Phenomenon of racial difference in the reception and interpretation of a child reader
Phenomenon of racial difference in the reception and interpretation of a child reader

Summary/Abstract: The subject of this study is the phenomenon of racial difference in the literature for children and youth and its reception by a child reader. Our goal is to describe the nature of the reception of this phenomenon and also the differences in the reception between child readers of majority and minority backgrounds. We are trying to answer this topic through empirical research based on qualitative methodology, which used projective techniques of free associations, semi-structured interviews, and creative writing. The record of executed activities indicates the interest of the child reader in the racial difference topic, empathetic behavior, identification with the literary character, rejectment of racial discrimination, and bibliotherapeutic effects. Nevertheless, we identified some negative aspects as well. It was the overall lack of knowledge of racial differences, misconceptions about different races, personal experiences with racial discrimination, and incorrect language about racial differences used by participants belonging to the majority. Our research suggests that in an effort to promote acceptance of other races and the building of cultural identity, we need to offer the child reader multicultural literature in which a character of another race does not have to be the object of racial discrimination.

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