Why Do We Only Read Books Written By Dead White Men?
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Do We Only Read Books Written By Dead White Men?

It's time the curriculum included authors who I can identify with.

84
Why Do We Only Read Books Written By Dead White Men?
Pexels.com

I walked into my American Literature class and sat down. The professor stood in the front of the room and wrote a year on the blackboard.

1492.

This is apparently the beginning of American Literature.

My professor joked about how there were obviously people living in the United Sates before then, but we only had a limited amount of time and needed to cover all the important stuff. That meant we would not be reading anything by Native American or black authors, and only one text would be written by a woman.

Hearing this made me reflect on my entire experience of schooling. Most authors I read were white men, but so many other groups have shared the same space. I have never once read a book, short story or even a journal entry written by a Native American. In my entire time in college, I’ve read one book by a black author, and that was only because I took an LGBT literature course.

With a plethora of minority writers, why are we only reading things written by white men? Because that’s the way it’s always been?

It’s time we break the mold.

Stories like Macbeth can easily be replaced by novels with the same themes. For example, "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. Both stories follow men who have too much ambition which ultimately leads to their own self-destruction. On the one hand, you have a play written in a language most people can’t understand by someone who, at least in my high school, we were required to read something by every year. On the other hand, you have a novel by a Nigerian author that not only teaches students important lessons but allows them to have insight on life in Nigeria. That’s something no student will learn in any core class. So why are we still reading Shakespeare?

People will tell you that things can’t change because this is the way it’s always been done. But it doesn’t have to be. Women authors, black authors and queer authors exist, we should be taught about them. We can talk to our school boards and write to the heads of the English departments at our universities. We can show others the true injustice that this is and have them rally behind us, behind this idea.

So are you ready to help make a change?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70726
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132344
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments