An ongoing challenge for educators, readers, and librarians has been the Western canon's limited scope and its emphasis on dominant cultural viewpoints. Books by authors who shared similarities with the original readers were likely the ones included. As a result, the texts that formed the foundation of the Western canon were primarily written and selected by European and American men.
The concept of being "canon-worthy" is often associated with being an "important and influential" piece of literature. However, this has resulted in original creators having a limited selection of texts to choose from, as lesser-known and minority authors frequently faced significant barriers in getting their voices heard or having their works published. With demographic, socioeconomic, and ideological shifts, the works considered influential and important would naturally have to change over time.
Here are just four of the many reasons why it’s important to further expand the Western canon.
1. Broaden Perspectives
It is widely acknowledged that the literature in the current Western canon was written mostly by European and American men. Including works by authors with different views that have been informed by different experiences would expose readers to new and layered ways of looking at the increasingly interconnected world.
2. Correct Exclusions
The canon has historically excluded many works by women, people of color, and individuals from communities outside the dominant culture. By expanding the list of “important” literature to include other voices, it better reflects the entirety of culture and affirm such works’ importance to a changing world.
3. Reflect Contemporary Society
Many books in the current Western canon reflect timeless themes through the lens of their particular era. The timelessness of the human condition takes on depth and breadth when contemporary voices are added as a continuation of accumulated thoughts and feelings about the world.
4. Promote Literary Innovation
Often, contemporary and underrepresented authors create and enliven literary forms. Adding their work to the canon can broaden ideas about literature and its role in reflecting, opposing, promoting or changing the world. New genres have been created including Climate Fiction and others. When the Western canon was established, the creators hadn’t considered that there would be new and emerging literary styles helping to naturally evolve the world of literature.
The expansion of the Western canon of literature ensures that readers are exposed to more voices, authors, genres and experiences. When conducting research on literature, it’s important to reach beyond the Western canon in order to gain a more comprehensive and inclusive perspective.
