Does it matter that little Tony is black?

[msomigreat]

i think it is time that we do not judge people by their color but by the content of their character as Martin Luther Once said. Maybe it would be better for us to familiarize ourselves with the fact that all humans are created equal. Maybe you might want to familiarize yourself with Dark Rising TV series coming up soon

[NL Hartje]

Ehh, I can't say I would go looking for that distinction. I don't think children would see it in the light of "Tony can ONLY do simple chores." I feel like that shadow is cast by adults.

[shryl04]

I find the thought ridiculous that anyone should consider actually changing an established character's race (or sex, for that matter) just to appease a small portion of readership. If the characters that already exist aren't enough, then they could join the fraternity of creators and make new ones.

[kfwilson6]

Does it matter that Toni is a boy and not a girl? Does anyone think girls are less likely to enjoy this book or have a harder time relating to Toni because he is a male character?

I never though of Toni's color or gender when reading this book. I never though there was any kind of even slight message about the capabilities of children of different gender or race.

I figured it was as simple as Base is a woman of color and her children are boys, so she made her character the type of child that most resemble her own because when she thinks of kids, her own are probably the very first to pop into her head. "R.D. Base is the mother of three young boys."

[hadizasalisu]

To be honest I think so, Toni being black is important because because little children of colour don't have a lot of literature to fall back on, and we all know its easier to see yourself in a superhero if they look like you, but I'm also a bit on the fence that teaching children about colour very young might be bad, what'd you think?

I do agree that it's easier to see yourself in a superhero if he or she looks like you.
I think it's important to teach children about culture and heritage more so than skin color. Learning about your family's history can be interesting and fun, and can foster a feeling of belonging. If parents are also talking about and modeling tolerance and acceptance, then any discussions about color should be far less difficult to tackle, if the discussion is ever even necessary. Children will notice when people look different, and we have the ability to influence whether these differences are viewed as negative or positive.

That does sound right.

[Kibet Hillary]

It does not matter that Toni is black. It is only the one who has not yet appreciated diversity and the need to appreciate the differences within the human race that will dare to think that it does matters. It is the same as me being a doctor and reading a book where the main character is a pilot and raising the same question but based on this. It is good to note that even within a specific race, there are differences that exist still such as the biological and physical differences, level of income, places of residences, etc.

[Rose Anne03]

It doesnt matter if the hero is black or not as long as he/she do a great job its okay. Actually its more interesting having a black hero today, so unique.

[[Arun Bohra]]

I appreciate the depiction of a Black child as a superhero. Often, Black superheros are killed off in television or are used solely for a white superhero's plot. Representation of POC in children's literature is so incredibly important, but I find this book to fall short of expectations. Although it's wonderful that Toni engages in many activities that defy American binary gender roles, Toni doesn't have much of a plot as a superhero. The book merely lists all of the activities Toni enjoys doing. The illustrations are lovely, but I would encourage the writer to consider a more complex story for Toni. Overall, the series is promising, but hopefully Toni gets more character and plot development!

[Janine10261992]

No it does not matter that Tony is black. Just because he doesnt do save the world doesnt mean he isnt a hero for helping his siblings or the community he works in.

[Ksharmilla]

I haven't thought about this till now. When I read the book, I noted he was black. I feel like when it comes to kids they simply see another kid and the colour of his skin doesn't matter.

[Asavela]

It makes the book more interesting.

[CinWin]

I did not even think that the Toni was black until I read this thread. I think it odd that anyone would even think that, since he is a child of color, he should only be helping with daily chores. Very strange take in my opinion. I thought the book was great because it showed that everyone can be a superhero - even in supposed mundane things like helping your parents. Color had nothing to do with it.

[stacie k]

To me, Toni’s color makes no difference. The message is the same: that even superheroes enjoy doing ordinary things.

[Supergirl1]

These racial distinctions are things adults do. Children do not really care about race or color, they all play together! Children of other races who have never seen a black person might be fascinated that Toni doesn’t look like them, but in today’s diverse society, that is rare. Watching children at play, one would realize they care more about who is kind and who is mean, and Toni is definitely a kind, happy little boy.

[Ashiyya Tariq]

Color has nothing to do with superhero qualities. Talent is a God gifted thing . so it can not be restricted to one race. The author did a good job by choosing a black color for the superhero.