Our Skin
After watching the debate for my media use journal, I wanted to find some books on skin color for children. This can take you down a serious rabbit hole full of meaning. I am a believer that we must teach/have discussions about these topics when children are at a younger age and more impressionable. And just like one of the panelist said these types of things are taught in the home. And since I grew up in a Caucasian home and my children are doing the same thing I find books like Our Skin to be informative.
Who created this message?
This book was written by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli and was illustrated by Isabel Roxas. This book was created to show young children that the made up idea of race can be used to fuel racism.
What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?
One of the things that attracted my attention would be the realistic situations that the author uses to show how without even knowing it we could be making racists assumptions against someone else. I would have never thought about who we are making the bad guy in a simple game superheroes and how that could make someone feel. I was also attracted by the attention given to encouraging children to stand up for themselves when things are unfair or hurting our feelings. I believe strongly in self advocating for what is right and I believe that all children should know how to do this no matter the situation.
How might different people interpret this message differently than me?
This book touches on many different areas of racism, being proud of our own skin, how having different skin colors makes us feel and why there is such separation when talking about race. There are other people (not myself) who might think this story is targeting all white people as racist when Megan is explaining where the separation comes from and some of the images that she has chosen to use. With that being said though she makes sure to touch on the fact that a mistake can be racist, it is all around us in big and small ways even when we are not realizing it.
What values, lifestyles and points of view are represented in, or omitted from, this message?
This book is specifically talking about skin color and race, something that has been heavily discussed for years and even more so in the last few. As stated before, this book not only talks about race, but where it comes from, how it can be avoided and how to stand up for ourselves and others who are experiencing racism.
Why is this message being sent?
I think that this message is being sent to teach children about racism, not to say that they are racist, but to show them that as they grow up they need to be more cognizant of what they are doing and saying as to not come off as racist. I think this book does a really good job at showing different examples of what racism looks like that is relatable to children, like playing princess or superheroes. It also shows in a round about way that not all things we see when growing up are correct or the right way to be doing things and we all need to make choices for ourselves.