It's Lit! [Unabridged]
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Equity pod shines a light on representation in literature.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this podcast.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that It's Lit! [Unabridged] is a literary podcast based on the YouTube series of the same name, that analyzes literature from a diverse, inclusive and equitable perspective. Host Princess Weekes, uses her expertise in literary theory to discuss representation in literature, looking at how the classics we read in school have failed us, while introducing listeners to excellent authors of more diverse backgrounds who tell stories that represent a wide range of experiences. This podcast highlights the perseverance authors of color and LGBTQ+ authors have gone through to tell stories that reflect their own experiences and how literature offers an outlet to communicate these experiences. It's sure to spark in-depth conversation in middle and high school classrooms and models critical thinking for tweens and teens. This is a great podcast for older kids and adults to listen to together.
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What’s It About?
IT'S LIT! [UNABRIDGED] is hosted, written, and produced by Princess Weekes, an author and expert in literary theory. The show dives deeper under the surface of what we think we know about literature and what it does to us. More so, the conversation frequently turns to who is missing in literature and who is over-represented. Weekes examines several different genres of literature, including the classics, fantasy, anime, young adult fiction, and more. Each week, the show hosts a different guest, who is an expert on the topic, to provide commentary on the issue, criticism of current practices, and recommendations for literature that accurately represents marginalized communities. Overall, the premise of the show is to educate and advocate for the way literature changes our frame of mind.
Is It Any Good?
Through frank discussions about diverse representation in the arts, this show brings inequity in literature into the spotlight. It's Lit! [Unabridged] is an outstanding breakdown of where the classics (and several other categories of literature) have failed communities that desperately need to see themselves in mainstream media. Not only does Princess Weekes (the host) break down where we have failed students in schools based on the literature we require them to read, but she explains how influential this failure is to the marginalized student's ability to thrive. This kind of honest analysis makes for an excellent podcast, and has something that any listener (teens and parents included) could learn from. It's Lit! [Unabridged] is an excellent choice for families looking to learn more about representation. This show teaches us that representation affects all of us in one way or another – and that fixing the issue is a must in our steps toward media equity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
How does the literature we read change the way we see the world? Does the content make us kinder or more critical of certain groups of people?
How frequently do you see people who look and act like you in the books and movies you read? How does this change the way you think about yourself?
perseverance and communication
Podcast Details
- Release date: January 18, 2022
- Genre: Language & Culture
- Average Run Time: 45 minutes
- Host: Princess Weekes
- Publisher: PBS
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Activism, Book Characters, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Perseverance
- Last updated: December 13, 2022
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