Habibi Discussion

While we were in our groups to discuss Habibi, many interesting conversations came up. When it came to writing the Questioning the Text Paper, I had a hard time coming up with ideas for a good question because I thought that the book did a good job promoting diversity and acceptance of others, however, once I heard the other question posed by Renee I began to look at the book from a new perspective. I hadn't really given the book a lot of thought from a Jewish perspective before. I felt that it was a good peice of literature in the fact that it portrayed Arabs in a positive light, and presented the idea of equality and peace, but it isn't fair in its representation of the Jewish characters. These characters don't really have a voice in this book, and when they are represented they are spoken about in generally negative ways. I can understand how a member of the Jewish faith may read this book and feel that it gives a negative portrayal of their religion. The group discussion really opened my eyes to looking at this book, and all books, in new ways and really questioning whether it is a good peice of diverse literature. It is important to discuss books with others and share opinions because, just like in this instance, you might be exposed to insights that you did not realize or think of on your own because it was not something you could personally relate to. Though I have new concerns when it comes to this book being a good peice of diverse literature, I still feel that in many ways it is a positive read in its promotion of equality, and acceptance of all.