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Aug 18, 2018humbleworm rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Whenever I see something that I would have done differently or wonder how something was done, I am reminded of the opening lines to this story. It is very unfortunate that an Asian reference, which I'm sure in 1950 was only meant to convey somewhere exotic among so many fictitious places, is uncomfortably close to a racist description today. I don't condone that, but I'd like to think this might lead to discussion about sensitivity and tolerance instead of censorship. My favourite Seuss story "What Was I Scared Of?" (1961) and several of his other stories do a good job approaching this subject directly. I'm reading a 1st edition Tom Swift novel published in 1910 at the moment because of its prophetic descriptions of electric cars and battery technology but am dismayed by its really cringe-worthy portrayal of hired-hand Eradicate Sampson. Baby and bath water. Thankfully times continue to change.