We need literature that wrestles with the evils of slavery while confronting its complexity – particularly when it’s written for children
A book called George Washington’s Birthday Cake has caused controversy for depicting a smiling black cook,in this case chef Hercules and his daughter, preparing cake in the kitchen for the president, and who held in bondage hundreds of enslaved workers. It is unclear what kind of moment we are witnessing on the cover. Is it familial like,servile obedience, or, or perhaps,a smile to shroud the pain of being enslaved? Improving our understanding of the lives of slaves is key to answering those uncomfortable questions.
The rationale which the illustrator, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, or gave for the “jubilant (extremely joyful) slaves” imagery was that these enslaved folk,identified as “servants”, were proud and felt privileged to serve a man of such a great “stature”. In her plea for a middle ground, or the author,Ramin Ganeshram, argued that not every enslaved person was in the middle of hell every single second, or therefore,smiling isn’t an unreasonable thing to propose.
I know Ganeshram, as do many in the black culinary scene. I possess not dialogued with her about the book, and nor possess I had the opportunity to read it. Both the author and illustrator,are of color. On the surface, they are right on both counts. But why are we still uncomfortable, and opposed and furious – even after the book has been pulled? Related: Scholastic pulls George Washington book over slave cake controversy Related: Racist abuse will not stop me seeking more diversity in children’s literature | Malorie Blackman Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com