In his latest foray into global culture wars, former US President Donald Trump has set his sights on an unlikely target: a beloved Australian children's picture book about self-expression and identity.
Trump used his social media platform Truth Social to launch a vehement attack on Scott Stuart's bestselling My Shadow Is Pink, a story that celebrates a young boy embracing his true self despite societal expectations.
Social Media Outburst Sparks International Incident
The controversial post, which has since been widely circulated, demanded the book's removal from circulation and encouraged supporters to boycott what Trump called "dangerous propaganda." His comments have ignited a firestorm of responses from authors, educators, and free speech advocates worldwide.
Scott Stuart, the Melbourne-based author and illustrator, expressed both shock and defiance in response to the unexpected attention from the former president. "It's surreal to find yourself in the crosshairs of one of the world's most powerful figures," Stuart commented. "But the message of acceptance and self-love is more important than ever."
The Book That Captured Global Attention
My Shadow Is Pink tells the heartfelt story of a young boy whose shadow appears pink rather than blue, exploring themes of gender identity, self-acceptance, and breaking free from traditional stereotypes. Since its publication during the 2020 lockdowns, the book has become an international phenomenon, translated into numerous languages and celebrated by parents and educators for its positive message.
The book's success has however made it a target for conservative groups in various countries, with Trump's intervention representing the most high-profile criticism to date.
Free Speech Advocates Rally Behind Author
Literary and free speech organizations have quickly mobilized in support of Stuart and his work. The Australian Society of Authors released a statement condemning what it called "attempts to intimidate creators and suppress important conversations about identity and diversity."
Meanwhile, booksellers across multiple countries have reported a significant surge in demand for My Shadow Is Pink following Trump's comments, in what some are calling the "Streisand effect" in action.
As the controversy continues to develop, educators emphasize the importance of children's literature that reflects diverse experiences and promotes empathy and understanding from an early age.
