Comments on: Is this classic Costa Rican children’s book racist?

By: zzzzz

zzzzz — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 23:57:00 +0000

When I moved down here in Costa Rica a few years ago, one of the most striking cultural surprises was the antiquated cultural insensitivity (racism) that was nothing short of of shocking. When EVERY Asian is referred to as “Chino” or Chink and this even right to their face, really, you get an idea. The comments on black people are generally negative. Opening my eyes, I realize that many Latin cultures are in this mind frame in the sense that mild racist behaviour is prevalent. I think the conversation about about sensitivity to others is long overdue. There are old literary texts that contain racist writings and it does not mean we should burn the books but it is very much needed to teach CR children to be sensitive at least more sensitive to other cultures.

By: expatin paradise

expatin paradise — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 04:38:00 +0000

I haven’t read this one, but there is nothing I have read that characterizes the black boy as malicious or anything but sweet. The innocent descriptions of the racial differences are sweet. There are curriosities when people are first exposed to members of different races. I remember about 40 years ago, I had a kinky beard, and an older black woman in my office timidly asked if she could touch it, then was surprised at its softness. I can see some bigots becoming upset because of the interracial aspect, but let them tell it to the Kardashians.

In the 1960s, “Little Black Sambo” got the same hypersensitivity treatment. It was clearly about an Indian boy, as evidenced by tigers, not Lions, being principal players.

Instead of pretending that racial differences don’t exist, we shouldf acknowledge the differences and the problems (Dr. Phl would say that you can’t change a thing unless you first recognize the problem). We should not ignore the past, but learn from it. If this book is used in schools, the lessons should include a discussion of the fact that there was a time when some black people had never seen whites and vice versa, and also of how funny the first-impression descriptions are in the story. That discussion could be expanded into one of different local ethnic groups and their customs.

I think that it is wonderful that Costa Rica has this piece of literature with which people can identify and in which they can take pride.

By: disgsted

disgsted — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:40:00 +0000

I grew up reading ” Little Black Sambo” the adventures of a black India boy who disobeyed his mother.. Even had a Sambo’s Restaurant I use to go to in the 70′s. Fast forward racist and depitced the black boy and family I guess unflattering way. The aurthor wrote this just for amusement. So Now this Cocori I guess as well will be seen as such. Shame how everything gets spun into something bigger.