Sequential Art Essay

 Payton Konek 

Dr. Whaley

ENGL: 3460

29 November 2023

Evolving Representations of Black Characters in Children’s Literature

Children’s literature has a significant influence on the developing minds of younger readers, imparting values and nurturing a sense of inclusivity. The portrayal of Black characters in children's literature has undergone a complex journey that has taken strides both forward and backward while facing lingering challenges. Unpacking this journey is necessary in order to understand the historical undertones that have influenced the representation of race in the literature consumed by children. In the mid-20th century, books emerged that worked to inadvertently perpetuate harmful stereotypes that reinforced prejudiced views through the simplistic portrayals of Black characters. Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” provides the opportunity for an insightful examination, particularly relating to the early depiction of the Oompa-Loompas. The way that Oompa-Loompas were drawn and depicted in the past is a glimpse into how Black characters were seen in children’s stories. These early portrayals didn’t just reflect societal biases but also made them seem normal, especially to younger readers who don’t know better. In this analysis, I will explore the transformative journey of the Oompa-Loompas, revealing the lasting impact of some early stereotypes and emphasizing the pivotal role of authors like Jacqueline Woodson in reshaping the narrative landscape. Woodson’s contributions stand out because they connect with Black readers and challenge how we tell stories and what stories can be told. The scrutiny placed on some of Woodson’s contributions supports the argument that diversifying voices is not merely about representation; it serves as a tool to rewrite harmful narratives and foster acceptance by sharing stories that represent everyone’s experiences. 

Understanding the historical roots of Black representation in children’s literature requires acknowledging the influence that racism during the 20th century had on this sequential art form. This era birthed a multitude of books that not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but reinforced prejudiced views through portrayals of Black characters that lacked dimension. An example includes the early depictions of Oompa-Loompas in British author Roald Dahl’s 1964 edition of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which shows how harmful stereotypes can be reinforced in children’s literature. Originally, Oompa-Loompas were depicted with dark skin, enlarged lips, child-like, and sporting lower-end clothing. These caricatures mirrored offensive racial stereotypes about Black people that were present during the time that the book was written in the 1960s.

1.1:Black pygmy Oompa-Loompas, as depicted by Joseph Schindlman in the original version of Charlie and the Chocolate factory (1964) by Roald Dahl.  

Dahl, R., & Schindelman, J.(1964).Charlie and the chocolate factory.New York, Knopf. Accessed 17 Oct. 2023

  The choice to portray Oompa-Loompas in such a manner reflects the racial biases of the era, which was unfortunately litered with harmful stereotypes of Black people. Exaggerating the physical features of the Oompa-Loompas contributed to a dehumanizing portrayal of the caricatures that made them seem inferior to other characters, such as Willy Wonka. This is also reinforced by Roald Dahl’s depiction of the Oompa-Loompas as uncivilized African Pygmy people that were civilized by Willy Wonka and used as slave labor. The Oompa-Loompas servitude is depicted as a positive good as they were rescued by Wonka. The story’s narrative reflected the anxieties of the time relating to the fall of the British Empire and the economic losses from World War II. The Oompa-Loompas, being extracted from Africa, were proposed as a new labor force, mirroring the tensions related to immigration and economic changes around the 1950s and 1960s.

These early depictions are significant because they reinforce negative stereotypes and impact the minds of young readers. Children’s literature has a large impact on shaping attitudes and perceptions, and when characters are presented in negative ways, it can contribute to the normalization of biases. With the Oompa-Loompas, the stereotypes present perpetuate harmful ideas about the physical appearances of Black people and reinforce harmful prejudices by having the characters perform negative historical roles.  

As societal norms evolved and awareness grew around the dangers of negative stereotypes, Roald Dahl’s portrayal of Oompa Loompas underwent many different changes in later editions in response to criticism from the NAACP.  In the first movie adaptation, the characters were changed to have orange skin and green hair in an attempt to distance the characters from their racially insensitive depictions. The Oompa-Loompas also now come from Loompaland instead of Africa. This modification acknowledges the role that authors play in shaping the minds of youth and specifically the need to rectify and move away from negative representations. The significance of the transformation of the Oompa-Loompas goes beyond simply changing the cosmetic elements of characters. It implicates the broader conversation about the responsibilities of authors and publishers to craft narratives that are respectful, inclusive, and conscious of the potential impacts they may have on readers. While updating the depiction of the Oompa-Loompas is a step toward correcting initial missteps, it is also a reminder that it is especially important to critically examine the messages and stereotypes in children’s literature, where young minds are particularly vulnerable.  

1.2: Revisioned Oompa-Loompas for the first movie adaption of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971) with green hair and orange skin.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. 1971. Warner Home Video, 2011.  Accessed 25 Nov. 2023 

The latter half of the 20th century brought much-needed change in Black representation, coinciding with the Civil Rights Movement’s call for societal change. Some of the pioneering authors included Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou, who played pivotal roles in creating narratives that celebrated black joy and the richness and diversity of the Black experience. Despite these strides in the right direction, challenges persisted into the 21st century, where increased awareness on the importance of diverse representation in children’s literature had not overcome all barriers. A glaring issue included the scarcity of Black authors within the industry. The lack of representation behind the scenes allows for limited perspectives, which contributes to the creation of inauthentic narratives. Addressing the scarcity of Black authors requires an understanding of the barriers that impede entry into producing children’s literature. Barriers such as limited access to publishing opportunities, a lack of mentors in the industry that look like them, and systematic biases contribute to the underrepresentation of Black voices and the lack of opportunities to share their stories in the field. The underrepresentation of Black professionals in influential roles within the publishing industry heightens these challenges, creating an environment that is less encouraging for diverse voices. 

Additionally, the continuation of systematic biases in the publishing process, including editorial decisions and marketing strategies, can reinforce the exclusion of Black authors. Recognizing and disrupting these biases is necessary for creating an equitable publishing landscape that reflects and uplifts the richness and diversity of Black voices.  

Amidst these challenges, one of the most prominent figures in contemporary children’s literature, National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson, stands as a trailblazer and a catalyst for change within the landscape of telling stories for younger readers. Woodson’s journey into writing children’s literature is purposeful, rooted in her beliefs that narratives have a transformative power on young minds and the importance of early exposure to diverse and authentic stories. By choosing this path, she has contributed to creating stories that not only captivate children but also serve as mirrors and windows, reflecting and expanding their understanding of the world around them. In Woodson’s decision to write for children, she understands that the early years of life provide crucial opportunities to instill empathy, understanding, and a sense of identity. By crafting narratives that resonate with the experiences of young readers, Woodson seeks to empower them, offering stories that validate their unique perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging. 

1.3: Jacqueline Woodson: National Book Award winning author and a catalyst for change in children’s literature. She has written many award winning books including Brown Girl Dreaming, After Tupac, and Show Ways. 

Woodson , Jacqueline. Jacqueline Woodson , https://jacquelinewoodson.com/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023. 

Jacqueline Woodson’s impact on children’s literature is profound and multi-faceted. One of her books, “Brown Girl Dreaming,” dives into the themes of identity, family, class, and social dynamics, providing younger readers with a story that is relatable and enlightening because it is a memoir of Woodson's own childhood growing up amidst the Civil Rights Movement and finding herself as a Black woman and writer.  Woodson’s storytelling transcends traditional boundaries by not shying away from addressing complex issues, making her an influential voice in shaping the literary landscape for younger audiences. She has made significant impacts because of her ability to bridge gaps and break down barriers through her narratives. She creates stories that center around Black characters, providing much-needed representation that is notably lacking in children’s literature. By doing so, Woodson not only validates the experiences of her Black readers but also expands the perspectives of all readers, fostering cultural understanding and challenging the single stories and stereotypes that are present in children’s literature.

1.4: Brown Girl Dreaming: Jacquline Woodson’s powerful memoir that explores her childhood and finding herself as a young woman and writer. 

Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2016. Accessed 25 Nov. 2023

Woodson's eventual acclaim did not come without its own challenges. Like many Black authors, Woodson faced systematic barriers within the publishing industry. She received a lot of pushback and criticism from critics and her publisher due to her unwillingness to shy away from controversial topics and complex issues. For example, her book “If You Come Softly” depicts one of the main characters being shot to death after being mistaken for a criminal due to the color of their skin. Many people didn’t understand the significance of such a story and thought that its violent nature didn’t have a place in the literature that younger readers consumed. Woodson was able to overcome the resistance of publishers by actively engaging with the publishing industry and building relationships with editors, publishers, and other professionals in the industry. By being an active participant in conversations, she was able to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of sharing diverse experiences and the opportunities it provides all readers among industry professionals. Woodson also advocates for the industry to actively seek out and support diverse voices in order to ensure that Black writers have a place in the landscape. Overcoming these challenges requires not only exceptional talent in terms of her storytelling but also persistence in her commitment to advocating for more equity within the industry so that writers of all backgrounds can contribute their unique perspectives.

1.5: If You Come Softly: Jacqueline Woodson’s heart wrenching tale of interracial love, loss, and the impact of racial injustice. 

Woodson, Jacqueline. If You Come Softly. G.P. Putman & Sons, 1998. Accessed 25 Nov. 2023

In conclusion, the evolution of Black representation in children’s literature, exemplified through the transformation of the depiction of the Oompa-Loompas in Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and the trailblazing contributions of Jacqueline Woodson, underscores the profound impact that societal attitudes have on the narratives in literature. The early caricatures of the Oompa-Loompas reflect the harmful racial biases of the mid-20th century, perpetuating negative stereotypes and normalizing them in the minds of younger readers. However, the alterations in their depiction signify a shift prompted by increased awareness and a commitment to correct harmful representations. Jacqueline Woodson, a leader in contemporary children’s literature, emerges as a powerful force that challenges the status quo. Her resilience against the systematic barriers within the publishing industry illustrated the ongoing struggle for diverse voices to be heard. In the exploration of these narratives, it becomes apparent that literature is a mirror that reflects societal norms and beliefs, and authors play a crucial role in shaping inclusive and empathetic narratives for generations to come. The journey from prejudiced depictions to more authentic representations signifies not only a positive change in the portrayal of Black characters but also a call for more diversity and equity within the children’s literature industry as a whole. 

Bibliography: 

Brooks, Wanda M., and Jonda C. McNair. “‘combing’ through representations of black girls’ hair in African American children’s literature.” Children’s Literature in Education, vol. 46, no. 3, 2014, pp. 296–307, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-014-9235-x. 

Calloway, Annie Elizabeth. “Representations of Black Characters in Children’s Literature: A Product of Histories, Ideologies, Narratives, Depictions, Politics, and Laws.” Gardner-Webb University, 2018. 

Davis, Jill M, et al. “Missing Boys: The Limited Representation of Black Males in Caldecott Books.” Journal of Children’s Literature, Vol. 47, no. 1,1 Mar. 2021, pp. 10-21.

Gardner, Roberta Price. “The Present Past: Black Authors and the Anti-Black Selective Tradition in Children’s Literature.” Journal of Children’s Literature, Vol. 46, no. 2,1 Sept. 2020, pp. 8-19. 

Kleczaj-Siara, Ewa. “Media representations of black boys and the response of contemporary African American children’s authors and illustrators.”“Res Rhetorica,” vol. 7, no. 2, 2020, pp. 33-47, https://doi.org/10.29107/rr2020.2.3.

Nel, Philip. "Was the Cat in the Hat Black?: The Hidden Racism of Children's Literature and the Need for Diverse Books." Oxford University Press, 2017.

Smith, Dinitia. "Children's Book World Split Over Racial Controversy." The New York Times, 1998.

Stephens, John, and Scheetz, George. "Literacy and Racial Justice: The Politics of Learning after Brown v. Board of Education." Routledge, 2020.

Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2016.