1. Tensions and Pitfalls in the Depiction of Biracial Characters in Children's Picturebooks
- Author
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Melody Green Pulu, Ramona Maile Cutri, Paul H. Ricks, and Terrell Young
- Abstract
This critical content analysis used critical literacy and critical race theory to examine eight children's picturebooks to reveal patterns in the depictions of Black-white biracial characters. Analysis attended to protagonists' skin tone, hair texture, and facial features. Findings identify a pattern in the text of the protagonists' skin tone and hair texture being referenced as part of the storyline. However, the text of the picturebooks did not discuss the protagonists' Afrocentric or Eurocentric facial features even though the illustrations depicted them. Three other trends were identified: (1) comparing Black-white biracial characters' skin and hair to food; (2) presenting only two self-concepts for the Black-white biracial protagonists--either being "just right" or "mixed up;" and (3) portraying interracial families as either contentious or idyllic. The findings highlight how power differentials and racial socialization are embedded in the picturebooks and that opportunities for Black-white biracial counterstories must be pursued.
- Published
- 2024
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