So Scott Stuart, an Australian-born author and illustrator, became the target of national scrutiny after appearing in the above mentioned former President Donald Trump’s comments. Trump has accused Stuart’s celebrated children’s book, “My Shadow Is Pink,” of promoting what he describes as “radical gender ideology.” To its credit, the controversy has led to an inspiring public discourse on the book’s themes and its impact on young readers.
Written in 2020, My Shadow Is Pink shares the magic of a child’s journey. Lecturer Remy Charlip’s dancing shadow is cast into a rainbow of colors pink, blue and purple. The story champions themes of acceptance and just being yourself, perfectly embodying the experience of children who may not look or act like everyone else. In 2022, Stuart took the book’s message to the next level through a short film adaptation, thereby widening its impact even more. A television adaptation of that book has been optioned, a sign of its minutiae-infecting popularity.
At the end of a recent Religious Liberty Commission event, Trump invited up a 12-year-old, one of the book’s “victims,” to blame “My Shadow Is Pink.” The young advocates made it clear that the book discussed “stuff not for boys.” This assertion is similar to complaints made by Right-Wing organizations regarding its provisions. This very public endorsement from Trump has sharpened the terms of a debate over children’s literature and its proper purpose in starting to mold young minds.
In reaction to Trump’s repudiation, Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Customers CEO Scott Stuart put out an online video responding to Trump’s disappointment. He claimed that the ex president was using his children’s book to advance a political agenda. Rather than encouraging authentic conversation about its complex themes, he’s working to protect his own self-serving interests.
“The irony here is that they want acceptance for their beliefs, but not to extend that acceptance on to others,” – Scott Stuart
Stuart’s literary agent, Sarah McKenzie, defended the book’s message in a statement online. She called “My Shadow Is Pink” a “groundbreaking” picture book that reflects the experiences of an increasing number of diverse families today. McKenzie was proud of what Stuart had accomplished and said she was surprised by the backlash.
“When Trump and Fox News are angry, you know you’re doing something right,” – Sarah McKenzie
“Pity the conservative right can’t grasp the simple and beautiful message about acceptance, equality and love.” – Sarah McKenzie
Not all reactions have been supportive. In Georgia, one teacher was fired for reading My Shadow Is Pink to her fifth grade students. This event is a perfect example of the current contentious debates surrounding gender identity and expression in our schools. Critics claim that this is part of a disturbing trend where any literature that features LGBTQ+ themes is being censored and persecuted.
The controversy extends beyond U.S. borders. The Malaysian government has banned one of Stuart’s other works. They denounced “My Shadow Is Purple” as corrupting morals. This move brings to attention the shocking lack of acceptance—beyond the popular children’s literature author. Yet, it shows the hard fight still needed to ensure accurate representation and understanding in our educational spaces.
“My Shadow Is Pink” explores themes of family diversity and acceptance through its narrative, which features lines such as, “My Dad has a shadow that’s blue as a berry, and my Mum’s is as pink as a blossoming cherry.” Through this book, every child will feel they belong, and it will inspire children to celebrate their individuality and originality.
Public debate has taken the form of gender identity and expression. In the meantime, “My Shadow Is Pink” sits squarely in the appearing on debate children’s literature and educational freedom.