Does it matter that little Tony is black?

[1ditzyrn]

The fact that Toni is black didn't even register on my radar until this thread. So I obviously felt none of the above.
And I don't think it will for kids either. They just see another kid, it's us adults that notice the colour

I agree with this. Children rarely notice color until they reach an age where they notice the adults who put an emphasis on this. If we could teach the adults not to pass this behavior on to the children, the world would be a better place.

[Lia4rmHtown]

I believe that it doesn’t matter the color of Toni’s skin. I was quite surprised to read the question. Even more surprised to see how everyone is thinking.

[Sdejardine]

I agree that superheroes seem to be depicted usually as white. I do not think that writing a book about a black superhero, no matter how insignificant his powers, is a bad thing. It shouldn't matter one way or the other. And, I think any little black boy reading this book would be excited to identify as a superhero.

[Vlinstry]

The colour of his skin isn't something that really crossed my mind to be honest. And with m9vies like "Black Panther" it is no longer that uncommoj for superheroes to be coloured

[abbiejoice]

I think this shouldn't undermine the message of equality. I am reminded of the movie Black Panther. While the hero is black, I think it doesn't necessarily aim to express that black heroes are exceptions to the rule.

[Italiansweety1982]

I don't think color matters. They could have made him blue with polka dots and he still would have been a kid. It's good to show that no matter who you are, everyone pitches in

[ObsessedBookNerd]

I think it’s a good thing that he is black it’s always white kids in children’s books so I think it helps with diversity because nobody is ever one thing. Especially in America people are usually a mixed of different ethnicities, so it’s nice that the book isn’t the same cookie cutter story.

[Power Onyango]

I see nothing wrong with Toni's colour. Over focus on his skin pigmentation suffices to be racism.

[HailKingEbi]

I dont think Toni's race contributed to the story. It's a helpful kid with superpowers. There are black heroes across Marvel and DC comics alike. Most are true representations of strength. Sometimes there's stereotypes little by little but there's no need to deny that some attributes are peculiar to certain people. A black child being helpful or not, he could have been white. I don't think the author intended anything by Toni's race.

[BriennaiJ]

I didn't think of the story this way, but instead thought of it as an adorable childhood book of a kid acknowledging the small things they do to help others and realizing that those can be their superpowers. I think the fact that Tony is black could just help kids who are learning to read see cute stories about kids their own age who look like them.

[Braunsucre]

Well, I really don't think the color matter, Toni fulfilled his role wonderfully as a superhero.

[Sumbule1]

The fact that Tony is black Does quarantee that he should be underrated.

[aribear]

I hadn't noticed until I saw the question. But I think it's a good thing that he is black. It is a source of representation.

[zelennaa3]

I think it’s amazing that he is. I love that blacks are being recognized.

[uyky]

I think representation of any race in any story is good. As long as it's versatile.