. And even just popular YA books of the 2010s: while they are all good books, no doubt, it must be noted that a lot of them focus primarily on cis white characters and are written by cis white authors. It is common for people to write about the types of experiences they know, which is why some of these authors might have strayed away from writing about characters/issues that they feel like they can’t accurately represent/write about. Of course, that doesn’t take away from the importance of these authors or books: it is just the “biases in publishing and book media that lead to readers having more access to and being more aware of books by white authors, and therefore buying and reading more books by white authors” (Schinsky). But over the last few years, a lot of progress has been made to diversify the books that we read.
So what makes a book ‘diverse’? A diverse book can be a lot of things, but to reduce it to a simple definition would simply be books that have characters from minority groups, or include social issues. So why is it important to have books with diversity? Why does it matter?
“Diversity in literature is, in part, about representation - who is telling the stories and who stories are told about.” - Roxane Gay (American writer, professor, editor and social commentator)
Firstly, though fiction might not be real, it reflects us. Stories “represent human experiences and reflect scenarios we are accustomed to” (“Why Diversity and…”). Often we can relate to the characters we read about: we grow to care about their issues, and we want to see them strive. And one of the ways we connect to fiction is by seeing parts of ourselves represented through the characters. By “seeing characters or people in a similar position or who look, act or think the same way as yourself”, it helps “anchor your perception of how you fit in society” (“Why Diversity and…”).
Fiction can also show who we want to be. After all, well-written protagonists/heroes can be some of the best role models out there. For people to be able to read about characters like them, succeeding and overcoming obstacles, is powerful. This is particularly important in YA/children’s literature.
"Kids need to see themselves represented in order to develop healthy self-images and to feel comfortable with who they are." (Sullivan)
According to the University of Wisconsin’s Cooperative Children’s Book Center in 2019, around 12% of U.S. published children’s books featured Black characters; 9% of books featured Asian characters; 6.3% featured Hispanic characters; and less than 1% had Native American or Alaska Native characters. Though these numbers are increasing by the year, it is important to recognize how crucial it is for kids to be able to read about characters like them. Of course, this should carry over in all genres of literature as well: empowerment and representation should be present regardless of genre.
But you definitely don’t have to be a certain minority or demographic to gain something from ‘diverse’ books either. “Diverse books teach empathy,” says Erica Long, a librarian in Tennessee. Through these books, you can better “understand what it’s like for people who don’t share your race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status” (Flannery). Having diverse books benefits everyone. But diversity by no means, has to be at the forefront of a book: after all, forced/inaccurate diversity is no better than none at all. Sometimes, it can simply exist within it - much like it does in real life!
(image credit right: Shannon Wright)
But diversity should exist beyond the page too.
Though there’s been a huge increase in recognition of authors of color, LGBTQIA+ authors, and authors with disabilities recently, a study done by Lee & Low Books shows how there is still much more to do to support these authors. The inclusion of these authors means more perspectives and views are able to be shared, and makes the world of literature more accessible for everyone.
Words have impacts, and more than ever we need to be making sure every voice is heard. Diversity in literature matters, so take a step towards supporting and reading diverse literature today!