Classics that avoid racism.

I have to admit that I am surprised to see the Little House series on this list, so I am going to read ahead as we get into those in the next month or two.

I did want to point out that the post-er mentioned the Little House TV program as having racism – and that program was pretty LOOSLY based on the books. In the later years of the program, there were a lot of social issues they dealt with in a very ‘1970’s’ kind of way that didn’t really correspond to the actual material in the books.

But, as I said, sometimes these things are subtle and those of us who aren’t directly effected by racism miss it in our reading…so I will be looking for that to come up as I read them.

Well, I’m not sure I have any suggestions either….

I did have a thought about the Jewish Holocaust that I thought I’d share.  Yes, it was evil and horrible….

But – how would you deal with the readings/etc from a perspective of a German child?   I’m just curious – as my step-kids have a German mother – and yes, there is prejudice against Germans at this point.  All of my step-kids (and my grandchild) have had swastikas drawn on their school desks, called nazis, and otherwise bullied and picked on.  And then anything on the Jewish Holocaust would show their recent ancestors as evil, etc.

This has really given me something to think on. Some of these books have been favorite reads of mine since I was small. I can see many more “teaching moments” in our future, as my brother is trying to adopt a child from Africa. I would be really interested  in knowing what books end up on your list.

Here are my back and forth thoughts.

A good book to read!

Breaking the Veil of Silence, by Jobst Bittner 

The author of this book, through careful research and hand’s on observation shares that being silent during the Holocaust was the same as being a party to the evils that happened. Just as dangerous has been silence ever since. Now, several decades later, survivors and their descendants on both sides of the situation are still reeling in turmoil. This pastor is trying to help them through the forgiveness/reconciliation process. But, it requires admitting causes, participation, and so much more. 

If you do not know history, you have no choice other than to live through it (or, not!) while it repeats itself!

To try to create a bubble that pretends prejudice behavior doesn’t exist is very dangerous. To think that everyone has decided that the villains in the Holocaust WERE villains is a dangerous assumption. There is no justification for it, but to not read about the events and the language involved leaves not only Jewish children, but all children in danger of this happening again…to any group of people!   

Every form of prejudice exists, period.  Anti-Semitism is just as rampant today, if not more so, than it was then. If the topic is avoided and hidden, the repercussions could fatal when the imaginary controls are no longer in place. Racism is rampant whether it is talked about openly, honestly, or hidden from view. 

I’m a grand daughter of a man with a hateful attitude. I’m quite certain had my parents not broken that curse and line of thinking, I’d have been adversely affected by his speech, behavior, and lies. My parents chose to tell it like it was and I could see for myself what was wrong with his picture of reality. If they’d kept silent, by assumption, I’d have been influenced by him because no one would’ve been standing there to hold up the Word of God to shed the Light of Truth on the situation.

These same parents of mine helped me navigate through the books I was required to read in public school as a child. One of those books was To Kill a Mockingbird. It horrified me at the time. However, it was an opportunity for me to confront various evils without them actually physically happening to me. I don’t think it should be read as early as many do. I can’t say it should never be read. 

I’m often criticized by the fact that our family reads and discusses the horrors of the Holocaust from a very young age. Many say that children aren’t equipped to deal with it. The children who lived, or died during the time had to deal with it. Their descendants have to deal with it. Most of them teach their children from very early on about the fact that prejudice exists. Why it exists. And, hopefully, how to not be prejudiced toward others. 

Those who have living relatives, or ancestors trapped in slavery of any form must address it. Racism is itself a slavery of the mind. Many prejudiced people have never actually been exposed to love of any kind and would never realize their beliefs are wrong. So to not help our children see it for what it is would be to prevent them from being able to encourage others to break free from these disastrous beliefs. 

I didn’t share titles earlier. I wasn’t remembering your son’s age/grade 6. However, the longer I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn’t think of a single title that wouldn’t have some sort of conflict between good and evil, racism, or not. So, it’s a really hard call.

Anything science related may have evolutionary over/undertones. That’s another topic best dealt with at home before leaving the nest. 

All this to say, we wait to teach much depth concerning the Greek, Roman, Norse, etc. gods/goddesses and fantasy literature until later than many on this list. So, believe me, I do empathize with your struggle. I guess we all want to shield our children from our biggest concerns. While I still want to wait to have my children approach these topics, they will approach them at home. 

I’m hopeful that you read this as me being concerned that your son isn’t ever hurt by other’s prejudice and that I hope you’ll equip him to handle this sort of situation when it comes up with the courage and grace required to influence others to change their minds and discover a happier more peaceful life. You can do this with books, or not, but it cannot be avoided. 

Blessings,

Becca<><

I have not read much regarding the Holocost, or either WW, but aren’t there books that tell about German people helping Jewish people? In which not all Germans are protrayed as bad? I have a very dear aunt from Germany.