The book explores the persistence of structural racism within children’s books of literature. Philip Nel, the author, points out that racism is entrenched in children’s books authored by people who are against the vice. Racism thrives within institutions because many children’s books are based on white culture. In the first chapter, Nel uses Dr. Seuss’s work to show how he unknowingly replicated racial imagery. Nel believes Dr. Seuss’s book, The Cat in the Hat, is a racially complex work with racist images. Racist images in children’s books can lead to defensive reactions among children of color. The racist images represent concealed racism entrenched in children’s books.
Racism in children’s classics can lead to emotions and bad feelings. Some words used in children’s books are offensive and can trigger sadness, shame, and guilt among black children. Therefore, teachers should find ways to elicit uniform feelings for both white and black children. The racism faced by children while revising these classics should be used to curb racial segregation. Nel also uses several cases to demonstrate the extension of structural racism in institutions. Only a few books contain black characters in children’s books. Lack of representation in these books makes black children feel belittled.
Children’s books make an impact on people’s future lives. Racist ideologies are absorbed during childhood. Reading books that contain only white characters creates a situation where white children feel elevated and black children feel demeaned. Representing both white and people of color in children’s books may reduce structural racism. Taking such a move will make both children realize that their lives and stories matter.
