Impact of the growing multicultural movement on the portrayal of developing countries in contemporary children's books in Britain: Africa, a case study

Abstract

This article considers recent changes in the perspective adopted by contemporary British children's publications concerning the portrayal of Africa. First, it reveals an increased awareness among contemporary children's texts about economic, scientific and technological developments and rich wildlife, progress in the spheres of education and growing urbanisation. Secondly, it examines how far contemporary texts have been successful in promoting a sympathetic understanding of racial discrimination, the plight of native tribes and colonial struggle. Finally, it explores the possibility of how the popular western conception of Africa can be countered by incorporating a more dynamic and encyclopaedic approach in current texts by compiling most recent and comprehensive information on recent technological advances and socio-economic reforms; and also by divulging concealed information on vital social, economic and historical issues such as displacement of native tribes, role played by less publicised, black leaders in struggle against racial discrimination and contribution of prolonged colonial rule and present economic dependency on western powers in aborting significant social and economic developments.