February is Black History Month and it's also the month of Valentine's Day. So let's show some writerly love by answering the following question: Who is your favorite African American author or fictional character?
One of my favorite African American authors is Toni Morrison. I read The Bluest Eye in college and this book is one that stuck with me. The story is about Pecola Breedlove, a seven year old who wishes to look like the blond haired, blue eyed images she sees everywhere.
Even though this book was set in 1940 and I feel like we've made some progress I feel like it rings true today. The blonde ringlet haired image on the tea cup in this book has been replaced by a blonde princesses and fairies. I often see kids in my neighborhood waiting for the bus with images of Tinkerbell and Cinderella on their backpacks and lunch boxes and I think of The Bluest Eye.
7 comments:
Interestingly, my daughter (7) IS a blonde haired blue-eyed princess, but she often asks for dolls from different cultures, as well as pirates, dinosaurs etc. She also has a penchant for Hello Kitty and skulls. She wants Tiana (the Princess and the Frog) to host a birthday party for her. Unfortunately the outfit that does these parties doesn't have a Tiana (there are few people of African descent in our city)
I read The Bluest Eye in college and was bowled over by it. I think it's my favorite of Morrison's books.
Also, I wanted to compliment you on your blog template. I have the same one--great minds think alike!
Ah, Toni Morrison is amazing. And yes, I agree that the whole Barbie and princess craze focuses on such a certain standard of beauty, and it can be overwhelming.
My girls enjoy the princess and Barbie stuff, but I don't think they care too much what color their Barbie's skin is--they just like playing with dolls. :)
I haven't read this one yet, but Beloved blew me away. She has such an immense talent--her writing is incredible.
I love Maya Angelou. For ya/mg I like Christopher Paul Curtis. And, we have come a ways, but it's still not ideal. We have to believe that young, blonde, and skinny isn't the only beautiful look.
Christopher Paul Curits. My kids and I have read all of his stuff. The way he mixes humor with the super serious is amazing. I'm looking forward to reading his newest, THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE.
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