Reading Different Dialects From Various Points of Views

Last class towards the end we got in groups and read a couple books with dialects from several ethnic background. In my group one in particular stood out. We read a book from the times of cotton plantations and it was written in African American dialect. One of the members in my group was reading at loud, while the other two of us read silently in our heads. She stumbled upon the words, but successfully got through the book. After she was done we discussed what was difficult about reading the passage. I expressed that I was use to seeing this dialect. Since I am African American I have grown up with books similar to this one telling about my history and how our culture was back in those times. Also I shared with them how just because I am African American does not mean I nor my family talk like that now. If I was to read the book aloud now, I would still struggle a bit because that is not how I talk in my daily conversation, but I would definitely be able to relate more to what the words in the book mean. On the other hand my two classmates who are Caucasian said it was totally unfamiliar to them and at some parts they concentrated more on the words instead of the meaning of the book. As a group we really found this two be interesting. It is always create to see so many perspectives on the same topic. I truly feel this is how we learn more about diversity. It is knowledge that is gained more through experience then anything else that helps built a person diverse background.

Should we all be considered the same or different?

Today the discussion was very interesting. The discussion about people with disabilities brought up several questions. One question that really stuck with me was, should everyone be considered equally the same or should people with disabilities embrace who they are?

I honestly think everyone should have the right to be who they are. Why should everyone try to fit under the same category in society? Yes we should all be treated the same equally as far as rights and other choices as a citizen, but not out personal make up and identity. I personally take pride in being a minority and an African American woman. My culture has not always had the easy life in the past and still in some situations present day, but it is who I am and I would not change it for the world. This is how I feel people should view those with disabilities. Yes their physical make-up might be different or the way their brain works, but it is all apart of their own culture. I have a uncle who had a disability. He is 47 years old and his mental state is the same as a 6 year old. He knows he has a disability and is proud of it. He does not choose to let that bring him down while living his life.

Overall I feel as though the differences of people is what makes our world so beautiful. I know it might be easy for me to say all these things because I do not have a disability and that may be true. I just see how happy my uncle is and he never complains. He is very smart and he focuses on the positive aspects of his life and having a disability is one of them. Yes he has his bad days, but so does everyone else. I believe it is only fair for society to accept people with disabilities just as they do for other people from various cultures. We prompt diversity all through society and it is time for people to start letting their guard down to groups of people who come from all kinds of cultures besides those based on the color of skin or religion.

Asian/Pacific American Award

1. Is there an official website for the award?
No there is not an official website just for the Asian Pacific American Award, but there is a website for the Asian Pacific American Librarians Assiociation with a list of the Asian Pacific American Awards and the winners.
http://www.apalaweb.org/awards/awards.htm
2. Are there other resources that provide information about the award?
Yes, there are various website with a list of the Asian Pacific American Award winners, but also inform people about other issues going on in the Asian Pacific American community and not just dealing with literature.

3. Why and when was this award created?
The goal is to honor and recognize individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit.

4. What books, authors, illustrators are eligible?
Works eligible must have had premier publication during the calendar years from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, and must have been published for general commercial release in the U.S.
Award categories are:
a. Adult (fiction and nonfiction)
b. Young Readers fiction and nonfiction – for text
c. Young Readers fiction and nonfiction - for illustrations.
Works must be related to Asian/Pacific Heritage, not necessarily written by or illustrated by an Asian/Pacific American. The individual must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Works must have been published by a large publishing house, trade or small press/publisher located in the United States or one of its territories. Self-published works and exclusive internet publications are not eligible.
Anthologies or books containing the work of more than one author are not eligible.
Works must be originally written in English.
Works that have previously won other prizes or recognition are eligible.

5. How are the books judged?
6. Who sponsors it?
The Asian Pacific American Librarian Association
7. Who chooses the winner?
The Literacy Award Committee under the Asian Pacific American Librarian Association.
8. How do you get on the committee?
Membership is open to all librarians/information specialists of Asian Pacific descent working in U.S. library/information centers and related institutions/organizations, and to others who support the goals and purpose of APALA (Asian Pacific American Librarian Association).