Racism and Sexism in Children's Books

The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This classic story is a series of books about author Laura Inglalls Wilder's childhood growing up during the 19th century in the Midwest. While the story teaches valuable lessons about growing up and the struggles each family faces, racism is clearly present. Because the family lived in Indian Territory for some time in their lives, there are a few instances of poor treatment of the Indians. It is arguable that because this story is not fiction that it is simply portraying how racism was accepted at the time, children reading it today may not have that explained to them.

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

Winnie the Pooh is a beloved children's classic about the adventures of a teddy bear and his friends. While the book will forever be loved, it contains sexist undertones. The majority of the characters in the story a male, in fact, a study found that in 57 percent of all children's stories, the main character or hero is a male. This teaches children that only men can be courageous heroes. 

 
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
This fictional series is a classic children's book centered around the adventures of a group of children in the fictional world of Narnia. While the books contain much less noticeable racist tones, there are a few instances. There are two different groups of people in the story, Calormen, the people described having dark skin, and the Narnians, the people with extremely white skin. Not surprisingly, the two groups of people do not get along.




Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
Leo Lionni's children's book Little Blue and Little Yellow is all about two colors that become friends despite their differences. The book is a good example of racism because little blue and little yellow are very different and aren't supposed to be friends. However, the book is a positive influence because it shows little blue and little yellow becoming friends anyways, overcoming racism.



I'm Glad I'm a Girl! I'm Glad I'm a Boy! by Whitney Darrow
This old classic children's book is about the many differences between boys and girls, it is the perfect definition of sexism. It includes lines such as "Boys are doctors. Girls are nurses." and "Boys can eat. Girls can cook." While some of them may prove to be more true than others, it teaches children that women are subordinate to men. In a society where more and more women are becoming doctors or lawyers, books like this teach children those things aren't possible.

While the majority of these books were written sometime in the mid nineteen hundreds, children continue to read them today. Reading is a major component in a child's education, but what they read affects them more than how often they read. By allowing children the read books like the ones listed above, we are teaching them stereotypes that they will bring with themselves into the real world, thus continuing the issue of racism and sexism. If we wish to improve the way our society views different races and genders, we must teach the future generations to accept one another and erase all stereotypes. With that being said, it does not mean children shouldn't be allowed to read such classic books, but they must also be taught that what they are reading is a lesson, not necessarily a way to act.