Does it matter that little Tony is black?

Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 01 Aug 2018, 09:01

Supergirl1 wrote: ↑13 Jul 2018, 03:32 These racial distinctions are things adults do. Children do not really care about race or color, they all play together! Children of other races who have never seen a black person might be fascinated that Toni doesn’t look like them, but in today’s diverse society, that is rare. Watching children at play, one would realize they care more about who is kind and who is mean, and Toni is definitely a kind, happy little boy.

I don't think it's so rare at all. I'd be quite interested in some statistics on the matter. Maybe I'll have some time to check this issue more carefully in the future.

Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 01 Aug 2018, 09:02

Sarah Tariq wrote: ↑14 Jul 2018, 01:52 Color has nothing to do with superhero qualities. Talent is a God gifted thing . so it can not be restricted to one race. The author did a good job by choosing a black color for the superhero.

Why would you say this? If color doesn't matter, why would you praise the author for choosing a black color for the superhero? It simply shouldn't matter or should it?

[Valerie Allen] · Post by **[Valerie Allen]** » 01 Aug 2018, 09:32

Truthfully, I am both shocked and appalled regarding this question. It begs the question, in what area are we living in? When is not okay for a colored author to publish a child's book of color as though she's only gearing towards children to be looked upon as black slaves and not a superhero? And it should not matter that Tony is black!! Not too mention, superheroes, white or black are not real.

Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 01 Aug 2018, 11:38

ValBookReviews wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 09:32 Truthfully, I am both shocked and appalled regarding this question. It begs the question, in what area are we living in? When is not okay for a colored author to publish a child's book of color as though she's only gearing towards children to be looked upon as black slaves and not a superhero? And it should not matter that Tony is black!! Not too mention, superheroes, white or black are not real.

I'm sorry my question outrages you so much. I was not the one depicting Toni with a broom in his hand. Does this book undermine the superhero stereotype or not? It most certainly does. You seem to agree with me on this since you also clearly specify that superheroes are not real and you welcome this book as encouraging little kids to be proud of their daily activities. Why does it happen then that so many books rely on the superhero prototype? I can't possibly abdicate from my principles and simply agree that a book is amazing when it is not. I wouldn't look for "cuteness" in a book for children either. I would like a book for children to be both entertaining and educational. Let's put my idea aside for a moment as it was so shocking for you. There are many other things that could have made the book much better and many have already been mentioned on this forum. What really strikes me as odd is the overwhelming number of 4-star reviews this book has. It must be the best book for children ever and I have somehow failed to notice. My mistake.

bookiegalke · Post by **bookiegalke** » 01 Aug 2018, 11:48

His skin color doesnt matter to me. What matters is if the writer's message is effectively communicated to the targeted audience

Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 01 Aug 2018, 11:55

bookiegalke wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 11:48 His skin color doesnt matter to me. What matters is if the writer's message is effectively communicated to the targeted audience

And what do you think? Is it effectively communicated in this case?

[Valerie Allen] · Post by **[Valerie Allen]** » 01 Aug 2018, 12:57

cristinaro wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 11:38
ValBookReviews wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 09:32 Truthfully, I am both shocked and appalled regarding this question. It begs the question, in what area are we living in? When is not okay for a colored author to publish a child's book of color as though she's only gearing towards children to be looked upon as black slaves and not a superhero? And it should not matter that Tony is black!! Not too mention, superheroes, white or black are not real.

I'm sorry my question outrages you so much. I was not the one depicting Toni with a broom in his hand. Does this book undermine the superhero stereotype or not? It most certainly does. You seem to agree with me on this since you also clearly specify that superheroes are not real and you welcome this book as encouraging little kids to be proud of their daily activities. Why does it happen then that so many books rely on the superhero prototype? I can't possibly abdicate from my principles and simply agree that a book is amazing when it is not. I wouldn't look for "cuteness" in a book for children either. I would like a book for children to be both entertaining and educational. Let's put my idea aside for a moment as it was so shocking for you. There are many other things that could have made the book much better and many have already been mentioned on this forum. What really strikes me as odd is the overwhelming number of 4-star reviews this book has. It must be the best book for children ever and I have somehow failed to notice. My mistake.

I am not here to debate as everyone is entitled and welcome to his or her own opinions. And that's all is it, my point of view. But, thank you for your in-depth reply and feedback.

Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 01 Aug 2018, 15:10

This honestly didn't even cross my mind, or that of my son when we read together. I would say most readers overlooked the color of Tony's skin, and rather found their attention pulled to the superhero.

Asavela · Post by **Asavela** » 01 Aug 2018, 15:49

To encourage black kids to read, the reading culture in our black communities it is declining.

ea_anthony · Post by **ea_anthony** » 01 Aug 2018, 16:44

cristinaro wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 03:31
ea_anthony wrote: ↑06 Jul 2018, 19:00 It shouldn't matter but it seems it does or this would not be a forum topic with this much posts. Like Bookmermaid noticed such an innocuous characterization is beginning to become misunderstood. Well as we say in my corner of the world, such is life.
Such is life indeed. Thanks for your words. You can't imagine how much I wish I could still see the world through my idealist's eyes once again, but life insisted on teaching me differently. I'm still fighting to change the world, though. The difference is I force myself to be much more realistic now.

Maintaining one's sanity requires a healthy dose of reality every now and then. Idealism still has a place as long as we are willing to dream.

ea_anthony · Post by **ea_anthony** » 01 Aug 2018, 16:49

klbradley wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 15:10 This honestly didn't even cross my mind, or that of my son when we read together. I would say most readers overlooked the color of Tony's skin, and rather found their attention pulled to the superhero.

Same here, same here! I read it with my son the other day and we both didn't notice. By the time I was doing my review it was now something I mentioned.

lavellan · Post by **lavellan** » 01 Aug 2018, 17:16

You brought up some great questions! I think that the author could have included Toni using his superpowers. Showing that helping around the house can be super is a great lesson to teach kids, but the inclusion of superpower probably would engaged young readers more.

Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 02 Aug 2018, 01:31

ValBookReviews wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 12:57
cristinaro wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 11:38
ValBookReviews wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 09:32 Truthfully, I am both shocked and appalled regarding this question. It begs the question, in what area are we living in? When is not okay for a colored author to publish a child's book of color as though she's only gearing towards children to be looked upon as black slaves and not a superhero? And it should not matter that Tony is black!! Not too mention, superheroes, white or black are not real.

I'm sorry my question outrages you so much. I was not the one depicting Toni with a broom in his hand. Does this book undermine the superhero stereotype or not? It most certainly does. You seem to agree with me on this since you also clearly specify that superheroes are not real and you welcome this book as encouraging little kids to be proud of their daily activities. Why does it happen then that so many books rely on the superhero prototype? I can't possibly abdicate from my principles and simply agree that a book is amazing when it is not. I wouldn't look for "cuteness" in a book for children either. I would like a book for children to be both entertaining and educational. Let's put my idea aside for a moment as it was so shocking for you. There are many other things that could have made the book much better and many have already been mentioned on this forum. What really strikes me as odd is the overwhelming number of 4-star reviews this book has. It must be the best book for children ever and I have somehow failed to notice. My mistake.
I am not here to debate as everyone is entitled and welcome to his or her own opinions. And that's all is it, my point of view. But, thank you for your in-depth reply and feedback.

Thank you for your comments. In my case, the questions I asked were for the sake of debate and an expression of my concern that this book could send a controversial message. I am always very cautious to the point of exaggerating when it comes to children. I am glad the message of the book is perceived in a positive and optimistic light.

Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 02 Aug 2018, 01:33

ea_anthony wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 16:49
klbradley wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 15:10 This honestly didn't even cross my mind, or that of my son when we read together. I would say most readers overlooked the color of Tony's skin, and rather found their attention pulled to the superhero.
Same here, same here! I read it with my son the other day and we both didn't notice. By the time I was doing my review it was now something I mentioned.

I am glad your children enjoyed the book. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 02 Aug 2018, 01:47

lavellan wrote: ↑01 Aug 2018, 17:16 You brought up some great questions! I think that the author could have included Toni using his superpowers. Showing that helping around the house can be super is a great lesson to teach kids, but the inclusion of superpower probably would engaged young readers more.

Thank you. I also think that showing him helping around the house is a great behavioral lesson. I would have liked the book to be more complex and interactive, though.