ces distort communication. However, according to Silko and Pratt, there is potential for these differences to lead to an understanding and appreciation of diversity. In the case of Silko’s grandmother, “a book’s lies should be burned.” Stiya obviously represents the accumulation of stereotypes and prejudices the American public holds against the Pueblos. As they bluntly state, “dirty—very, very, dirty.” However, Silko’s message to the reader is that if book is burned, so is the understanding of the reason behind the stereotypes. Despite disagreement with different perspectives, one must listen to all points of view in order to understand the hatred between cultures and to solidify personal beliefs. Thus, no information should be censored by any one power because it shows preference for one belief. In terms of literacy as a means of learning about past, Silko states that one shouldn’t place total faith on books as a means of understanding the past because literature is subjective and relative to each person. Pratt’s message is that one must understand different cultures through the heterogeneous classroom, as she calls it, the “pedagogal art of the contact zone.” When everyone is vulnerable to criticism, then will everyone experience “exhilarating moments of wonder and revelation, mutual understanding, and new wisdom.” When multiple viewpoints can be aired and challenged by those with different histories, then can prejudices be potentially overcome and open/free communication can prevail. The power of literacy is undisputable; it is the perfect median for communication between any two cultures and any two statuses. While it is often abused by a dominant power to suppress other “truths”, it’s advantageous for the weaker culture struggling to be heard. Through the power of the word, the suppressed can express their opinions, and these op...
