An Analysis of the Black Image in Children's Literature in Terms of Characterizations, Illustrations, and Language
type: CreativeWork
description: This descriptive study analyzed two samples of children's literature to determine the frequency, if any, of negativism toward black people in terms of characterizations, illustrations, and/or language. One sample consisted of eighteen (18) books published prior to 1965 which had been removed from elementary school libraries because they were "outdated and portrayed black characters in a demeaning, stereotyped manner" (Lisby, Note 1). The second sample of twenty-five (25) books published since 1965, depicting at least one major black character, was randomly selected from elementary school libraries. The two samples of books were read and analyzed using a checklist instrument to gather data. The two samples were statistically tested to determine whether there was a significant difference between the two of them. The results indicated one hundred percent (100%) of the sample of books published prior to 1965 contained negativism in at least one or more of the categories (i.e., characterizations, illustrations, and language). Eighty-four percent (84%) of the sample of books published since 1965 also contained incidents of negativism in one or more of the subcategories listed under the three major categories. The data, however, indicated much improvement in the later sample compared to the earlier sample. Chi square was calculated for significance of difference between the two samples. The results were as follows: x 2 = 13.41, df = 1, p< .001. In all categories tested, p< .001.
abstract: This descriptive study analyzed two samples of children's literature to determine the frequency, if any, of negativism toward black people in terms of characterizations, illustrations, and/or language. One sample consisted of eighteen (18) books published prior to 1965 which had been removed from elementary school libraries because they were "outdated and portrayed black characters in a demeaning, stereotyped manner" (Lisby, Note 1). The second sample of twenty-five (25) books published since 1965, depicting at least one major black character, was randomly selected from elementary school libraries. The two samples of books were read and analyzed using a checklist instrument to gather data. The two samples were statistically tested to determine whether there was a significant difference between the two of them. The results indicated one hundred percent (100%) of the sample of books published prior to 1965 contained negativism in at least one or more of the categories (i.e., characterizations, illustrations, and language). Eighty-four percent (84%) of the sample of books published since 1965 also contained incidents of negativism in one or more of the subcategories listed under the three major categories. The data, however, indicated much improvement in the later sample compared to the earlier sample. Chi square was calculated for significance of difference between the two samples. The results were as follows: x 2 = 13.41, df = 1, p< .001. In all categories tested, p< .001.
author: Dickson, Joan Smith
language: English
keywords: Black People, Literature, Elementary School, Stereotype, Children's Literature, Curriculum and Social Inquiry, Education, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
date published: 1985-01-01T08:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T01:45:18Z
provider: Columbus State University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Columbus State University