Grace Lin's Blog, page 79

Rethinking Tikki Tikki Tembo

Once, I visited a school where the kids put on a play of   Tikki Tikki Tembo , in my honor. The kids were absolutely great, the teachers were quite lovely and the play was really well done. They had all worked hard on it and  I was very grateful for the warm welcome the school gave me, yet deep down I felt a strange awkwardness that I couldn't put my finger on.

So, when a friend of mine, recently sent me this blog post written by Irene Rideout, a lightbulb went on. When I read it, I suddenly thought, Oh that's why I felt weird!

With Irene's permission, I've republished her blog post here (her blog is private) for people to read. I think it's good food for thought:

Rethinking Tikki Tikki Tembo
by Irene Rideout

As a child, did you love Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel? Did you find the absurdly long name "Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari Ruchi-pip Peri Pembo" intoxicatingly fun to chant or sing? First published in 1968, the book has won some honors:
In 1968, it won the Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Picture Books. (http://us.macmillan.com/tikkitikkitembo/ArleneMosel) In 1997, the New York Times named it "one of the 50 best books in the last 50 years." (http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6634456.html?desc=topstory) In 2007, the book was #53 on the National Education Association's Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children. (http://www.nea.org/grants/13154.htm) The Fall 2009 Audio Book version was Parents' Choice Approved by the Parents' Choice Foundation. (http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=26879&StepNum=1&award=aw)

When I overheard my half-Chinese/half-Caucasian 6-year-old daughter singing the name a couple months ago, I had to ask her where she learned it. "In music class, at school," she replied. And to tell you the truth, I felt uneasy.

My first encounter with Tikki Tikki Tembo occurred around middle school. A Chinese-American friend was talking about the way other kids chanted "Tikki Tikki Tembo" around her. I had never heard those words before, so I asked her, "What does that mean?" The quiet seriousness of her response struck me. She looked me in the eye and said, "It's racist."

This is how the story is summarized on Amazon.com:
"In this beautiful edition--complete with line and wash illustrations by artist Blair Lent--Arlene Mosel retells an old Chinese folktale about how the people of China came to give their children short names after traditionally giving their "first and honored" sons grand, long names. Tikki tikki tembo (which means "the most wonderful thing in the whole wide world") and his brother Chang (which means "little or nothing") get into trouble with a well, are saved by the Old Man with the Ladder, and change history while they're at it." (http://www.amazon.com/Tikki-Tembo-Arlene-Mosel/dp/0312367481/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332508100&sr=8-1)
The Multiculturalist, a publication by Northern Illinois University, warns that, contrary to common misconception, not all children's books about other cultures are authentic.(http://www.niu.edu/mct/newsletter/2009-2010/vol3_num1.pdf) On page 4, the article states:
"Teachers who want to share other cultures may unintentionally choose books that are racist or not representative of a particular group... A book that is often recommended (see Huck, Hepler, & Hickman, 1987) is Tikki Tikki Tembo (Mosel, 1968)... The text and illustrations, however, are inaccurate depictions of any Chinese... The message about Chinese names is less than flattering."

I do think the use of the word "unintentional" is important. I hold my daughter's school system in very high regard, and from the beginning, I had to assume that the teachers and administration - not a single person of color among them! - simply did not know about the racist perceptions of this popular tale. I mulled over the idea of calling up the school principal and just letting him know that the story isn't exactly culturally sensitive. But I admit, part of me thought, "Maybe another Asian parent will do it." It wasn't until I found out that the entire school would be acting out the story and performing the song "Tikki Tikki Tembo" at a school meeting that I finally realized, "No one else is going to speak up."

So, in a phone call with the principal, I explained why the story is racist.
The book purports to be an "old Chinese folktale," but it is not. It is actually thought to be based on a Japanese folktale called Jugemu. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jugemu) Presumably, that tale was picked up and retold by Westerners, who mistakenly attributed it to China and added to the story. The result is a story that is neither Japanese nor Chinese, and it exemplifies the racist attitude of, "Chinese, Japanese, what's the difference, they're all the same." Though the book's illustrations are beautifully drawn by Caldecott Medal-winning artist Blair Lent, they do not authentically depict Chinese people, as noted by The Multiculturalist above. Tikki Tikki Tembo's shoes are actually strikingly similar to traditional Japanese geta footwear, again reinforcing the inaccurate perception that all Asian cultures are the same.Tikki Tikki Tembo's full name does not include any actual Chinese words, and it perpetuates the stereotype that Chinese words and names sound like nonsensical syllables. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikki_Tikki_Tembo) If anyone doubts that this stereotype continues to persist in modern society, look no further than the 2011 racist rant by a UCLA student. Tikki Tikki Tembo's little brother does have a Chinese name, Chang, which, according to the book, means "little or nothing." The book was written in 1968, well before pinyin was standardized, but even if we generously consider all tones of "chang" and "zhang," none of the dozens of possible translations even come close to meaning "little" or "nothing." According to the story, Chinese people traditionally gave their first-born sons long and honorable names. This is not true. I tried to find a source to back up this point, but apparently there isn't really a good way to find evidence of what a culture is not. This 
Another common argument in defense of Tikki Tikki Tembo is, "Children know the difference between truth and fiction. They know this is not a real story of actual Chinese culture." Perhaps some do, but what if the book is actually presented by a teacher or librarian as an authentic Chinese folktale describing Chinese culture? Weston Woods, a production arm ofScholastic, a children's book publisher that specifically creates educational materials for schools, provides a lesson plan for use with their Tikki Tikki Tembo video. Two explicit objectives of the lesson are to "learn about Chinese culture" and "enjoy a well-known Chinese folktale." (http://westonwoods.scholastic.com/products/westonwoods/study_guides/tikki_tikki_tembo.pdf) Of course, in reading this particular book - or watching a video based on the book - the class will do neither.

In 1968, when cultural diversity wasn't yet the major issue it is today, any book that featured a foreign culture was probably welcomed, even if only for its novelty factor. But now that it's 2012, and the children's sections of our libraries are filled with authentic books about other cultures, there is no longer any need to rely on inauthentic tales like Tikki Tikki Tembo as an example of Chinese culture. I am a big fan of Grace Lin, who writes children's books of all levels ranging from picture books to chapter books. Her books are set in America, but they feature a Chinese-American family and plenty of Chinese and Taiwanese culture. For a book set in "old China," I recommend Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim, a book my daughter actually discovered herself in the school library.

So what did my daughter's school principal say and do in response to my concerns? (My on-the-spot explanations were not quite as organized as my post here, but I think I got the ideas across!) I was so pleased and relieved to hear him say, "I had never thought about the book that way before, but now that you explain it to me, of course I understand." He repeatedly stressed his desire to be culturally sensitive, and he suggested a compromise for the school's upcoming performance of Tikki Tikki Tembo. (I knew the school had been practicing the show for months, and it was too late to do anything drastic like cancel the performance or choose a new story and song.) Rather than introduce it as "a Chinese folktale," they would simply call it "a story" and avoid any references to China or Chinese culture. I thought that was a great idea.

Moving forward, seeing how popular Tikki Tikki Tembo is in schools and with parents, I think it's unrealistic to expect everyone to simply remove it from their bookshelves. My hope is that if people do continue to pass on the story of Tikki Tikki Tembo, they do it in a responsible way.
One option is to use the story to bring back oral storytelling, and to leave out all references of China and Chinese culture. Without using the actual book at all, parents and teachers can tell the tale of Tikki Tikki Tembo, simply setting it in "a far away land." The younger brother can have a name that does not strongly evoke any particular foreign culture, and it can be comparable to the syllables in Tikki Tikki Tembo's name. Perhaps something like Pip. Another option is to use the book as a teaching opportunity. Parents and teachers can enjoy the book and its illustrations, but follow it up with a discussion about how not all books are true stories, and not all pictures are true representations of what they are trying to depict. Inaccuracies in the story and pictures can be explicitly pointed out, and the book can be followed by a reading of another book that does authentically portray Chinese culture.For another person's insights, I recommend this article. It gives what I think is a fair and balanced review of the book, and then it discusses the appropriateness of the book in today's diverse society. It goes even further by suggesting other books about names, and Asian names in particular, that can be used to supplement a reading of Tikki Tikki Tembo.

fortune cookie friday

"Before preparing to improve the world, first look around your own home three times. "
-Chinese Proverb

Pocket Pacy goes to Washington!

From the Lee family comes this Pocket Pacy adventure!

Earlier in February, Pocket Pacy went to Washington D.C. to see the sights. The vice president of China was also there that week, so it was even more difficult to get into the White House. :(  But she did see the outside:

and she also visited the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the National Zoo, where the pandas were dining. So much to see!  

What a great trip, don't you think? Thanks, Lee family!

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy! See details HERE!

March Pocket Pacy Winners!

There has been such a great response to my Pocket Pacy Giveaway! All the entries have been so wonderful that I decided that there was no way I could pick winners based on merit, so winners have been chosen by random drawing (though, I will be posting my some of my favorites on my blog every week). If you have sent me a picture and your name was not chosen this month, you don't have to send me another picture--your name stays in the hat for the next drawing.

So who are the March winners? Drum roll, please...

Emily Speckhals
Kaylin Long
Katy Lee

Yay! If you see your name and do not hear from me this week, please feel free to contact me with your name and mailing address and I'll send your pocket pacy out to you!

For those not chosen, don't worry! You still have 9 more chances to win (I will pick 3 winners each month until July). And for those new to the giveaway, you can still enter. Read all the details HERE!

booktalk tuesday

The Adventures of Nanny Piggins, by RA Spratt

IndieBound Description:

The woman was not a woman. She was a pig. A common, pink farm pig. The type bacon came from.

"Good evening, I am Nanny Piggins," said Nanny Piggins the pig.

When stingy Mr. Green planted a Nanny Wanted sign on his front lawn for his three children, he had no idea his ad would be answered by a pig. Yes, a pig. A fabulously sassy and impeccably dressed pig as a matter of fact! With her insatiable urge to eat chocolate (and feed chocolate to everyone she loves), her high-flying spirit, and her unending sense of fun, Nanny Piggins takes Derrick, Samantha, and Michael on a year of surprises, yummy treats, and adventures they'll never forget.

Paired with Dan Santat's charming illustrations, comedian and children's TV writer R.A. Spratt's wildly funny debut novel will have adults and kids alike laughing and rooting for the feisty porcine nanny and her three lovable human charges.

My Thoughts:
After a couple of fantasy and sci-fi books, I thought I'd recommend something that is just a lot of fun. This book will make you laugh and laugh!

on my desk(top) monday

Tarie Sabido of the awesome blog Asia in the Heart, World on the Mind recently shared these photos with me:


Apparently they are doing a  promotion for Dumpling Days in Hong Kong! Isn't that neat?

Sunday Chinese School

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!Today's word is:
joke
wánxiào
玩笑

What made me laugh this week

I'm behind on everything--my newsletter, reader mail, even my pocket pacy contest (I have so many wonderful entries that I can't wait to share! I'll announce winners next week, promise!). The reason why I am so behind is that I've been doing a marathon of school visits (which I will also post about later) which have been fun as well as funny. How funny? Well, this is how I was asked to personalize some of the books I autographed (last name photoshopped out to protect the innocent):


It says to sign books to 1. Elliot 2. Little  Elliot Pelliot Smelliot 3. Master Elliot Edward...a year of the Monkey Child
This made me laugh but I signed as directed! However, I couldn't help wondering if some older sibling was getting in a joke on little Elliot...

fortune cookie friday

"A great rock is not disturbed by the wind; the mind of a wise man is not disturbed by either honor or abuse."
-Chinese Proverb

booktalk tuesday

The Girl with the Silver Eyes, by Willo Davis Roberts

IndieBound Description:

Katie Welker is used to being alone. She would much rather read a book than deal with other people. Other people don't have silver eyes—and other people can't make things happen just by thinking about them.

Katie has a hard time making friends because of her telekinetic powers—the people around her just don't understand. Katie knows she's different, but she would never try to hurt anyone. When she finds herself in trouble, Katie seeks out other kids who have silver eyes like hers. But can her newfound friends help her? Should they use their special powers? Will they be forced to?

This beloved classic from Willo Davis Roberts, originally published in hardcover in 1980, is now available as an Aladdin paperback and will enthrall a new generation of eager readers.

My Thoughts:
This was one of my first forays into a "sci-fi" genre, but I didn't know it at the time. I loved the idea of having special powers and this book is one of the best books written about that. I'm so glad it was reissued and with this mysterious cover!