Scholastic has decided to stop distribution of the 2010 graphic novel The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey due to concerns over implicit racism present in the book. This decision came after a petition initiated by a Korean-American father, John Park, who urged for action after reading the book with his children.
In his petition, Park highlighted instances of troubling racial imagery and stereotypes, including a “Kung Fu master” depicted in a traditional Tang coat, Asian characters portrayed with dash-like eyes, and the use of stereotypical proverbs. He pointed out that the narrative’s structure reinforced the idea of non-Asian characters saving the Kung Fu master, which he argued contributes to the ongoing prejudice faced by Asian Americans.
In response, Scholastic issued a public apology, stating, “On March 22, 2021, and with the full support of Dav Pilkey, we halted distribution of the book. We recognize that it perpetuates passive racism.” The company expressed regret for the oversight, emphasizing their commitment to promoting books that reflect positive representations of diverse communities. They also outlined steps taken to remove the book from their inventory and inform schools and libraries still in possession of it.
In a heartfelt 45-second YouTube video, Pilkey apologized, sharing his hope that readers would forgive him and learn from this situation. He pledged to improve and announced that all proceeds from the book would be donated to organizations that support diversity in children’s literature and combat anti-Asian violence.
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In summary, Scholastic has retracted Dav Pilkey’s book due to concerns about passive racism, following a petition that highlighted problematic stereotypes. Both the publisher and Pilkey have apologized, and steps are being taken to prevent the book’s distribution.