Editorial: Crayons and People are not for Consumption: A Social Work Discourse on Crayola’s New Box

Abstract

In May 2020, the Crayola Crayon Company released a new version of their crayon box that specifically focuses on skin tone. This was met with mass media attention in part due to marketing and business partnerships which touted the concept of skin tone crayons as new, although their last release of a skin tone box was in 1994. Not only was this crayon box made to promote creativity for children, it was specifically designed to foster inclusivity. The crayons designed to promote acceptance were made for a large audience of children at school and home, although anti-racism education is infrequently taught in the classroom. Crayola called the crayon box "Colors of the World", and it was printed in 3 languages. The skin hues that were created displayed new names like almond and rose. From an anti-oppressive lens set in America, both the name on the box and on the crayons caused questions for concern. While the idea of having many skin tone colors to choose from was a wonderful concept, the messaging called for scrutiny. Before giving the entire "Colors of the World" box to children or sharing about its release on social media, it is important to look more extensively into the subtle and maybe not so understated indications of White Nationalism, Colorism, and Colonization.

COVID-19: Not a Positive Test Result, but a Positive Outlook

“…In May 2020, Crayola announced its release of a new set of crayons that will allow children to better reflect the world. 9 Despite COVID-19 placing the spotlight on the atrocities that are still prevalent in today's society, we must ride the momentum of the major movements for racial and LGBTQ justice through 2021 and beyond as we strive towards a better world.…”