Comprehending our origins can indeed be a difficult subject. The challenge in teaching future generations, comes with providing a foundation in understanding rather than dividing. Personal beliefs, religion, culture, and family, all play a pivotal role in shaping who we are. Concluding one person’s story based on these perspectives, ultimately leads to global misconception. Books with a message of tolerance, empathy, and social awareness have the potential to enrich our children’s life plus add to the value of their humanity.
Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell is a compelling story that creates a positive base for the grasp of diversity. It’s quite a simple story that is packed with meaning and humanity. It is another incredible dual metaphor book.
Is there really a human race? It is going on now all over the place? When did it start? Who said, “Ready, Set, Go?” Did it start on my birthday? I really must know.
The story begins with a young boy sitting on a bench asking his mother, “Is there really a human race?” As he takes you on his journey of curiosity, one of the illustrations depict how we adults rush through life, trying to get from one place to the other. To children this can easily be perceived as a literal “race”. What child doesn’t love to race and win? Vivid illustrations play a key role in this book. For example, a diverse group of newborn babies in a hospital nursery are depicted with numbers and career outfits. Some are destined to be musicians, doctors, actors, athletes, and so on.
Is the human race an obstacle course? Do you race your friends? Your sister or brother? The part where our curious little hero asks if his dad is on his team, and his dad and his dad, is a beautiful canvas of history. Detailing from the caveman to the present. The race continues as more illustrations highlight the chaos of pushing, shoving, how it all might not be fair. With some winning, others loosing, labels placed by society, confusing mazes, and making wrong turns.
If we don’t help each other, we’re all going to…CRASH. Sometimes it’s better not to go fast. There are beautiful sights to be seen when you are last. Shouldn’t it be that you just try your best? And that’s more important than beating the rest? Shouldn’t it be looking back at the end that you judge your own race by the help that you lend?
I personally loved the last illustration where it shows everyone working together instead of racing one another. It leaves you with an imprint of unity.
And make friends and love well, bring art to this place. And make the world better for the whole human race.
Instead of teaching our children that this world is a scary place, let us strive to empower them to become a better one. Encourage them to be world citizens and use their gifts from within for a positive change.
So, take what’s inside you and make big, bold choices. And for those who can’t speak for themselves, use bold voices.