Media

In 1931 the Belgian author Georges Remi (1907-1983) under his pseudonym "Herge" wrote Tintin in the Congo, the story of his lucky, young journalist on an adventure in the Belgian colony of Congo. This book has been receiving a lot of press recently due to the controversial nature of it's content. At the time Tintin in the Congo was written, Congo was a colony of Belgium, and the story is written from the perspective of a Belgian citizen. Remi himself has conceded that the story reflects the naive views of the time, including racism, colonialism, and animal cruelty. Revisions of some of the content have been made to more recent editions; however, the illustrations alone have been enough to cause lawsuits. There is a content warning on the UK version that some would like extended to the French language version of Tintin in the Congo. Others would like to see the story banned entirely. The book is not currently in print in the United States.

 

It may be important for parents of Congolese children to read this book, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. 1931 was not that long ago, and the book could have easily directly influenced those of the Baby Boomer generation. My younger brother often watched animated versions of Tintin stories in the 1990's. (Tintin in the Congo was not a part of the English television series.) I read many of my aunts' children's books when I visited my grandparents farm as a child. If Tintin in the Congo was the only source to influence someone's understanding of Congo, it could have unconscious detrimental effects on their view of your child's heritage.

 

We all tend to surround ourselves with those who think similarity to ourselves. It may be easy to forget racism until you have a transracial family, and you start to see and hear the reactions others have to you and your family. Tintin in the Congo may  be a very clear depiction of how racism is experienced by your child. Although this may not be a book that you want to keep on the family's bookshelf, it can be helpful for parents to read to better understand both their children and those that (sometimes unintentionally) speak or behave in inappropriate ways.

 

In addition, depending on the outcome of the current legal proceedings, your child may someday encounter this story. You will best be prepared to address its content with your child if you are already familiar with the story. When your child asks about the history and culture of the Democratic Republic of Congo, what you glean from Tintin in the Congo may be helpful in explaining the relationship between Congo and Belgium.

 

Parents, will you read Tintin in the Congo or not? How will you explain this story to your children?