Does it matter that little Tony is black?

meadhbh · Post by **meadhbh** » 06 Jul 2018, 21:25

The author says that this is the first book of an intended series where we will, in fact, see Toni have actual superpowers. I think it's great to see diversity in kids books!

prinjeh18 · Post by **prinjeh18** » 07 Jul 2018, 01:03

gen_g wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 10:30 This is an interesting question! However, I feel like this is now up to the parents/people reading the book to the child in question. The adult is the one responsible for the education of the younger masses, aka creating a colourblind society, and it is important to start it young. In other words, the adult has to let the child know that doing your daily chores is also a form of superhero activity, and it is not in any form inferior to other children with "actual superhero powers" (whether white or not).

You're right!

: it does not matter to me if little Toni is black or white. All I want is on how my kids enjoy the story.

Ibeh12 · Post by **Ibeh12** » 07 Jul 2018, 03:12

This question is very interesting. Being a superhero is a result of one possessing special characteristics and some measure of sacrifice. Anyone can be a superhero. I do not think it matters if Tony is black.

cassigeneral · Post by **cassigeneral** » 07 Jul 2018, 09:05

is a fine one, but I think superhero is for both white or black

Bukari · Post by **Bukari** » 07 Jul 2018, 14:02

I personally think there is nothing wrong with the skin or colour of Tony. What matters is the message inside the storybook. Despite that, do you know the skin colour of the author of this great book? Also, I think this is a very controversial topic. And I thank the creator of this topic, though it looks like a bias one.

Dabuddhababe · Post by **Dabuddhababe** » 07 Jul 2018, 20:32

Due to the recommended age group for this book, I don't think this will be an issue. Most young children don't see it as black and white. I think they just see a superhero doing things to help out around the house. I do think this would be a good idea for the next book though. Toni can have friends of all races, each a different superhero.

john2280 · Post by **john2280** » 08 Jul 2018, 01:50

blacks are humans too

prinjeh18 · Post by **prinjeh18** » 08 Jul 2018, 06:23

Everyone can be a superhero for our young ones. Children like them and even wanted to possess the power of a superhero. Skin color does not matter at all.

Sicily Joy · Post by **Sicily Joy** » 08 Jul 2018, 12:34

I think it matters. We don't live in a colorblind world and should we? It is important that children of color see themselves in books and it is important that other children learn to relate to people who are different from them. Children start noticing color/race very young so why not set good examples of inclusion at an early age. Also, writers of color have a hard time getting published therefore I think it is brave that she wrote Toni as Black like her children.

But, I don't think it matters that he does not have traditionally superpowers. The books undermine the idea that children of color can't be special because it shows a kid who is a superhero to his family, friend, community and himself. Some of the best superheroes don't have miraculous powers. Toni's mind and heart make him special and Black boys aren't often portrayed as caring and smart. Black Panther is just one kind of role model. It is important to have many different kinds of heroes.

Storm+ · Post by **Storm+** » 08 Jul 2018, 16:05

The lesson of this book was not meant to be that black children can only do ordinary things while white children get to have superpowers. In fact, there are no white children pictured with superpowers, nor are any of white children pictured as superheroes. To me, the fact that Tony is black is not meant as something harmful. For children who are black, Toni represents much-needed representation. To children who are not,Toni's skin tone just proves that he is like them and should not be treated any differently. The only way I could see Toni's skin color being negative is if Toni himself did something negative, which is very unlikely considering he is the story's hero. This story was not meant to be a critique of race, but, rather, to make it clear that even ordinary children (regardless of skin color) can be superheroes.

Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha · Post by **Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha** » 08 Jul 2018, 17:10

That thought did not occur to me at all when I read the book. I think this book was written to introduce us to the character Toni. I suspect his superhero powers will be revealed in subsequent series. There has been a huge demand lately for more diverse characters in children's books so I think this book will be well received.

Kinkini · Post by **Kinkini** » 09 Jul 2018, 00:03

Children are colourblind. It is the parent who has to guide them in thinking right. Although I have not read the book, the reviews tell me that that the book actually shows how one can be extraordinary in all their ordinary activities. This is a wonderful lesson for children who are learning to appreciate themselves. Such stories are confidence-boosters.

cpru68 · Post by **cpru68** » 09 Jul 2018, 00:08

I don’t know why, but I don’t see color. Toni is a boy who is emulating good things for other kids to follow. For me, that’s it. I love his big friendly smile and his willingness to help where he is needed. For the age this was written for, I bet it won’t even matter as prejudice doesn’t usually come from kids unless they are taught it. So, read the book and enjoy the story. It’s not an issue unless it’s blown up into one.

cpru68 · Post by **cpru68** » 09 Jul 2018, 00:09

I don’t know why, but I don’t see color. Toni is a boy who is emulating good things for other kids to follow. For me, that’s it. I love his big friendly smile and his willingness to help where he is needed. For the age this was written for, I bet it won’t even matter as prejudice doesn’t usually come from kids unless they are taught it. So, read the book and enjoy the story. It’s not an issue unless it’s blown up into one.