Does it matter that little Tony is black?

a9436 · Post by **a9436** » 11 Aug 2018, 13:26

I interpreted the message as being that however powerful one becomes, the more mundane duties will always remain. So I did not consider colour in the manner of OP's question. However, I do think it is good for children to see diversity in their books, and role models from different races are important. When I was growing up in central Europe most children's characters were white, which sadly meant that not all children could relate to someone.

Post by **Natalie MT** » 11 Aug 2018, 14:58

I think it'll always matter that main characters are black. Tha provides really important representation.

In terms of how much it mattered for the story, I think the general memo was, "Not all superheroes wear capes."

In which, it still matters, because even though not all superheroes wear capes, we so rarely see young black people portrayed in a positive light.

Van112 · Post by **Van112** » 12 Aug 2018, 01:32

I don't think this book meant to be racist. It just wanted to show that there are different kids everywhere. And exposure of the young readers to such kind of notion helps them understand that fact and for them to be aware. In this way, they will not be discrimating when it comes to race and color.

Michael Kevin · Post by **Michael Kevin** » 12 Aug 2018, 01:54

Everyone don't have the rights to judge others just simply by looking at his skin colour.

GabbiV · Post by **GabbiV** » 12 Aug 2018, 14:06

I think it's important for kids to see someone that looks like them be portrayed as a hero so they don't learn to limit themselves, but rather accept it as a fact of life that they too can be just as great as anyone else.

sam_jennifer_may · Post by **sam_jennifer_may** » 12 Aug 2018, 14:31

Great question. Whilst reading this never even crossed my mind, however now you’ve brought it to my attention I do worry about the white-black superhero divide.
Whilst there is a clear issue, I do think important steps are being made to ensure equality in the portrayal of superheroes. The huge success of black panther demonstrates the superhero world not only wants but needs equality.
Whilst I don’t necessarily think Tony needs superpowers to be a superhero I do think this is something that people need to be aware of.

Cjgarland89 · Post by **Cjgarland89** » 12 Aug 2018, 15:53

I would agree with a few others that the fact that Toni is black should be irrelevant, however because of the dynamic of today's society, I think it is great that he is. Before the craze of Black Panther I don't think many people correlated black with superheroes, so its just a subtle lesson that he can be a superhero, doing everyday things, that just so happens to be black.

Klanese07 · Post by **Klanese07** » 13 Aug 2018, 02:53

It does not matter if he is black what color our skin is should not define us if a black kid wants to be a superhero let him be that if a white kid wants to be a rapper let him be that

Quinto · Post by **Quinto** » 13 Aug 2018, 06:03

Its my belief that kids not unless they have been brain washed by adults would read this story innocently. And in any case, when kids discuss on their heroes I don't think the racial angle ever comes about. At least I remember from my days as a kid.

ngoccanh · Post by **ngoccanh** » 13 Aug 2018, 23:32

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.

Naja Saba · Post by **Naja Saba** » 14 Aug 2018, 00:18

Yes, it does matter. For so long a time, children have been made to believe that it is only white kids who can possess superior powers. I think it is only proper if children are taught equality and non discrimination at a tender age.

David Koreas · Post by **David Koreas** » 15 Aug 2018, 04:10

Of course not, there are other white kids in the book. Black is just a colour. I think his input was marvellous.

David Horta Alonso · Post by **David Horta Alonso** » 15 Aug 2018, 11:31

I give priority on his input above his skin colour. He is a wonderful character. I don't think his black colour mattered that much.

Fozia-Bajwa · Post by **Fozia-Bajwa** » 15 Aug 2018, 15:33

it doesn't matter that Toni is colored black because the abilities and superpowers of a good person are not dependent upon the complexion of human. it is the wrong concept. The white color of a child does not indicate the presence of super powers and black color does not indicate the absence of super abilities of a hero like child.

TheTrueNyree · Post by **TheTrueNyree** » 15 Aug 2018, 16:55

I don't think it matters that Tony is a black child. It can be taken really either way. like black children can only do good in helping around the house. While white superheros have powers at an early age. I hope that as Tony grows so will his abilities. Letting him step out of the ordinary kindness to extraordinary gifts.

It is possible that the author is just using superhero to grab the attention of children, while planting a seed that helping out , where its doing chores or not, is a good thing. That maybe they will be a little more apt to want to do them too. like i said many can take it many different ways, but for me the story is positive for children, no matter their race.