Should Classic literature be taught in schools? I say nay.
Why, Alice? You may fret. Why would you take away my classic books? Well, reader, you may be singing a different tune by the end of this article.
First of all, don’t get me started on the language. Old, vintage texts will definitely include harmful language.
Let’s say you are a 6th grader named Nelly. Nelly is a transgender girl. The book she’s reading in class uses transphobic language and slurs. It says transgenders are all witches who do witchcraft and cast evil spells.
That wouldn’t feel good. At. All.
Nextly, there are just better ways to teach. A lot of modern books are inclusive, so why not use those? Why not use books where kids see themselves in a positive light? Where more good than bad is used?
Finally, think about the way that marginalized communities are portrayed in classic literature. Teachers then have to un-teach these harmful messages.
Reading this may remind you of some of the harmful messages in your favourite books, like the stereotypes in Roald Dahl’s books. And that’s good. We can change by reflecting and thinking back on why these stereotypes are wrong.
I’m not saying you’re a bad person for liking bad books. I’m saying that you’re doing something wrong by not acknowledging faults and flaws.
I’m not saying you’re a bad person. I’m saying that you need to change.
