Race And Otherness In Literature Analysis

The liberal terms of ‘race’ and ‘otherness’ can create a trap for readers and authors to fall into as they create the many stories that we grow up with. Some depictions of otherness may even be ignored for a focus on simply enjoying the story we are presented with, as Children it is certainly not something we focus on when reading out beloved bed time stories. Before applying the ideas of how Race and otherness are depicted in Children’s Literature it is important to understand what these terms actually mean and how they are used in Literature as a tool. A leading figure in the theory of ‘otherness’ is Edward Said, Said’s most famous for his work in Orientalism which is the depiction of Eastern culture in western literature, culture and art, …show more content…
Sometimes a majority or original inhabitants of land become the other because of the ideals of another race, sometimes the idea of the other changes over time based on the stagnation or movement in society and political views. Children’s literature, whether Australian or not, is rife with the depiction of race and otherness whether we see it clearly or not. Australian literature over time has changed in how the authors depict race and otherness, this more clearly relates the social and political views of the time and that is evident in the Billabong stories and The boy’s adventure story their views on Indigenous people in Australia being very complaint with what was the majority perspective; in the case of the Billabong stories the audience are actually seeing the shift in ethical change upon the character development of black Billy. Over time the stories have changed, they have matured and have addressed issues of acknowledging the other in yourself and in accepting those around us. Upon placing a critical eye on the beloved stories of childhood it is easier to acknowledge these depictions to see them for what they are, messages of acceptance, acknowledgements of past and sometimes still current tensions between races and reminders to never underestimate the people around us, no matter who they are. What better way to raise a new generation of thinkers and leaders than to read to them about how the ‘others’ in the world are not so different to the