The literary canon has been shaped by the dominant culture, resulting in a skewed representation of the world’s diverse literary heritage.
The Problem of the Literary Canon
The literary canon, a collection of works considered fundamental to a particular literary tradition, has been criticized for its narrow scope and Eurocentric bias. This bias is deeply ingrained in the way literature is taught, studied, and consumed. The canon’s emphasis on Western literature has led to a lack of representation for non-Western authors, cultures, and perspectives. Key factors contributing to the bias: + Historical power structures: The Age of Europ’s colonialism and imperialism have left a lasting impact on the literary canon.
Timeless tales of mystery and beauty, often rooted in a Eurocentric worldview.
The term ‘classic’ is often used to describe works that are considered timeless and universally appealing, but this is not always the case. The concept of ‘classic’ is often tied to the Western canon, which is predominantly composed of works by European authors.
The Dark Academia Aesthetic: A Reflection of Racial Bias
The Origins of Dark Academia
The dark academia aesthetic has its roots in the 19th-century European Romantic movement. This movement emphasized the beauty of nature, the power of the human imagination, and the importance of individualism. The aesthetic was characterized by its use of dark, muted colors, and its focus on the mysterious and the unknown. This movement laid the groundwork for the dark academia aesthetic, which would later become a staple of BookTok trends.
The Problem with the Western Canon
The Western canon, which is the collection of works considered to be the most important and influential in the Western literary tradition, is predominantly composed of works by European authors. This has led to a lack of representation and diversity in the canon, with many works by authors of color being overlooked or marginalized.
However, these platforms can also be limiting in their own way, as they often rely on existing narratives and tropes.
#The Importance of Diverse Literary Canons
A diverse literary canon is essential for fostering intellectual and emotional intelligence. By exploring different histories and voices, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities. However, the current literary canon is predominantly Western, leaving out the perspectives and experiences of non-Western cultures.
#The Limitations of Online Reading Communities
Online reading communities, such as BookTok, BookTube, and Bookstagram, can be powerful tools for sharing non-Western concepts and ideas. These platforms have created a space for readers to discover new authors, genres, and perspectives. However, they can also be limiting in their own way. They often rely on existing narratives and tropes, which can perpetuate the same old stories and ideas. They can create echo chambers, where readers only engage with content that confirms their existing biases and perspectives. They can be dominated by Western authors and perspectives, which can further marginalize non-Western voices.
#The Need for Diverse Representation
To truly broaden the literary landscape, we need to see more diverse representation in literature. This means including authors and perspectives from non-Western cultures, as well as exploring different histories and experiences. We need to see more books that feature non-Western protagonists and settings. We need to see more books that explore the experiences of non-Western cultures and communities.
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
In the past, Western scholarship often overlooked the contributions of authors from diverse backgrounds. However, this is no longer the case. Today, we recognize the value of diverse perspectives in literature and the importance of inclusivity in academic discourse.
To kick off the new academic year, here’s a reading list we have cultivated, highlighting the voices of ethnic and Indigenous writers:
