Author Dav Pilkey, in a statement supporting Scholastic Library Publishing’s move to pull the graphic novel he created in 2010, “The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future,” admitted it contains “harmful racial stereotypes and passively racist imagery.”
The book tells the story of a group of friends who save the world using Kung Fu and the principles of Chinese philosophy. Pilkey said that, at the time, he intended to use the book to “showcase diversity, equality, and non-violent conflict resolution” but now realizes it could be seen as harmful.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly apologize for this,” he wrote in a statement. “It was and is wrong and harmful to my Asian readers, friends and family, and to all Asian people. … I hope that you, my readers, will forgive me, and learn from my mistake that even unintentional and passive stereotypes and racism is harmful to everyone. I apologize, and I pledge to do better.”
Pilkey said Scholastic has “stepped forward to share my responsibilities” and together they were “ceasing all further publication” of the book while “actively working to remove existing copies from retail and library shelves.”
Pilkey added that he would be using his advance and royalties from the sale of the book to donate to charities that provide free books, art supplies, and theater for children in disadvantaged communities as well as organizations that “promote diversity in children’s books and publishing” and those “designed to stop violence and hatred against Asians.” Among the non-profits benefitting from Pilkey’s donations are We Need Diverse Books, The AAPI, and TheaterWorks USA.
Scholastic acknowledged that the book “perpetuates passive racism” in a statement released last week.
“We are deeply sorry for this serious mistake. Scholastic has removed the book from our websites, stopped fulfillment of any orders (domestically or abroad), contacted our retail partners to explain why this book is no longer available, and sought a return of all inventory. We will take steps to inform schools and libraries who may still have this title in circulation of our decision to withdraw it from publication,” the statement read.
“Throughout our 100-year history, we have learned that trust must be won every day by total vigilance,” Scholastic added. “It is our duty and privilege to publish books with powerful and positive representations of our diverse society, and we will continue to strengthen our review processes as we seek to support all young readers.”
Source: Newmax
