Allow child to read old children's literature with racist aspects?

Question

I inherited a fantastic collection of old children's literature from my mother, which I loved myself as a child. The collection includes British and American novels for kids from the turn of the century through 1960 or so. As an adult looking over the books now, though, I cringe over the casual racism I find. For example, the Adventure series by Enid Blyton was a favorite of mine as a kid - but when I look it over now, I see that whenever African-American characters are introduced, they are depicted in a horribly racist way. It wasn't the main object of the books, obviously - I guess it was just so a part of the culture at the time to depict minorities like that. As a child, I didn't pick up on it at all. So, my dilemma is: do I let my daughter read these books but talk to her about the racist aspects, read the books but ignore the racism, or weed out the offensive books and not let her read them at all? (She's only 6 - I'm just anticipating that she could read them someday).

Answer 1

When you feel your daughter is old enough to understand the topic, I think it would be okay to let her read them. Form your own little book club. Re-read the books yourself and discuss them in detail, including the racist aspects. Discuss with her how the times have changed. Have fun with it!

Answer 2

I have my very old copy of "Little Black Sambo" and I loved that story so much as a child! I remember loving the idea that he was so fleet of foot that he could outrun the tigers, and I wanted to be that fast. I have another book about manners that has a page dedicated to ladylike behavior, which told me that I should never play to win against a boy, and that I must always compliment him, not interrupt him, and otherwise build him up. Gone With the Wind is still an amazing movie, even with clear racial stereotyping in every frame...

There's a treasury of literature out there that has become very un-PC over time because our modern worldview is so very different. But we can look at it with modern sensibilities. The value is thus more historic and anthropological.

The body of excellent children's literature is tremendous, and so you can choose books that are probably better written and more appealing to today's children. I liked Nancy Drew, but let's face it -- Harry Potter is way cooler.

Save your old books for when your child needs to write a term paper entitled "Potrayal of Race and Class in American Literature."

Answer 3

Read them with her and use these parts of the book as a way to start a conversation that brings her better understanding of the way race relations have changed over the years.

Answer 4

You didn't hear the racism, and it didn't ingrain those thoughts in you or you wouldn't be so put-off at this point. Let her read them and if she mentions it, talk about how people aren't really like that. Racism is part of our past, we can't erase what used to be and we aren't going to keep it from being again unless we face it and don't fear hearing the echoes of our own ignorance.

Answer 5

yes let her read them, it's a great way to teach her how far we have come, talk with her about it, have her show you the racist parts, it's part of history, it's so wonderful for her to read these books, think of how much joy they brought you, if you raise your child to be fare and not racist, she will know better, the books will not make her a racist, they will educate her

Answer 6

Well, it sounds like your a little pariniod, let the child read them then just talk to them about the bad aspects. Then, punish if any of that racism is in their day-to-day speech :)

Answer 7

One of my favorite stories as a kid was Little Samba, and I didn't like it because of its racists undertones, I liked it because the kid turned the tiger into butter or something.

Just remember, your kid is 6, she doesn't understand racism unless you teach it to her, which, clearly, you aren't. Don't view the world with racist undertones in everything, and your kids won't either - she'll be fine.

Answer 8

Let her read them but educate her. We can't overcome where we have been if we are not educated as to what is considered "wrong". No matter if is something simple like a hot stove or as complicated as racism.

Answer 9

Let her read the books. We learn from our mistakes, we shouldn't hide them, that's censorship. Tell her that at one time people did and now still do, think that way. Explain that It's not right, and we strive to be better people, but we acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and grow.

Answer 10

I say allow your children to read these books. Let them learn how people use to be treated. If we don't learn from history, we are bound to repeat it.
They will have more knowledge then any other kid who doesn't read older books.