"Insider" vs. "Outsider" Authorship

In respect to the "insider" vs. "outsider" issue for the authorship of multicultural literature, there are many debates. My main question is, how do we define an "insider?" From what I have read, I gather that the definition of an "insider" is someone of a specific race/ethnicity, who is a member of a specific nation, etc. Instead, I view an "insider" as someone with credible knowledge and insight on different lifestyles and cultural practices.

Yes, we could just look at factors of race, lifestyle, and membership to a specific nation. I agree that those who are themselves part of another culture or lifestyle are primary resources in painting a most authentic picture. However, I have to wonder why we feel that these are our only resources. If a writer possesses the cultural knowledge and awareness to write about another group, why shouldn't they? A person can research and even live within the constraints of a different culture without being a member of that nation themselves. This would put them in the perfect learning situation. After an experience such as this, that person would likely be educated enough to provide a realistic and culturally aware image.

I think rather than defining an author as an "insider" or"outsider," we should look at personal background. After all, personal knowledge and experience itself is what contributes to an authentic book.