I came across this story in a Disney Book I had a child, after an episode of Futurama prompted my brain to refer to Nibbler as a Tar Baby. And in my head I thought what a random and racist thing to say, but then I remembered this story and why the phrase Tar Baby would even be in the back of my head. So I dug out the book and re read the story, and it is horrible. Absolutely horrible and violent and racist, of course the story in the book is preceded by another story titled UNCLE REMUS about 2 white kids who live on a cotton farm and like to listen to the black Uncle Remus smoke his corn pipe and tell stories about Brier Rabbit. It is amazing that 30 years ago, these stories were acceptable and commonly published. I would say Disney has come a long way since then, but their only black princess in the last 30 years, was a Poor Cajun maid from New Orleans.
2 comments:
Yes, it's all very deep. My grandparents introduced the story to me as a child from this very same record set. And, despite the obvious racist background of the story, as I've grown up, I've come to look at "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby" story as a proverb. Coming from tough and humble beginnings can make you into a savvy and resilient person (i.e "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"). On another note, the "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby" story has become so obscure most people don't know the reference. I live in LA and I have discovered that the Compton H.S. mascot is the "Tar Babe". Can you believe it?!! You should see the actual mascot... outrageous!
Yes, it's all very deep. My grandparents introduced the story to me as a child from this very same record set. And, despite the obvious racist background of the story, as I've grown up, I've come to look at "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby" story as a proverb. Coming from tough and humble beginnings can make you into a savvy and resilient person (i.e "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"). On another note, the "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby" story has become so obscure most people don't know the reference. I live in LA and I have discovered that the Compton H.S. mascot is the "Tar Babe". Can you believe it?!! You should see the actual mascot... outrageous!
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