Representation Matters: Diversity in Children's Literature | Shyno Chacko | TEDxUnionCity

From a very young age, children learn through the stories they hear and read. What happens when they don't see themselves in these stories? Shyno Chacko worked with children to write stories with diverse characters, then made those stories available in the library for other children to read. Shyno Chacko is the founder of “Represent Us Alll”, a social enterprise advocating diversity and inclusion in children's literature. Her company provides a venue for children of diverse backgrounds to write stories in which they can see themselves. These books are available in the Alameda County Library system.
Shyno is an Indian immigrant who grew up up in New York in the late 70's, During her childhood, she rarely saw books in which the main character was depicted as ethnically diverse, differently-abled or of various socio-economic class.
After struggling to find books that showed diverse children as a natural element of an American community, she started writing her own stories. Shyno's passion is for every child to see themselves in early childhood educational material.
Shyno is an active member of the Union City community and spends her free time volunteering at Kitayama Elementary, Cub Scouts and the community garden. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@anthonysiebenthaler682]

Makes you wonder if the likes of India and China and Nigeria are having similar crises of 'representation'?

[@_TO1_]

Otro Rollo.

[@Roger11719]

0:29 Yeah, let's talk about lack of diversity for a second.

[@iankelly5797]

L

[@nuniezjorge]

I don't understand what you're saying, I'm not connecting, you're not my race or gender, i don't feel represented

[@wallyt1727]

I'm nine different nationalities. Thank goodness I didn't pine my life away wondering why there wasn't a book written about a child with (my) nine different nationalities. I read about varied heritage and was raised as an American. This lady needs to get over her complex.

[@fanta9688]

Your comment is a perfect example why this talk was made.

[@Roger11719]

Yeah, let's all stop and write books for a small handful of people that probably won't ever come to the US.

[@EGV88]

What about countries outside the US?

[@jonegm4672]

bro I know you commented this 5 months ago but youre really missing the point here.
Its important for all children to experience media that represents people of color to foster a more accepting society too.

[@Roger11719]

@@jonegm4672 No, it's not. People still group naturally based on similarity and no amount of forced diversity training or cultural marxism is going to change that.

[@lburnett1907]

@@Roger11719 you’re wrong. Reading about people who are not the same as you teaches empathy. You might want to try it.

[@matta6817]

Let at least recognize that @Roger had the courage and time to go through this video even though he has a certain vision of diversity.