Problematic AF!

[flynnflynn]

"Bett-Bett... didn’t sit—like fairy-book princesses—waving golden scepters over devoted subjects, for she was just a little bush nigger girl or “lubra,” about eight years old." Nigger is mentioned 6 times and piccaninny 1 time within the 1st chapter. This book should only be used to teach about racism and colonialism.

[Juanita]

You may want to look at the time and context that it came out of. Yes, it would be a good study in how words reflect those things, but it is also a fascinating look into the lives of Aborigines, in addition to the expectation of power and superiority by the whites.

[flynnflynn]

Juanita wrote: "You may want to look at the time and context that it came out of. Yes, it would be a good study in how words reflect those things, but it is also a fascinating look into the lives of Aborigines, in..."

I DID look at the time and context in which this book was written. This is NOT a children's book that should be given to any child, especially black and brown children. It is a text for adults to reflect on the vicious, callous nature of RACIST ideology and white supremacy. The fact that it was written in 1902 does not make it any more palatable for children or anyone. The fact that it was written in 1902 does not excuse the author's racist rhetoric and negative portrayal of this child and her community.

[flynnflynn]

Juanita wrote: "You may want to look at the time and context that it came out of. Yes, it would be a good study in how words reflect those things, but it is also a fascinating look into the lives of Aborigines, in..."

If you want a fascinating look into the lives of aboriginal Australians, getting it from a racist who lived in 1909 might not be your best option. It would not be the most authentic either. How about looking for stories written by aboriginals themselves or people who actually viewed them as equal human beings? https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/au...