Scholastic Withdraws ‘Ook and Gluk’ Children’s Book Over Concerns of ‘Passive Racism’

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Scholastic has decided to withdraw Dav Pilkey’s 2010 graphic novel, The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future, following accusations of “passive racism” embedded in the narrative. This decision came after a petition initiated by a Korean-American father, Jake Lee, who called for accountability after reading the book with his children.

In his petition, Lee identified several problematic elements, such as a ‘Kung Fu master’ depicted in a traditional Tang coat, exaggerated facial features for Asian characters, and the use of stereotypical sayings attributed to Chinese culture. He expressed that these elements contribute to the ongoing discrimination faced by Asian Americans.

Scholastic has officially ceased the distribution of the book and issued an apology, highlighting their commitment to positive and accurate representation in children’s literature. “On March 22, 2021, we halted distribution with Dav Pilkey’s full support. We acknowledge that this book perpetuates passive racism,” the company stated. They also took steps to inform schools and libraries about the withdrawal.

In a 45-second YouTube apology video, Pilkey expressed remorse, emphasizing the harm caused by unintentional stereotypes. He pledged to improve and announced that he and his wife would donate all proceeds from the book to organizations that support diversity in literature and combat violence against Asian communities.

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In summary, Scholastic’s decision to withdraw Ook and Gluk reflects a growing awareness of the impact of literature on societal perceptions and the importance of addressing racial sensitivity in children’s books. The author, Dav Pilkey, has committed to learning from this experience and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and combat prejudice.