Is pulling A Birthday Cake for George Washington a victory for progressive educators?
I’ve not had a physical copy of the book in my hands. But I agree with the analysis and portrayals of the book as depicting an oddly dewy-eyed representation of slavery, akin to those who think that slaves should have been at the very least “thankful” for jobs and roofs over their heads.
Very gross.
Since public outcry, which was swift and condemning of Scholastic and the author/illustrator, the book has been pulled from publication.
I agree with the decision. Of all the books out there, published every day, this book doesn’t really need to be published. Nevertheless, as an educator, I always want to err on the side of keeping books available. Are these not the same tactics that bigots and homophobes use to ban books? Or is it different? Is it different to be offended by an inaccurate portrayal of slavery than it is to be religiously conservative and offended by what is perceived as promotion of the “homosexual lifestyle?”
Pulling the book, although ultimately necessary, is the easy way out, no? I mean, Scholastic already most likely lost money on it. But couldn’t it stand to lose more if it was made available, still, and remained on Is pulling A Birthday Cake for George Washington a victory for progressive educators? – @ THE CHALKFACE:
