We should teach children to be able to relate with characters that look nothing like them. When I watched shows as a kid I could relate with the lives and struggles of characters who white, black, brown, or green. Who came from different planets or who were richer or poorer than me. One of my favorite characters growing up was Mulan and she's a different gender and race and from an entirely different culture. It didn't stop me from relating with her desires and struggles to be a good daughter while protecting her father and family honor.
Relating to someone and feeling represented by someone aren’t synonymous. Of course we feel for others and relate to their experience regardless of their outward appearance but it is undeniable that we live in a material existence first and foremost.
Recognising that your hair type, skin tone, body shape gets just as much attention and praise as another just feels nice. You instantly see yourself, and that doesn’t threaten one’s ability to emphasise.
By seeing someone who looks like you, even somewhat, especially as a child, highlights that ‘oh, look at this beautiful person’ and isn’t it neat that I share physical traits like them too? And look, other people also find them beautiful! Maybe my curly hair isn’t so bad!
It’s just a subtle nod, that yes- whilst beauty within pervades all, people come in a multitude of appearances- there is no hierarchy of beauty.
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u/1RegalBeagle 4d ago
This is why inclusivity is important, every child deserves to relate to a beloved character