25+ Changes To Your Favorite Childhood Book Show How Much Society Has Changed | Bored Panda
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25+ Changes To Your Favorite Childhood Book Show How Much Society Has Changed
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25+ Changes To Your Favorite Childhood Book Show How Much Society Has Changed

Richard Scarry, the prolific children’s book author who has created more than 300 books since 1949, has quietly been updating his work to ensure that it would be acceptable for modern audiences. Since the 1950s, our understanding of gender roles and ethnic relationships has changed, and Scarry has done a great job of ensuring that the children who love his books wouldn’t be influenced by outdated gender norms.

The subtle changes were noticed by Alan Taylor, a senior photo editor at The Atlantic who loved Scarry’s books as a child and noticed the changes in his own kids’ books. What do you think about the changes Scarry has made?

More info: flickr.com (h/t: upworthy, demilked)

Richard Scarry’s “Best Word Book Ever” has changed a lot since 1963

Dad can cook, too!

Flight personnel requirements have become more open

Firefighters will save people no matter their gender or appearance

Men can make their own breakfasts, too

The playground has become a bit more diverse

Cowboys and “Indians” have been removed

Gender-specific occupation names have been changed

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KikiCastro
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

but... it is male* walruses who have tusks... does that mean that they even included a trans in the original book?

JoeTorres
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually both male and female "adult" walruses have tusks. So he was right.

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YeohMelissa
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg my fav no 1 book when I was a kid. the 1990 version so delicious to look at. Amazing man

SallyWightkin
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why change "brave hero" to "fire fighter" ?

Emjay Sanford
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right? Firefighters ARE brave heroes. I don't understand why that had to change.

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KikiCastro
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

but... it is male* walruses who have tusks... does that mean that they even included a trans in the original book?

JoeTorres
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually both male and female "adult" walruses have tusks. So he was right.

Load More Replies...
YeohMelissa
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg my fav no 1 book when I was a kid. the 1990 version so delicious to look at. Amazing man

SallyWightkin
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why change "brave hero" to "fire fighter" ?

Emjay Sanford
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right? Firefighters ARE brave heroes. I don't understand why that had to change.

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