Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors
“It’s not until we know the stories of each other that we embrace our humanity. When I know the stories of my people and my culture, that’s when I become human myself.”
Rise Up Against Racism was founded on the idea that education has the power to radically transform society. Our work centers on ensuring that children and adults have ready access to antiracist books that are genre diverse and uplift the experiences of many different groups. We are guided by the research of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, who published the groundbreaking essay: “Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors” in 1990. Dr. Bishop, a decorated scholar, college professor, and author, pioneered the concept that all readers must have experiences where they “see” themselves, where they consider different perspectives, and where they are able to “step into” the lived experiences of others.
These experiences are vital for readers of all ages. Young readers who regularly engage with the perspectives, experiences, and journeys of others will develop a broader and empathetic world view as well as be equipped to connect historic events to contemporary realities. For adults, this kind of reading experience supports the necessary “learning and unlearning” process required to critically examine and disrupt biases that have been built up over time, both consciously and unconsciously.
“Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of a larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.”
- DR. RUDINE SIMS BISHOP
Here are additional resources to learn more about Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s work:
Video of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop: Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
Ohio State University Article: Rudine Sims Bishop: ‘Mother’ of multicultural children’s literature
PBS Voices in Education: The Importance of Windows and Mirrors in Stories
TED Talk by Grace Lin: The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child's Bookshelf
At Rise Up Against Racism, we continue to add selections to our curated collection of antiracist books, being mindful of the communities we serve and intentionally select books that align to our vision and mission. December is celebrated as Read A New Book Month; we look forward to hearing about the new books (and treasured favorites) that you discover in our Little Free Antiracist Libraries.
