Mirrors, Windows, Sliding Glass Doors, and Curtains, from: Writing Native American Characters

Summary

Rudine Sims Bishop's 'Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors' theory posits that literature serves as a reflection of oneself (mirrors), a view into others' lives (windows), and an immersive experience of another culture (sliding glass doors). The speaker, a Native writer, extends this theory by introducing 'curtains,' symbolizing the need for privacy and protection from exploitation and misunderstanding. They discuss the challenges Native writers face in publishing due to misconceptions and the importance of accurate representation in literature to counteract historical misrepresentations that have been weaponized against their communities.

Takeaways

• 📚 Rudine Sims Bishop introduced the 'Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors' theory in 1990, which describes the different ways literature can reflect, reveal, and immerse readers in different cultures and experiences.
• 🪞 'Mirrors' in literature are books that reflect the reader's own identity and experiences, providing a sense of recognition and validation.
• 🪟 'Windows' are books that offer a view into the lives and cultures of others, allowing readers to learn and empathize with different demographics.
• 🚪 'Sliding Glass Doors' represent books that are so well-written they allow readers to 'walk through' and experience a culture authentically, as if they were part of it.
• 🌐 The We Need Diverse Books movement has brought Rudine's theory to the forefront, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation in literature.
• 📝 Native writers often face rejection because their work doesn't conform to preconceived notions of what Native stories should look like, highlighting a significant barrier in the publishing industry.
• 🔐 The metaphor of a 'lock' is used to symbolize the difficulties Native writers encounter in getting their work published, reflecting a real and systemic issue.
• 💪 Efforts are being made to connect Native writers with editors and publishing houses to help overcome the barriers they face in the literary world.
• 🏡 The addition of 'curtains' to Rudine's theory signifies the need for privacy and protection of Native cultures from being exploited or misrepresented by outsiders.
• 🚫 Historically, writings by non-Natives about Native cultures have been used to justify harmful policies and actions, such as outlawing traditional dances and ceremonies.
• 🤫 Native writers often refrain from sharing certain aspects of their culture, like ceremonies, in their writing to prevent misuse and misunderstanding by others.

Q & A

Who introduced the concept of 'Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors'?

Rudine Sims Bishop introduced the concept in 1990.

What does the 'Mirror' in Rudine Sims Bishop's theory represent?

The 'Mirror' represents books that reflect one's own identity and experiences, showing stories about oneself.

How does the 'Window' function in Bishop's theory?

The 'Window' allows readers to look into and understand the lives and experiences of people from different demographics.

What is the significance of the 'Sliding Glass Door' in the theory?

The 'Sliding Glass Door' symbolizes books that are so well-written that they allow readers to immerse themselves in a different culture's experience as if they were physically present.

Why is Rudine Sims Bishop's theory gaining attention in recent years?

The theory is gaining attention due to the We Need Diverse Books movement, which advocates for diverse representation in literature.

What issue do Native writers face according to the speaker?

Native writers face rejection because their manuscripts do not conform to the expectations of editors and publishing houses.

What does the speaker suggest as an addition to Rudine Sims Bishop's theory?

The speaker suggests adding 'Curtains' to the theory to represent the protective barrier Native communities have against external observation and misunderstanding.

Why are 'Curtains' important in the context of Native writing?

Curtains are important because they symbolize the protection of Native cultures and practices from being exploited, misunderstood, or used against them.

Why do Native writers often avoid discussing ceremonies in their writing?

Native writers avoid discussing ceremonies to prevent their cultural practices from being exploited or used against their communities.

What impact do writings have according to the speaker?

Writings have a significant impact as they can influence laws and public perception, which can be used as weapons against certain communities.

What is the speaker's role in addressing the challenges faced by Native writers?

The speaker is actively working to help Native writers get published by introducing them to editors and publishing houses, acknowledging the difficulties they face.