Scholastic has decided to remove Dav Pilkey’s 2010 graphic novel, The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future, citing concerns about “passive racism” present in the book. This action follows a Change.org petition launched by a Korean-American father, Jason Lee, who called for accountability after reading the book with his children.
Lee pointed out various elements in the story that perpetuate racial stereotypes, such as a ‘Kung Fu master’ depicted with exaggerated features and traditional clothing, along with clichés like dashes for eyes on Asian characters. He expressed that these representations contribute to the ongoing prejudice faced by Asian Americans.
In response, Scholastic announced on March 22, 2021, that they would cease distribution of the book, with full support from Pilkey, who is well-known for his popular series Dog Man and Captain Underpants. The company issued a public apology, stating they were “deeply sorry for this serious mistake.” They have removed the book from their websites, halted all orders, and contacted retail partners to explain the withdrawal. Furthermore, Scholastic has committed to informing schools and libraries that may still have it available.
Pilkey also released a 45-second YouTube apology, where he expressed regret for any harm caused to his Asian audience, promising to improve his awareness of such issues moving forward. He and his wife plan to donate all proceeds from Ook and Gluk to charities focused on providing resources to underserved communities, promoting diversity in children’s publishing, and combating violence against Asians.
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In summary, Scholastic’s decision to withdraw The Adventures of Ook and Gluk highlights the importance of sensitivity in children’s literature. The actions taken by both the publisher and Dav Pilkey reflect a growing awareness of the need for positive representation and the impact of stereotypes on society.