My Stand on the Insider/ Outsider Debate

After the first or second week of this class, my stand was still weary on this debate on whether or not a person should be allowed to write a book if they are not of the specific race, culture, sexual orientation, economic status, age, gender etc. However; after reading this week's articles, I believe anyone is able to write about any of the selected subgroups (I am writing subgroups to emphasize the different forms of multiculturalism and a way to decrease me having to write each other form out each time I address it; I decided to simply state subgroups- I am in no way trying to look down on any of groups above)above; however, the person has to present the facts and not their own opinion or own perception of the specific culture subgroup. A major misconception of multiculturalism is to dismiss any person who perceives to be the 'norm.' I believe this perception of multiculturalism is not only segregating cultures from one another, but is also taking on the assumption that white, middle-class Americans know nothing of struggle and suffering. Nonetheless, I believe multicultural literature should highlight those cultures or races who have been underrepresented in books.

As a multicultural author, it is apparent for he/she to present his/ her reader with a true perception of the specific race, culture, sexual orientation, economic status, age, gender etc. he/she will be addressing in the literature. Becoming a scholar of that specific subgroup by researching on his/her own as well as discussing the culture or race with people of that specific race or culture could make it is easier for the author to not only prevent stereotyping but discriminating as well. While yes some may think it can be more beneficial to be an insider writer as he/ she is usually already pretty familiar and knowledgeable of their specific race, culture, sexual orientation, economic status, age, gender etc. it can be also beneficial for an outsider to illustrate that specific culture to help remove biases the insider author may have. Overall, I believe anyone, whether he/ she is an insider or an outsider, are able to write about culture because it is proving to the world that multicultural literature is not just exploring your own culture, but of others as well.

Questions:
* There have been books where insider authors create stereotypes of their specific culture (i.e. the first book we read last week). What does that say about this whole insider/ outsider debate?
* Is it possible for outsider authors to write more compelling and realistic views of the written culture than insiders do?
* Are we creating more segregation by not perceiving outsider authors as affective assets in multicultural literature?