GET 100 POINTS FREE ANSWER QUESTIONIn the 1930s and 1940s, Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote a series of books. The first was Little Ho
use in the Big Woods. The Little House books are aimed at young readers. They are about Wilder's life on the American frontier. Generations of readers have been charmed and fascinated by Wilder's tales of her family's struggle to survive. The family faced threats like wolves, blizzards, and failed crops. But the books also present offensive descriptions of African Americans and Native Americans. It's this quality of Wilder's work that led a group to remove the author's name from a major children's book award in June 2018. The decision was made by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). The name of the award was changed from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children's Literature Legacy Award. Explaining its decision, the association stated that Wilder's work "includes expressions of stereotypical attitudes inconsistent with ALSC's core values." Part of the criticism is based on Wilder's treatment of Native Americans in her writing. The books describe young Laura and her family settling in Kansas in the 1870s. Osage Indians already live on the land. Laura's mother, Caroline ("Ma"), repeatedly expresses fear and hatred of the Indians. Her father, Charles ("Pa"), is a bit more accepting. Yet he clearly believes that white people are superior to Native Americans. Pa tells Laura that the U.S. government is planning to move the Indians west. He states his belief that it's the right of the white settlers to take the land from the Indians. Pa's explanation reflects a commonly held view among white Americans in the mid-to-late 19th century. Wilder's writing also includes racist descriptions of Native Americans. In one scene, the author presents Native Americans as uncivilized. She describes their "furry" clothing made from animal pelts and their "fierce" expressions. The racism in the books doesn't end there. At one point, Wilder describes her father taking part in a minstrel show. These shows were popular among white people well into the 20th century. White people in blackface would play African Americans in a stereotypical and insulting way. Still, not everyone agrees that Wilder's name should have been removed from the award. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association operates a museum at the farmhouse in Mansfield, Missouri, where Wilder and her husband lived for many years. The association expressed disappointment with the decision. Jean Coday, head of the Mansfield museum, says Wilder believed her books were historically accurate. Coday notes that Wilder wrote her books decades ago. Her words reflect views that were common at the time. "However difficult it may be to agree with social [customs] within these years, the fact remains that was a different time, and what was accepted then would not be today," Coday said. "Mrs. Wilder was writing a historical account of her childhood." Others agree that it's not fair to judge the writing of long ago by today's standards. They point to William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, and Ernest Hemingway. These authors all wrote things that are considered offensive today. Some people say it's dangerous to condemn authors based on this. It could lead to blocking any literature that is objectionable to anyone. And condemning books that contain racism erases something that should not be forgotten. Instead, they say, books should be read critically. Readers need to understand that not all ideas expressed should be accepted without question. Wilder's defenders also argue that the author's books offer "teachable moments." They say parents and educators can use the books to teach children about racism and why it's wrong. But other people say celebrating an author like Wilder can spread ideas to children. Some of these children aren't ready to read them critically. They point out that adults aren't always around to guide children through books. Many accept the fact that Wilder's books are still on library shelves. But they believe taking the author's name off the award is a step in the right direction. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Summarize both sides of the argument described in the Article. Do you agree with the decision to remove Laura Ingalls Wilder's name from a children's book award? Why or why not? Provide convincing evidence, including details from the Article, to support your view.
