Does it matter that little Tony is black?

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 16 Jul 2018, 03:41

A very intriguing question! I noticed that Toni is black. I assumed it was intentional, the author had probably tried to do exactly that - shatter the myth of white superheroes. In fact I was debating whether or not to include this in my review. But until now I did not think that it could have been the other way around.

Riszell · Post by **Riszell** » 16 Jul 2018, 04:39

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 06:29 Some reviews of this book are actually comparing Toni to T'Challa of Black Panther fame. I say it's about time we shatter the myth of white superheroes.

I could not agree more.

OloladeO · Post by **OloladeO** » 16 Jul 2018, 09:16

Funny how the mind works. For me, I didn't even notice the colour of his skin. I have not had the privilege to read the book but when I see the cover on the site, the fact that he is a superhero is all I see.

So to answer your question, I don't think the colour of his skin matters at all. We have gone way past those times.

Emie Cuevas · Post by **Emie Cuevas** » 16 Jul 2018, 10:16

I have always thought that colour is immaterial. Although a lot of superheroes are white there re many of other colours, including green, so I don't think that Toni's colour matters.

Amy+++ · Post by **Amy+++** » 16 Jul 2018, 11:24

I don't think it matters that he is black. With him being black and always helping out, he is showing all children of all races that they can do anything, with or without superpowers. All Tony is doing is breaking the mold and that is a good thing.

Dahmy 10 · Post by **Dahmy 10** » 16 Jul 2018, 11:55

Oh, Toni was black? I didn't even take note of that. Well, race didn't come to mind while I was going through. I think I was busy enjoying the book.

So a big no!!! It would never matter to me. I don't know who would mind, I would wonder why...

Post by **Eileen R** » 16 Jul 2018, 12:58

I think kids at such a young age would not be particularly be concerned about Toni's skin colour. Its what adults tell them about it that will shape their views.

Ekta Kumari · Post by **Ekta Kumari** » 16 Jul 2018, 16:31

Good observation. I personally didn't view this book to be portraying that black kids can only do the ordinary chores. In fact, I perceive this book to be giving a very good message to kids about being down to earth and sensible in spite of having superpowers.

az+12_4 · Post by **az+12_4** » 16 Jul 2018, 22:03

for kids it doesn't matter toni is black or white, they just want to enjoy reading book.Book is giving good lesson that superheroes also do day to day activities,racism thing should not consider.

Kristy Khem · Post by **Kristy Khem** » 16 Jul 2018, 22:41

That's a good point to make. I really hope Toni has some supernatural powers in the next book. But like most people said, kids don't really see things like skin colour unless it is emphasized by the adults around them.

Jkhorner · Post by **Jkhorner** » 17 Jul 2018, 08:18

I don’t believe it is this single author’s responsibility to establish a culture of black superheroes. Especially in a book helping children learn to read.

My gut answer to this question is: No? Why should it matter what his skin color is? He’s a kid and he does chores and other children are supposed to think that’s awesome.

I know the question of diversity is a big and important one in our culture, but perhaps we can let those who try have a little bit of slack, rather than debating its perfect execution.

sheeps44 · Post by **sheeps44** » 17 Jul 2018, 09:34

I don't think it matters about race unless it tackles an issue involving his identity.

If you made a movie about Japanese internment camps and the main character is a Caucasian who is forced to live in one of those camps then it would be bad since the plot is determined by historical prejudice.

If you made Iron Man Asian then it wouldn't matter since his identity is the fact that he's a genius, the first avenger and wears a suit of high-tech armor.

lesler · Post by **lesler** » 17 Jul 2018, 09:38

Yes, it matters to me that Tony is black, but not for negative reasons. My black male students are lacking immensely in relatable role models in the literary world, and this provides at least something for them.

uyky · Post by **uyky** » 17 Jul 2018, 12:11

I think it is a positive thing. Because writers will write more books about more black heroes and each will do different things. So if they are shown as other superheroes are, in a way human, that is promoting equality.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 17 Jul 2018, 12:59

I feel like we're thinking too hard about this one. I think the author wanted to use a multi-racial approach. Therefore, Toni is black. I don't think there's any underlying message that Toni can only do ordinary things. Kids certainly wouldn't think that way. They'd just think, "Oh, Toni is like me! How cool!"