<p>This study examines the depiction of racism and microaggression in children’s picturebooks featuring East Asian/Asian American (A/AA) protagonists. Using Asian Critical Race Theory, a qualitative critical content analysis was conducted on 14 selected books published since the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed the individuals involved in racism, the types of racism and microaggressions experienced, the protagonists' responses, and the themes of empowerment, social justice, and equity. The findings revealed that the books encompassed all four types of racism—interpersonal, internalized, institutional, and structural—providing a comprehensive reflection of reality. More than half of the racism occurred at the individual level, predominantly as interpersonal racism. The majority of victim protagonists were children, primarily female, with most perpetrators being White male peers at school, with a few exceptions including a female perpetrator and non-Asian classmates of both genders. Some books addressed systemic racism linked to U.S. or Canadian governmental structures. The victims displayed varying responses to racism and microaggressions, ranging from passive conformity to active resistance and resilience. These narratives offer diverse insights into growth and resistance against racism and microaggressions, enriching children’s understanding of racial dynamics and fostering discussions on empowerment, social justice, and equity.</p>

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Unpacking East Asian/Asian American Experiences of Racism and Microaggressions Portrayed in Children’s Picturebooks

  • Su-Jeong Wee,
  • Mengying Xue,
  • Yafen Lo,
  • Qiong Annie Wu

摘要

This study examines the depiction of racism and microaggression in children’s picturebooks featuring East Asian/Asian American (A/AA) protagonists. Using Asian Critical Race Theory, a qualitative critical content analysis was conducted on 14 selected books published since the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed the individuals involved in racism, the types of racism and microaggressions experienced, the protagonists' responses, and the themes of empowerment, social justice, and equity. The findings revealed that the books encompassed all four types of racism—interpersonal, internalized, institutional, and structural—providing a comprehensive reflection of reality. More than half of the racism occurred at the individual level, predominantly as interpersonal racism. The majority of victim protagonists were children, primarily female, with most perpetrators being White male peers at school, with a few exceptions including a female perpetrator and non-Asian classmates of both genders. Some books addressed systemic racism linked to U.S. or Canadian governmental structures. The victims displayed varying responses to racism and microaggressions, ranging from passive conformity to active resistance and resilience. These narratives offer diverse insights into growth and resistance against racism and microaggressions, enriching children’s understanding of racial dynamics and fostering discussions on empowerment, social justice, and equity.