Over the years Babar attracted both fans and enemies who read all kinds of allegory into the stories. Charles de Gaulle was among the former and believed the Babar books promoted “a certain idea of France’’. Others called the series elitist, racist and colonialist, denouncing the symbolism of Babar travelling to Europe to be educated and “civilised” and then returning to the jungle to be crowned king over the uneducated herd he had left behind.
In the 1960s the writer Toni Morrison objected that the Africans in Laurent’s second book, Babar’s Picnic (1949), were depicted as “savages”. De Brunhoff concluded that she was right and asked for the title to be taken out of print. It was “a little embarrassing to see Babar fighting with black people in Africa”, he admitted.
Hmm.
the judge who presided perhaps summed up the appeal of Babar better than even de Brunhoff himself could have put it. “In the world of Babar, all colours are pastel, all rainstorms are brief, and all foes are more or less benign,’’ he said in his ruling. “The storylines celebrate the persistence of goodness, work, patience and perseverance in the face of ignorance, discouragement, indolence and misfortune.’’
Ah, yes, no wonder the usual cunts hated it. Can’t have children learning any of that now, can we?
I vaguely remember reading one or two of the books many, many years ago. They didn’t seem particularly racist or colonialist to me.
But of course we’re talking about me.
’It was “a little embarrassing to see Babar fighting with black people in Africa”, he admitted…’
Something that still happens to this day, but wow betide any trophy hunter should solve the problem for the Africans.
Others called the series elitist, racist and colonialist
I bet they couldn’t name any priceless works of children’s literature that weren’t written by white people tho.
All I remember was that they were monumentally boring
The fascist Enid Blyton was far superior
‘In the 1960s the writer Toni Morrison objected that the Africans in Laurent’s second book, Babar’s Picnic (1949), were depicted as “savages”.’
This was at a time when Emperor Bokassa was eating his political opponents.
This was at a time when Emperor Bokassa was eating his political opponents.
On the subject of third world savages can we expect the UN to start passing highly publicised resolutions condemning the current situation in Haiti led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier?
I’m not holding my breath, they’re hardly going to change their priorities of the last fifty years are they? In reality they’re more likely to condemn Babar.
John
Since Babar was written by Frogs and wiki etc still blame the Frogs for the present state of Haiti, I can only agree with you.
Say what you like about Babar, you have to admire his nerve wearing that apple green suit!
So…… Africans shouldn’t be coming to Europe for education. Are we allowed to tell them that? Wouldn’t that be imperialist chauvanism?
@ Starfish
“The fascist Enid Blyton was far superior”
“Her books have been criticised as elitist, sexist, racist, xenophobic” (Wikipedia). How’s that a criticism?
“Her books have been criticised as elitist, sexist, racist, xenophobic”
Wow. I must see if I can dig some up and read them again.
Thanks Andrew C.
While we’re at it, W. E. Johns’ Biggles and Mary Grant Bruce’s Billabong series (probably only Aussies will get that one). Both great writers that I’m sure the left would love to burn at the stake if they weren’t already dead.
Anyway, you can’t call Enid Blyton sexist these days. After all, the Famous Five had a tranny way before that was popular.
Ltw “I’m sure the left would love to burn at the stake if they weren’t already dead”.
Don’t think that would stop lefties…
There’s nothing wrong with the idea that an African can profit from travelling to Europe for educational purposes. Just as there’s nothing wrong with the idea that more Europeans should travel to Africa for educational purposes. It has long been said that travel broadens the mind.