The author of the Rainbow Fish is Marcus
Pfister who mostly writes in a children's fiction kind of style. With the rainbow fish being one of his most popular books. The Rainbow Fish may not seem particularly
sophisticated when looking at its plot: as many think that he is a self-centered
character comes to recognize the value of sharing with others. But there are
more complex issues of identity involved. The rainbow fish herself has to
learn to give of herself. Which she then
eventually realizes that her beautiful scales are quite special, and that she indeed
is a special creature, but also sees that her external traits are not what will
bring friends close to her. This is what leads to her giving out her silvery
scales, and causes the giant controversy that continues today.
When
it comes to finding the meaning of the book there are many of opinions about
whether the rainbow fish is positive or negative. Those that see this book as being negative
find the following ideas to be true; Change yourself to please others, Give away your things
(bribe others) to gain friends (This may include things that you have worked
very hard for or your own natural beauty).
Other negative ideas are to shed your uniqueness and become like
everyone else and then you will be liked, If you are different no one will like
you, Bow to peer pressure, change your self image to be liked, and don't be
proud of your special gifts that you were born with and your natural beauty. I can see how these things are true, and how
people feel this way, but I on the other hand see the more positive ideas in
the book. I see that sharing with others
will make you happier therefore people will enjoy spending time with you making
sharing a positive experience. Being
generous to others also shows a sharing side of you and therefore creates
happiness all around; there is one more positive quality that I came across by
anonymous that talked about not flaunting ones wealth or showing off.
I was wondering how you stand? What are your thoughts? i grew up reading this book and i was always told that it was about sharing so i am interested to see what many of you think of the book called The Rainbow Fish
This is a really interesting concept and idea. I have never thought of the Rainbow Fish in this way. However, growing up, I too read this book and thought that the book had a more positive meaning and theme than what you have found. I Think that the people or group who thought of the book in this way had nothing better to do than to rip apart popular books. There is no way that children think of this book in that particular way. Until now I have never even heard of anyone thinking of this book in this way. This however is an interesting topic and i appreciate you sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI never thought of Rainbow Fish as anything other than a book about sharing, in fact in my two year old classroom we use the book during our theme of friendship along with the care bears book. While it may be true that several arguments can be made, I believe how a teacher portrays the book will be the way a child looks at it.
ReplyDeleteI have always seen the rainbow fish as a positive book. when children get to school, most of them do not know how to share and this book is a great lesson to teach. sharing is a wonderful thing. some people have to much time on their hands, because the book is a very positive book.
ReplyDeleteI know this post is very old, but I still found your remarks interesting. While I do like the book and think it's overall message is a good one, I was also a little disturbed that the Rainbow Fish tears off its own scales (something that would painful in real life) and gives them away. I think the author acknowledges the mixed emotions in the line about how the Rainbow Fish gets "a peculiar feeing" watching the little blue fish swim around with his scale. So I think that the story conveys and idea (possibly) that giving can be painful at first, but that one must let go of ego to be content.
ReplyDeleteLet me add to the story. The Rainbow Fish is about assimilation to the dominant culture. Strip yourself done and look like everyone else in order to fit in. A popular dynamic in America - played out through media et al,, ad nauseam. Dangerous message. But helpful in maintaining the status quo for sure!
ReplyDelete