In schools many books are read. Some for enjoyment, others for analysis. Whether read for pleasure or for provoking questioning in a person, books are important in the structure of a persons learning. So, what about from other counties? For instance, Japan. A country known for its rich culture and traditions, Japan is home to an art form that had integrated more and more into western culture and that is manga. Although often seen as comic books (as these are the western norm), manga holds a much more complex, artistic background. More than most understand. However as globalisation continues on its crusade, bringing more imports from other countries the question rising to the surface is: should books such as manga be taught more widely in schools along side other texts?
While manga may be viewed as children's books, this could not be further from the truth. Picture orientated books have been used in early development, a way to get young children interested in reading, this is why many people see manga as children's books but the truth is. They aren't always. Yes, there are manga series that are aimed at children, a few well known ones are Sailor Moon and Pokémon with their less complex and child friendly situations and storyline. However there are, as with books, manga series aimed at older teenagers and adults such as Variante and Deadman Wonderland which are darker and contain a more adult themed storyline and situations. Even so, many people continue to perceive manga as child-friendly picture books with no moral elements and are simply there to entertain. While this is very there are
Many manga are there simply to entertain with no deeper meaning behind them. That is also the case many books are also written with this inten...
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...e two (or more) protagonists finding their 'other halves' by the end of the novel. Manga doesn't always follow these general ideas, some do as generalised ideas are easy to write, but most boast unique endings and twists along the way. This means that can be introduced to unique ways of writing commonly done themes and genres.
While manga is integrating into western culture more, the idea that it can be used in schools to teach students still remains negotiable. Whilst some schools are beginning to use manga in classes, perhaps someday, a teacher in a class somewhere will pick up a manga like it is second nature, and teach its meaning to their class. Or maybe texts in schools should remain standard literacy masterpieces and leave the manga for those who enjoy it, the Otaku's*
Works Cited
http://www.viz.com/ http://shonenjump.viz.com/ http://www.mangareader.net/
In the article 10 Reasons for Banning Books and 5 Much Better Reasons not to, it states that the books teach us vocabulary, history, and new ways of thinking. “Every year I receive at least a dozen invitations to be commencement speaker at colleges and high schools. My books are probably more widely used in schools than those of any other living American fiction writer.”-excerpt from Kurt Vonnegut’s letter. Books are known for their choice of complex vocabulary. We use non-fictional books to learn about real events in history. Non-fictional books and articles show children a new way of thinking. Many books are used in an educational
Rather than simply explaining the facts of the novel, authors use literary elements to make the reader think about what he is trying to get across and to make the text more memorable. From an allegory to the tone of writing, these elements will affect the plot and characters that associate with them. These elements can be used in many ways but for Hesse, they were used to help Siddhartha on his journey for enlightenment- introducing him to settings, characters and objects that would eventually help him discover himself.
I think that the good novelist tries to provide his reader with vivid depictions of certain crucial and abiding patterns of human existence. This he attempts to do by reducing the chaos of human experience to artistic form. And when successful he provides the reader with a fresh vision of reality. For then through the symbolic action of his characters and plot he enables the reader to share forms of experience not immediately his own. And thus the reader is able to recognize the meaning and value of the presented experience as a whole. (Kostelanetz 10)
...s and classrooms should have a wide variety of books available with varying styles of writing and art work. In addition to the books, the children should be given a variety of ways in which to express their thoughts and feelings about these books, either through discussion, writing, or their own art work. I agree because this could only allow children to enjoy reading more and lets them feel like their opinions matter and are appreciated. Having books readily available only increases a child’s desire to read and creates in him or her a love for books that, hopefully, never goes away.
These help the reader become a better person and make educated life decisions, unlike popular fiction stories which give the illusion of ‘happily ever
Children within this age group however are on the path of becoming young adults with their own identities. Finding your own identity when not being exposed to any negative thought provoking subject matter is difficult. Exposing a child to such topics that are out of their comfort zones is difficult enough without having to worry how the child will take in the newfound information. But through literature, parents and educators are able to expose children to difficult subjects such as abuse, religion, drugs, and so on and guide them into making the positive choices in life. Some are lead by example, and it is much easier to lead with a fictional character the children can relate to than just expecting them to know what to do when life takes a turn for the
In the essay “Kids’ Stuff” Michael Chabon argues that comic books have become too centered around adults and need to be more focused on youth readers like they were during his childhood. Chabon claims that the authors goal audience has changed over the years.Comics that were once written for children are now written to appeal to adults. Throughout the essay, Chabon disagrees with the authors choice to aim comics toward adults instead of children. He feels that authors should write children stories for children.
Many books have been questioned and challenged. Even as far as to banning them. But what exactly is a banned book and why are they banned? A banned book is a book that has been censored by an authority, a government body, a library, or a even school system. A book that has been banned is actually removed from a library or school system. The actual contextual reasons as to banning them is use of explicit violence, gore, sexuality, explicit language, religion, or dark times in history. On the non-contextual side of the reason why they are banned books are usually because with the best intentions to protect people, frequently children, from difficult philosophies and information. Teachers, or even more common adults, often censor books from children if they feel that the books have maniacal or controversial ideas in them. In some scenarios, those who are censoring books think that a book might be appropriate for a certain, or several groups in society. A book that might be perfectly fine for a ninth grader might easily be horrendous or confusing to a fourth grader. Thus having them exposed and influenced to thinking a certain way and act upon what they have just read. Well at least that’s what people think is going to happen anyways. But honestly, reading books of any genre gives us knowledge, entertainment, and imagination so therefore no books or novels should be banned and is ultimately dependent on the reader’s choice.
A variety of books are challenged and banned simply because it's just unsuited for certain age groups. But, no matter what age, shouldn't people be allowed to read whatever they desire? We has human beings have that individual right. On the other hand, if a parent does not want their kid reading a book they have a right as their guardian to tell them what books are and are not suitable for their age. It's not really fair for someone irrelevant in a child's life to tell them they can't read a book that may be appealing to them.
...dren today are exposed to video games, movies, songs and television that have the same or more inappropriate materials than books. But do you see them being taken off the shelves? Instead of people trying to challenge or ban books they parents should keep an eye on what their kids are reading. Parents will be able to help answer their child's questions on what they are read if they have any. This will also help them gain new knowledge in the world we live in.
Throughout our society ideas, morals, and lessons are thought through books and if books are being banished from our schools, then we are all being deprived of our freedom as intellectuals that have the own opinions and ideas.
The theme of a novel can change the complete meaning of the story for each individual reader. If one person reads a book and he/she thinks that the book's main them...
...ls. There is so much that can be gained from arts education. It is imperative that music and art education remains in public schools. Because, even though it has been said many times before, the fact remains that the arts enrich us all.
... each other and ultimately determine the fate of the characters in the story, especially the fate of the Heroine.
The minds of children are the most impressionable. Children are not born with any predetermined judgments or ideas about controversial subjects. They do not know what racism, homophobia, or discrimination are, or how to practice them. They are not born knowing what religion they will practice, or even what religion is. This fact about children is among the reasons that children's literature is as important as it is. For as long as humans have been creating them, there have been books that have been considered controversial. Children's books are no different. There have been children's books that have been banned from various places or groups, such as religious groups, schools, and even entire countries. The reasons behind the banning of these books vary, and the criticism of censorship as a practice is an issue that is widely debated. One modern book series that has been censored in varies outlets is the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling.