Does it matter that little Tony is black?

[Cristina Chifane]

As a black parent - and now grandparent - it didn't even occur to me that such a comparison could be made. I was focused on the lesson that even superheroes do chores AND enjoy it... In my review, I did mention Tony's color, but I did so as a positive -

I like that the hero in question is a boy of color. In a genre where the superheros have historically been fair-skinned, it's important for little African-American children to see heroes who look like themselves. Since Black Panther is making a splash at the box office, the timing is on-point for our little hero.

This is pretty much exactly how I feel, too. I thought that the focus was more on how Toni could relate to other children because they enjoy the same things, and also that Toni understands the importance of doing chores and sleeping when it's time, etc.
The quote from your review is spot on. All children should feel included, even in the world of superheroes and Disney princesses. I'm a Pacific Islander, and I grew up constantly feeling either underrepresented or misrepresented. Today, my children can watch characters like Moana, and strong actors like Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa.
I do think it matters that Toni is black, but not because of any hidden agenda. I think it's important for children to feel relevant and represented, and to know that they are in no way inadequate.

I think it matters too and I want to make sure the representation promotes equality and diversity. Thanks for your words.

[Cristina Chifane]

I agree with Bianka's initial statement that I wasn't even fazed by the color of Toni's skin. I hope children do not look at this book and notice either. When I was in elementary school I remember it was a primarily white school, and there was a brother and sister who were the only black kids I remember in my grade. I remember being friends with both of them, and I don't think the color of their skin was something I noticed at that time. Attitude, behavior, values, those are things that matter when you get to know someone.

I don't really like this question because I think it draws too much attention to something that shouldn't even be relevant about this book. Would you ask this question if the child were white? The only way I can really see it making a difference is to parents. Do you think white parents are less likely to buy this book because it is a black boy? Do you think black parents are more likely to buy it?

When I saw this topic I asked myself that same question - "Would you ask this question if the child were white?"
While I do think it's important that Toni is black, the question posed in this thread never even crossed my mind. I think it's important for kids to feel included; to see other kids like them in books like this. I really think the only agenda the author had was to help us teach our children to read, and maybe show them that superheroes do chores, too.

No, I wouldn't have asked this question because not white children were underrepresented or misrepresented thoughout history, but black children. We can't pretend the past doesn't exist or that it doesn't affect the present. Even if the child were white, I would still have asked why Toni is holding a broom and having the books at his feet? I need to be honest with myself and tell you that I don't think this is an ideal book to teach children how to read either. I also have other questions and some of them have been addressed on this forum.

[Cristina Chifane]

the chore moral lessons here is what to be considered as food for thought not color or skin differences

And what is the moral lesson to be considered food for thought in this case?

[Cristina Chifane]

To be honest I think so, Toni being black is important because because little children of colour don't have a lot of literature to fall back on, and we all know its easier to see yourself in a superhero if they look like you, but I'm also a bit on the fence that teaching children about colour very young might be bad, what'd you think?

I do agree that it's easier to see yourself in a superhero if he or she looks like you.
I think it's important to teach children about culture and heritage more so than skin color. Learning about your family's history can be interesting and fun, and can foster a feeling of belonging. If parents are also talking about and modeling tolerance and acceptance, then any discussions about color should be far less difficult to tackle, if the discussion is ever even necessary. Children will notice when people look different, and we have the ability to influence whether these differences are viewed as negative or positive.

This was my idea too. Why are people still so touchy when skin color is mentioned? Because this expresses some pain or frustration they keep inside. We can't simply pretend children will not notice they are different. Your observation is correct that it is up to parents to teach them to see these differences as something positive. I also think your idea of teaching children something about culture and heritage is extremely important. I wish I had seen this in Toni's case too.

[Cristina Chifane]

Aside from writing this book to help young children learn to read, this particular book is meant to highlight what Toni does when he's not saving the world. The author introduces him as a superhero on a page with an illustration of him flying. So, that shows one of his superpowers right there. He can fly.

After that, children can relate their lives to his, since he enjoys ordinary things, too. That's important when you're developing a sense of self-worth -- you see there's a superhero who does the same things you do.

In the three books to come, the author discusses how Toni loves vegetables, likes to read, and then saves the day. It seems from that order, that the author is trying to focus on being a good person and developing good habits first. I definitely don't think it's her intention to downplay Toni's abilities.

Also, if I were writing a superhero book, I would likely make the hero look like my sons. There would be no hidden agenda, just a way for me to add something personal to the story. I'm pretty sure that the author simply created a character that her own sons could relate to, and there isn't anything wrong with that.

I haven't checked if the author wrote some other books for children or not. I'd be curious to check them and identify a certain style, if there is any.

[Cristina Chifane]

It shouldn't matter that Toni is black. There is a trend of seeing black characters in children-centric movies and books getting off the ground. The idea of these characters being relatable to the Black community; helping black children to have more to identify with than truckloads of stories about white kids.

So, what you're basically saying is that it shouldn't matter, but it matters when it comes to representation as children in black communities can relate to these characters.

[Cristina Chifane]

i think it is time that we do not judge people by their color but by the content of their character as Martin Luther Once said. Maybe it would be better for us to familiarize ourselves with the fact that all humans are created equal. Maybe you might want to familiarize yourself with Dark Rising TV series coming up soon

I'll do just that. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Cristina Chifane]

Ehh, I can't say I would go looking for that distinction. I don't think children would see it in the light of "Tony can ONLY do simple chores." I feel like that shadow is cast by adults.

No, they wouldn't see it in that light, but maybe there's this danger for them to unconsciously associate black people with ordinary things while the real superheroes and unique skills to remain the privilege of the white people. I honestly hope this would not be the case, though.

[Cristina Chifane]

I find the thought ridiculous that anyone should consider actually changing an established character's race (or sex, for that matter) just to appease a small portion of readership. If the characters that already exist aren't enough, then they could join the fraternity of creators and make new ones.

I never thought of changing a character's race or sex. I only pointed out a potential case of misrepresentation.

[kfwilson6]

To be honest I think so, Toni being black is important because because little children of colour don't have a lot of literature to fall back on, and we all know its easier to see yourself in a superhero if they look like you, but I'm also a bit on the fence that teaching children about colour very young might be bad, what'd you think?

I think it's nice to teach kids that they are all equal even if they look different. Maybe have more than just a discussion about color. Have a discussion about height, weight, hair color, etc as well. That way you don't emphasize that one thing that makes people different so they may be more inclined to see all differences but to treat all people as if they are valuable.

I'm going to ask you one question. You may find it odd, but it's also important. Why do people (mostly women) dye their hair? I think we are free to discuss anything we want and support our opinions with what we consider to be relevant arguments. If people had not considered this topic important or at least thought-provoking, they would not have answered or reacted in any way. They would have merely said: this question is not worth answering or thinking about.

There are various reasons why women (and men) dye their hair. Some are hiding grey hair because they don't want to look older. Some like to express various aspects of their personality; I have a friend who seems to have blue hair more often than not. And some people just like a little bit of variety. Overall, it's some type of self-expression. I'm not sure how that is the same though. Skin color you are born with and stuck with. My point was, no matter which aspects of physical appearance are changeable and which are not, children should learn to appreciate diversity in all its many forms.

[Cristina Chifane]

Does it matter that Toni is a boy and not a girl? Does anyone think girls are less likely to enjoy this book or have a harder time relating to Toni because he is a male character?

I never though of Toni's color or gender when reading this book. I never though there was any kind of even slight message about the capabilities of children of different gender or race.

I figured it was as simple as Base is a woman of color and her children are boys, so she made her character the type of child that most resemble her own because when she thinks of kids, her own are probably the very first to pop into her head. "R.D. Base is the mother of three young boys."

If all people who have kids would start writing books based on the kids they have at home, then this would be a world of writers for children. What I am trying to say is that I don't see this book as a "wow" book for children based on my lifelong experience as a teacher, reader and writer of academic articles plus a book on the topic. And yes, it matters that Toni is a boy and not a girl as many of the reviews and comments to a different topic related to gender have highlighted. It matters that Toni is a boy because he undermines the stereotypical representations of the household chores traditionally ascribed to girls. We can't possibly dismiss the gender or race associated topics because we would like them to miraculously disappear off the agenda.

[Cristina Chifane]

It doesnt matter if the hero is black or not as long as he/she do a great job its okay. Actually its more interesting having a black hero today, so unique.

Why is it more interesting having a black hero if you just said that it wouldn't matter if the the hero were black or white?

[Cristina Chifane]

I appreciate the depiction of a Black child as a superhero. Often, Black superheros are killed off in television or are used solely for a white superhero's plot. Representation of POC in children's literature is so incredibly important, but I find this book to fall short of expectations. Although it's wonderful that Toni engages in many activities that defy American binary gender roles, Toni doesn't have much of a plot as a superhero. The book merely lists all of the activities Toni enjoys doing. The illustrations are lovely, but I would encourage the writer to consider a more complex story for Toni. Overall, the series is promising, but hopefully Toni gets more character and plot development!

Thank you so much for this honest opinion. I started feeling like the Lone Ranger here pleading for a more complex story or at least for far better organization and formatting of the book. Even the illustrations could be improved although they help a lot.

[Cristina Chifane]

It makes the book more interesting.

Why is that?

[Cristina Chifane]

I did not even think that the Toni was black until I read this thread. I think it odd that anyone would even think that, since he is a child of color, he should only be helping with daily chores. Very strange take in my opinion. I thought the book was great because it showed that everyone can be a superhero - even in supposed mundane things like helping your parents. Color had nothing to do with it.

I can be strange sometimes. Thanks for your honesty. I'm actually used to analysing and examining things from multiple perspectives. I am extra cautious when it comes to children and books for children because adults decide for them in most of the cases.