Contribution to Diversity

[KitabuKizuri]

At a young age, children may observe some differences between them but wouldn't think much of it. It's true, racism is learnt as the child grows into an adult.

[Eryn Bradshaw]

As adults, one could argue we've been taught to notice diversity. We're picking it out and showing kids that it's good. Children don't pay much attention to colour of skin, and even if they do show an interest in skin colour, it's such a tiny blip on their radar that they ask a question or two and accept it. They don't think twice unless someone has painstakingly taught them to notice. I definitely think there's a right way to teach about the differences in ethnicity and cultures. I'm personally grateful I was lucky enough to grow up in a part of the US that had so many different kind of people that we could celebrate, embrace, and respect people's differences.

[Kibet Hillary]

As long as we are o this planet earth, diversity will always be a part f us. I cannot imagine a situation where everyone is like me. Just wondering how this world would be like. Therefore, it is very important that the kids be introduced to this aspect of diversity from a young age. I, therefore, submit that, yes, this book contributes to the appreciation of diversity. However, it will depend on how the kids will be taught to view this.

[Gracedscribe]

Its a great misconception that children (especially younger children) do not perceive or understand complex things like race and discrimination.

We fail to realize two things here :
1.Kids are like sponges. They absorb so much more than we could ever imagine, so very much more.
2. They have a very naive dependency on those around them to understand the world. So unless the parent is ultra careful kids usually practice discrimination right from a very young age.

Just because they are not able to express these higher thoughts through language that we perceive, it does not mean that this is something they do not understand.

The fact that Toni, who has been identified as a superhero, has an inclusive friends circle, will carry across a pretty strong message to the child.

[NRoach]

I think the inclusion of diversity in books like this one should be celebrated, but I'd be very wary of pouring upon it praise simply because it's diverse. I can't particularly imagine kids enjoying reading this book, so ultimately its valuable contribution is nullified.

Something can be socially beneficial and artistically crap, and I think that can definitely be said for Toni here.

[Kibet Hillary]

I think it's important that Toni's friends are different ethnicities, not necessarily because kids will notice this, but because I think they would notice if all the characters were the same. Maybe not consciously, but it would have a subconscious effect, and we definitely shouldn't be communicating to our children that they can only be friends with people who look like them.

This is very true. It is good to have friends of diverse backgrounds because diversity is part of humanity. We cannot run away from this issue.

[Kibet Hillary]

Having read the last book I reviewed, 'Eze Chima', I appreciate the importance of diversity more. The author puts it clearly that “Humanity is one common community. Only the spiritually dull would ignore that eternal factor which unites us all, to worthlessly labor, searching out those ephemeral things that tend to separate us". Indeed, diversity is part of us and we should invest our energy and resources on what unites us and makes other feel important rather than laboring hard to bring to the surface what makes others feel less or bring about division.

[DorcasToo]

Funny thing is I didn't even notice until I saw this post. Am sure that early in life no kid realises this.

[LaurenHaupt]

Teaches children to befriend everyone. Not to be judgmental if someone looks different

[Ashiyya Tariq]

The author has done a good to eliminate racial discrimination as the children are often exposed to such things.

[Anon_Reviewer]

Its a great misconception that children (especially younger children) do not perceive or understand complex things like race and discrimination.

We fail to realize two things here :
1.Kids are like sponges. They absorb so much more than we could ever imagine, so very much more.
2. They have a very naive dependency on those around them to understand the world. So unless the parent is ultra careful kids usually practice discrimination right from a very young age.

Just because they are not able to express these higher thoughts through language that we perceive, it does not mean that this is something they do not understand.

The fact that Toni, who has been identified as a superhero, has an inclusive friends circle, will carry across a pretty strong message to the child.

I couldn't have put it better even if I tried! Children are smarter than we like to think and what we expose them to should always be intentional. regardless of their age.

[juliecsa]

To be honest, this social inclusion message may be obvious to adults, but for children between the ages of 3 to 6, who I think are the target audience in this book, they will hardly notice. Usually at their age, unless someone has taken great pains to teach them discrimination based on race or gender, most children will just be children and will naturally interact freely and play with each other. It is a useful message though. I did not even think about it when I read the book.

I agree that the target audience of this book will not likely even notice. The socio-cultural development of kids at this stage really doesn’t include race so much as gender. Kids begin to notice these differences as they get older. The subtle, almost hidden message here may be a positive influence for those later stages. Kids will read this book over and over and study the images, even if they don’t understand the “meaning” behind them yet.

Yes exactly, maybe they don't need to notice right away while reading it, but as children grow older, it is evident whether they have been raised with a them/us mentality or one of inclusivity, even if the child may not realize they were taking in these messages. That's why books like this one with lots of representation are so important.

[Brittany J]

I think including racial and cultural diversity is extremely important in children's books. Children won't consciously be aware of it, but they are always subconsciously internalizing what they see. Children who don't see other diversity as a child react differently when they are older and see someone different for the first time. Later, they can actually register it as something new or different which could lead to fear.

[Samanthajayne12]

It's great to show children that we are all the same and colour doesn't matter. Even if it's just a subtle message it's a really good way to introduce diversity.

[juliamenez]

I am so happy whenever I see childrens' books that promote diversity. Even in all of the DC and Marvel movies and shows that are coming out, there is noticeable commentary about inclusion and sending a positive message that people from all backgrounds and walks of life can be heroes.