An Analysis of the Blatant Racism in Beatrix Potter's Nursery Rhymes

[angel_allison]

So Matt and I were checking the exact words to the "This Little Piggy" rhyme when I discovered a hugely racist nursery rhyme in Beatrix Potter's "Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes" collection. It was a hallowing experience.

Comments

[blueduck89]

you could also look at this rhyme in another way too. it could be that she is showing her dislike for the frowning upon interracial relationships by having the suitor be black. the anonymity is because they have to hide their love because of the harsh expectations of the society. and the present could just be the black rabbits subtle hint to cottontail reminding her of their love. probably not, but one can dream.

[smarturthanbush]

i dont think thats really that blatant
besides, how do you know that the poem is racist and not an illustration of poor treatment of blacks?

[smarturthanbush]

blueduck's comment pwned mine

[the_loebster]

What are bunnies' favorite foods? CARROTS!

What is a common color of bunnies? BLACK!

Damn her and her blatant racism, I mean, the black population was so high in Britain in the early twentieth century that, really, this poem couldn't be about anything else except racism. Defnitely not a coincidence.

[youle88]

Thank you Katie

Diction police...

[goldenskull]

You mean a harrowing experience? :)