Awards

After reading about awards and the discussion we had about awards, I still feel unsure about what is fair. I do know, though, what each side is fighting for. I understand that it is important for all authors to have a chance to be acknowledged and sometimes that can only happen if there is a specific award. I also understand that this can be seen as unfair and discriminating.

For instance, the Coretta Scott King Award, excludes all authors other than blacks. Is that fair? In some cases yes, because without it, those authors would have less of a chance of being recognized. I do no think it is the intention of those award committees to intentionally discriminate but I could see how others would be offended.

I think the best thing to do is to have designated awards for certain races, genders, religions, or whatever. However, to maintain that balance, I think there should be awards that except everyone, of every kind, and base the award on the quality of the book.