My 6 yo drew this picture of us today. This would be one of the 86,337 pictures drawn from the teacher asking “Please draw a picture of your family” before he graduates from high school. Surprised at his choice of color. But thank goodness that they no longer call the pale pinkish color “Skin”. That’s probably why he decided to go with a color that was most likely the closest to human complexion in the meagerly selection of crayons he has left – it is after all towards the end of the school year. I am surprised that we are not blue in the picture…
When they were younger, I pondered whether to be absolutely PC-crazy and shell out for a box of those fancy “People Colors” crayons from Lakeshore Learning Stores. I eventually decided against it. What are they gonna do with those crayons? Take them next to the person they are drawing to match the color? Like at a cosmetic counter when you are buying foundations? Or like paint chips you brought home from Home Depot?
Children are amazingly observant and they are not afraid of asking questions. This is what I have learned from my kids.
I guess tis a sign that Multiculturalism has become a big selling point when Crayola started selling something called “Multicultural Crayons”. Kudos to them for trying. Something is a bit off however … I cannot help but wonder at the colors.
Orange orange and red red? I think I will stick with yellow any time.
Note to Self: Buy ice cream for kid tomorrow. I look thin in the picture.
Ha!! So true when you said that children are amazingly observant and aren’t afraid to ask questions. It makes me wonder what kids would think about the colors in the Multicultural crayons… because I really don’t think I’ve personally met/seen/heard of a “red red” person (unless they are as pale as me and burn like a lobster when they walk out in the sun) or an “orange orange” person! It’s amazing the stuff companies try to make money off of!
-Jen
.-= Jen @ NathanRising´s last blog…My First Trophy! =-.
My children didn’t know how to use those crayons. Yes, you want them to be aware, for instance, I am glad that “peach” is no longer called “complexion” or “flesh” LOL. But I don’t think you really want children to MATCH people’s skin colors that way. We are not buying paint at Home Depot! If so, I demand that my complexion be called “Hot Asian Buns”! http://twitpic.com/qiiyi