The classic picture book that kids loved in the 90s is highly criticized now by teachers and parents alike over its questionable themes.
There are several Viral videos on TikTok of parents and teachers canceling the 90s classic children's book - "The Rainbow Fish" over its "toxic message" of taking away something from yourself to gain friends and be accepted.
The picture book classic, written by Marcus Pfister in 1992, shares the journey of a fish with glittering scales who was once too proud to play with other fishes because he thinks of himself highly. Ultimately, he gave away his prized scales and became friends with the other fishes.
Giving a wrong message
90s kids and parents believed that the story is about taking away one's pride, which results in humility, generosity, and kindness. However, parents and teachers read it these days as though it is about having to change oneself to be accepted.
"While I think it carries a toxic message - the scales could be used as a metaphor for pride - but this is normally read to primary-age kids, at that level, they will interpret Rainbow Fish as giving out scales as them needing to give something that's important to make a friend," U.S. teacher Danny Vuong explained in a two-minute TikTok video.
Further, Briana, one of the writers of Pages Unbound Reviews, described the book as a "never feel-good story" but, in fact, "disturbing." Though it ranks high with the book "The Giving Tree," which adults think teaches children good morals and best behaviors in sharing and helping others, "The Rainbow Fish," she said, tells of a story of a fish being bullied into "literally pulling off pieces of his body" to "share" with other fishes who are jealous of him.
Another TikTok user, @nursingtheoryprof, shared that the book has been banned from her house. They had the book as a gift, but then they threw it away when they realized that it was imparting to kids that it is okay to give parts of oneself away to make friends.
Discussions and different thoughts
Opinions and videos have sparked a debate among parents and adults.
Some agreed that the book was giving out the wrong message. Others say they cannot stand the book, while one felt vindicated that finally, people see something fishy about this particular rainbow fish. The commenter shared how they had been called "crazy" when they told people that it was not a good book for children.
Another commenter also pointed out that the other fishes only loved Rainbow Fish for his beautiful scales because it wasn't true love and acceptance when they forced him to give up what made him special just so they could have it themselves, Kidspot reported.
However, there is also a group of parents and individuals that disagrees with the cancellation, expressing that they loved the book when they were young and until now knowing that it continues to carry an "innocent message" about sharing, kindness, and humility, most of all.
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