Racism and Intolerance, by Louise Spilsbury,‎illustrated Hanane Kai

Even as very young children, many of us were exposed to racism--treating people differently because of their skin color, parents, or country--and intolerance--refusing to accept differences in religion, lifestyle, or family.  Louise Spilsbury recognizes that children need to begin learning about racism and intolerance before racist, intolerant attitudes engrain themselves in children's thinking.  Her book Racism and Intolerance, from the "Children in Our World" series, provides a simple, understandable introduction to the ideas.

I think everyone can get behind the idea that we shouldn't hate someone just believe they have religious beliefs difference from our own.  And just because one person in a group does something bad, doesn't mean everyone in that group is bad.  One poignant illustration shows a group of people in a waiting room of some kind.  On the TV a newscaster is reading a news item which shows a mug shot of an apparently black male.  A black mother cuddles her toddler while the other people in the waiting room gasp and stare at her.  With a simple picture and a few words, Spilsbury and Kai illustrate the painful experience of black families, who feel like black people are always portrayed as criminals.

I thought of one question that isn't really dealt with, and is probably over the heads of the age group to which this book this book is targeted, but is important.  What if one person's religion and culture teaches that other groups are, for instance, not human or of less significance?  Should we respect their religion and culture?  I have little tolerance for a KKK member who says black people aren't fully human, or a Muslim who says Christians and Jews should be killed.  We have to ask, at some point, if some religions and cultures are inherently more just and admirable than others.  Someone who believes in white supremacy should be respected as a human, but his culture should be condemned.  Some cultural and religious beliefs should not be tolerated when they teach intolerance.  I know, it gets into a circular argument, but it's the reality we are facing in our world.

All of that said, I like the way Spilsbury and Kai treat the subject.  Racism and Intolerance is a nicely illustrated book that I would not hesitate to read to my little ones.


Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!