Removed Listing

[gmcblue]

I am trying to figure out why the children's book  "Little Black Sambo" is now a book that I am not allowed to sell on Ebay.  It is not a racist book at all.  I read it as a very young child and I still have a copy of that book.  Is it because of the word "black"?

[dhbookds]

What exactly did the takedown say as the reason? 

I was checking out some salt and pepper shakers with black figures.......I was amazed at some of them......from the 40's/50's...... I noticed they were listed in "Black Americana" category....so wonder if that would make a difference. 

[gmcblue]

It stated that it was intolerant in regard toward religion, sexual orientation, race or ethnic background. Also, KKK imagery, Nazi symbols and the Confederate Flag or also prohibited. That is why I was wondering if the word "Black" in the title was racist. The message also stated that I could not relist the item. 

[dhbookds]

I imagine it's the story itself that's objectionable........  the word black is/can be used in all kinds of ways.......

there are 200+ listing in the Antiquarian category.......that may get it by......not sure I'd try relisting tho......you may be targeted.

[1tuna]

.................general reply....................

maybe its the same reason that the movie"gone with the wind" is now on the S list

same reason that the new bugs bunny cartoons will not have any guns,just bombs

gotta  make it to the Special list

[disneyshopper]

I don't think anyone can list Disney's "Song of the South" as well, due to it's "racist" content.

[funkyfreshmike.2013]

I think the term "Sambo" is considered derogatory.

[gmcblue]

The historical meaning of Sambo is a person of mixed race, especially of Black and Indian or Black and European blood. I never heard the word Sambo used at all to another person and I grew up in the South. Some things are just going too far but I understand what you are saying. It could be considered by some as derogatory. I am just baffled by all the items that are now not acceptable.

[chrisreiss_art]

As I understand it, the original story is not inherently racist.  Later adaptations, like the Disney animated short, are super racist, incorporating exaggerated racial stereotypes.  These later interpretations are deeply insulting and degrading to the black community.  In the modern consciousness, "Little Black Sambo" is inseparable with racism.

You can't focus on the innocence of the original story without taking in to account it's modern cultural significance.  Just like you can't go around saying a certain homophobic slur because it used to mean "a bundle of sticks."

I hope this helps.

[gmcblue]

I just checked the listings for Little Black Sambo and there are 199 copies for sale. Now I am very confused. The book I had listed was published by The Platt & Munk Co. Why is mine not appropriate and the ones still listed are.

[pickapaper]

EBay does not arbitrarily take down listings; the listing has to be reported by someone. The other 199 listings have not been reported but for some reason, someone chose your listing to report. Probably just chosen at random.

[wihen1613]

I just got a warning from EBAY about selling a vintage copy of LBS. Your right....Nothing to do with racism..an absolutely delightful book.

Its getting mighty strange out here!

[dhbookds]

@wihen1613 

out of curiosity.......what category was yours in?

[fashunu4eeuh]

 @gmcblue wrote:

”I just checked the listings for Little Black Sambo and there are 199 copies for sale. Now I am very confused. The book I had listed was published by The Platt & Munk Co. Why is mine not appropriate and the ones still listed are.”

Hi. Whatever you do, don’t relist the book. Once you’re on eBay’s radar, your actions are under greater scrutiny moving forward. Too many violations can have a deleterious effect on your account. Next time it could be a suspension along with the removal. 

As for why you, it was just bad luck. Someone could have reported your listing and not the others. Eventually the other listings will also get removed if eBay decides to follow its own policies. Its enforcement of its own rules has always been  inconsistent and spotty. Keeping up with violators is an overwhelming job but eBay could do better monitoring such listings.

Ultimately it was your item that got removed, making it your problem. It doesn’t matter too much what others are doing. It may not seem fair; it is what it is.

[this*old*attic]

Yes.

There even used to be a coffee shop chain called Sambo’s, decorated with scenes from the story. It closed in the early to mid 70’s.