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Who Gets To Tell The Stories That We Read

The document discusses the importance of diverse storytellers in literature and media, highlighting that historically, most published authors have come from a narrow demographic. It emphasizes that representation matters for authentic storytelling and understanding different experiences, while also noting the barriers faced by underrepresented writers in the publishing industry. The text calls for support of diverse authors to create a more inclusive literary world that reflects the complexity of real life.

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5 views2 pages

Who Gets To Tell The Stories That We Read

The document discusses the importance of diverse storytellers in literature and media, highlighting that historically, most published authors have come from a narrow demographic. It emphasizes that representation matters for authentic storytelling and understanding different experiences, while also noting the barriers faced by underrepresented writers in the publishing industry. The text calls for support of diverse authors to create a more inclusive literary world that reflects the complexity of real life.

Uploaded by

Jayr
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sean Heartman

Dr. Fordham

Research 201

November 17, 2024

Who Gets to Tell The Stories that We Read?

Stories are powerful. They help us understand the world, connect with others, and

imagine lives different from our own. The books we read in school, the novels on bestseller lists,

and even the shows and movies we watch all begin with a storyteller. But an important question

we don’t often ask is: Who gets to tell these stories? And why does it matter?

For a long time, the majority of published authors—especially those whose work is

widely read—have come from a narrow group: mostly white, male, and from wealthier

backgrounds. Because of this, many stories told in literature, media, and classrooms reflect the

experiences, values, and perspectives of that group. While there is nothing wrong with those

stories, it means we often miss out on the voices of people who don’t fit that mold.

When only certain people are given the opportunity to tell stories, the result is a limited

and sometimes inaccurate picture of the world. For example, if all the books about Native

American life are written by non-Native authors, readers might only get a stereotypical or

outsider view of that culture. If stories about poverty, immigration, or racism are always told by

people who haven’t lived through those experiences, the stories may lack honesty, depth, or

emotional truth.

Representation matters—not just in the characters we read about, but in the people who

create those characters. When authors from diverse backgrounds get to tell their own stories, we

get richer, more authentic literature. We learn what it means to grow up Black in America, to be
an immigrant fleeing violence, to live with a disability, or to be a girl challenging cultural

expectations. These stories open our eyes, build empathy, and show readers that everyone’s voice

is valuable.

Unfortunately, many barriers still prevent underrepresented writers from being published.

The publishing industry often favors stories that are seen as "marketable," which usually means

familiar to mainstream audiences. Writers from marginalized communities may face racism,

classism, or language bias when trying to get their work out into the world. Even in classrooms,

the books assigned are often written by authors from a single background, leaving out the voices

of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ writers, and others.

Things are starting to change. More publishers, teachers, and readers are recognizing the

need for diverse voices in literature. Movements like #WeNeedDiverseBooks have helped raise

awareness and push for more inclusive storytelling. When we make space for all kinds of

authors, we make space for all kinds of readers to see themselves reflected—and to learn about

lives they may never live.

In the end, the question of who gets to tell the stories we read is about fairness, truth, and

connection. Everyone has a story to tell, and we all deserve the chance to be heard. By

supporting diverse authors and demanding a wider range of stories, we can create a literary world

that reflects the real world—beautiful, complex, and full of different voices worth listening to.

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