WHat’s a “Classic?”

We want to reshape the idea of what we consider as “classics”

We often think of “classic literature” as a fixed category based purely on merit—if a book has been canonized, it must because it’s good or important, so we should keep reading it, assigning it, and celebrating it as we always have. Conversely, if a book hasn’t been canonized, it must be because it lacks merit or importance, so there’s no need to read it, assign it, or celebrate it.

Here’s the thing: deeming a book “classic” is a continuous act that impacts how a society thinks of itself and its power structures. Changing what is “classic” is possible. The canon doesn’t need to continue to reinforce oppressive power structures. Readers, educators, critics, publishers, and booksellers can intentionally make the choice to critically examine what has long been deemed “classic” while also elevating narratives that challenge the very structures that have been marginalizing them for generations.