Does it matter that little Tony is black?

Nanig83006 · Post by **Nanig83006** » 21 Jul 2018, 11:25

The story is wonderful and includes a child of color being responsible and helpful, but you're right, it can definitely be skewed in the minds of child readers. Perhaps it would have been better to give Tony superpowers and use those abilities to help around the house just the same. Or maybe, in the next book, Tony and a white/poc friend will use their "ordinary" powers to help those around them. With a story like this aimed toward kids, it's important to make sure no one is alienated to feel less than. No matter what someone's opinion is on the topic, representation matters.

panton · Post by **panton** » 21 Jul 2018, 18:17

it doesn't really matter, because anyone can do anything forget about colour, either black or white

ozumba · Post by **ozumba** » 21 Jul 2018, 18:25

i did not see the book as comparing black and white children rather tony is well trained home boy. Moreover, every child education begins at home, So tony being a superhero is not exceptional.

Anthony Martial Tata · Post by **Anthony Martial Tata** » 21 Jul 2018, 21:51

Toni's colour may not augur well with a section of white children from racist communities. I think he was an excellent character.

Julez · Post by **Julez** » 22 Jul 2018, 08:30

I'm already used to superheroes being white, and just as stated in my review, I found this change in stereotype quite refreshing.

Ashiyya Tariq · Post by **Ashiyya Tariq** » 22 Jul 2018, 10:49

MsTri wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 12:16 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.

It's good to see Toni as a black kid. I think the author did a good job by introducing Toni as a black hero. And after all we see many black heroes on box office.

Ashiyya Tariq · Post by **Ashiyya Tariq** » 22 Jul 2018, 11:04

Nanig83006 wrote: ↑21 Jul 2018, 11:25 The story is wonderful and includes a child of color being responsible and helpful, but you're right, it can definitely be skewed in the minds of child readers. Perhaps it would have been better to give Tony superpowers and use those abilities to help around the house just the same. Or maybe, in the next book, Tony and a white/poc friend will use their "ordinary" powers to help those around them. With a story like this aimed toward kids, it's important to make sure no one is alienated to feel less than. No matter what someone's opinion is on the topic, representation matters.

Children usually pay not heed to ethnic dissimilarities. These are usually inculcated in their minds by parents and society. In this book we see all kids (white and black) playing together without any hatred for each other. Ethnic superiority is nothing more than a complex.

MsLisa · Post by **MsLisa** » 22 Jul 2018, 11:35

I don't think it needed to get that complicated in the analysis and I don't believe those were the intentions of the author. Just because Tony is a black character does not mean that it is only meant for little black children to get the message. The idea is that children can be super by just being nice and helping out and Tony just so happens to be black which I think is wonderful.

Christina Rose · Post by **Christina Rose** » 22 Jul 2018, 21:23

Yolimari wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 09:57 I thought that it mattered because the book is a contribution to the “We Need Diverse Books” movement within the publishing industry. Children of all ethnic backgrounds should be able to see themselves represented in children’s books.

However, I did not think for a second that he was doing ordinary things because he is black and only white superheros have superpowers. I just thought the author wanted to portray a superhero doing chores and helping around the house because all little children need to learn about responsibility.

I agree with you on all parts! Well said.

Alicealdies · Post by **Alicealdies** » 22 Jul 2018, 21:50

I totally see your point! I don’t think the focus was Tony really having superpowers like marvel characters do. Instead the focus was more on the reality that as simple as things like cleaning can have a powerful effect cause not only are you helping others but it also makes you have this wonderful feeling inside that is powerful all by itself. And by carrying out this feeling to the reader it teaches them the rewards of hard work and persistence.

Gilbertoo · Post by **Gilbertoo** » 23 Jul 2018, 01:25

It does matter whether tony is black or not,the most import thing is how he does things that other children will love to learn from him

Gilbertoo · Post by **Gilbertoo** » 23 Jul 2018, 01:49

It does not matter whether tony is black or not,the important thing is how he uses his powers for good and not evil,so his a great kid and should be love.

Ubah199 · Post by **Ubah199** » 23 Jul 2018, 09:43

White or black what matter most is getting the ability to be and act like a superhero

Nma26 · Post by **Nma26** » 24 Jul 2018, 06:25

It's not about being black or white.We're past that.Toni is a superhero whether he is black or white!

Ashiyya Tariq · Post by **Ashiyya Tariq** » 24 Jul 2018, 13:32

cristinaro wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 05:33 Tony is a jovial little black kid always with a broad smile on his face. He is engaged in the typical activities of a kid his age.

Is he meant to defy the superhero stereotype especially since he does not seem to be doing anything extraordinary?
Did you feel the book undermines the myth of the white superhero and carries a message of inter-racial tolerance?

My fear is the message could be exactly the opposite. Little black kids can only do ordinary things like helping their mother, sweeping the floor or dusting the furniture. The superpowers still belong to the little white kids. I am wondering if Tony will actually have some superpowers in the next books of the series. What do you think?

I am happy that Toni is different from typical superheroes who just show off their strength. Rather Toni actively takes part in doing household tasks.
No doubt this book is a positive message for black kids. It will encourage them.