Presentation # 19: Representation in Books: Reflection or Escape?

My presentation topic is: Representation in Books: Reflection or Escape?

So, I’m going to talk about something that is thought-provoking, which is how important it is for young readers to be able to relate to the characters in books. Ayaan Mohamud, a British Somali author, has said that she never read books with Somali people when she was growing up. I will now discuss two different ways of looking at this issue: the argument for relatability and representation and the argument for books as a way to escape into different places. First, one could say that it is important for young readers to meet people who are like them in many ways. By seeing themselves in books, kids feel like they fit, are important, and have value. Characters that kids can relate to can make them feel understood and less alone, which can help them develop empathy and a good sense of themselves.
This kind of representation also promotes diversity by giving young readers the chance to learn about and respect other cultures and points of view. Also, books that are easy to relate to can encourage young people to go after their dreams and goals because they know they can do it too.
However, some people might say that books are meant to take readers away from reality by taking them to different places. Literature lets people go to places they’ve never been, go on amazing trips, and meet different characters with different points of view. By getting lost in these different stories, readers can broaden their views, improve their creativity, and learn something new. The lack of known characters can even heighten the sense of discovery and wonder, allowing readers to step out of their comfort zones and learn about cultures and ideas that are new to them. When I think about this, I think both points of view are valid. I know how powerful it can be when books are easy to relate to. Seeing people with the same background and experiences as me gives me a strong sense of connection and belonging. This helps me feel better about myself and taught me more about the world. But I also love the fun of escaping into new worlds and meeting different characters who push my ideas and broaden my view of the world. So, in the end, the question of whether younger readers should be able to connect to the characters in books or if books should be a way to escape into different worlds is a complicated one. Literature that is relatable gives people a feeling of identity, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity. But, escapism lets readers see things from different points of view, test their ideas, and give their imaginations a boost. So, in my opinion, both ways of writing have their good points, and the best reading experience may be a mix of both.