Spring Break
D.C.'s 'Big Read' choice sparks controversy
Sophia Adem/Contributing Writer
Issue date: 4/27/08 Section: Neighborhood
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"The Big Read," big bold blue font screams out, catching the attention of Sherly Crammer, one of the many library visitors. "It's almost time for The Big Read again," Crammer muses.
The Big Read, a national federal funded literacy program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, is about increasing literacy in over 100 communities nationally and kicks off this week. This year's selected book is F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel "The Great Gatsby."
"We try to choose novels that have some connection to the D.C. area to gain people's interest," said Michon Boston, project director at the Humanities Council. "We found out that F. Scott Fitzgerald's parent lived in the D.C. area and his sister also was here."
"The Great Gatsby" is a novel that centers on a quest for love during the summer of the "Roaring 1920's." The novel itself is considered a literary classic and has been reviewed by students in high schools and colleges alike. But, some people do not believe it is a book that should be used for discussion, especially in a program that promotes literacy in urban communities.
For example, Clyde McElvene, CEO of the Zora Neal Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation, the largest non-profit organization promoting black literature, is appalled by the selection. "In my opinion the book tells this lifestyle of people living it up in the American society when that was not the case for everybody," said McElvene from his office in Hyattsville, MD. "Blacks were being lynched during that time period. We need to let the D.C. community know the whole background information of this book. Don't just give them a book and tell them to read it."
Like McElvene, many opponents of the book selection point to the racist elements scattered throughout "The Great Gatsby." For example, Tom Buchanan, one of the lead characters in the novel, expresses his dislike for African Americans and integration.
"The idea is if we don't look out, the white race will be utterly submerged," said character Tom at the beginning of the novel discussing his fear of being integrated with African Americans.
The National Endowment for the Arts, the campaign co-sponsor, encourages all ages to participate in The Big Read discussions, which will be held from April 24th through May 24th at D.C. Public Library branches throughout the city. Films related to movie will also be shown.
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