rachel J.
Diggers love their friends
I am writing to express my disgust and disappointment regarding the title of your children's book, Diggers Love Their Friends! I find it extremely disturbing that a company would approve a children's book title containing a word that looks and sounds so similar to the N-word. Whether intentional or not, the resemblance is glaring, and I find it difficult to believe that nobody involved in the publishing process recognized how offensive this could appear. What makes this even more questionable is that the book focuses on different types of work trucks and the importance of friendship, rather than specifically on digging. With so many other words available to describe the characters and the message of the story, why was this particular title chosen? As a major publisher of children's literature, you have a responsibility to consider how your books and their titles may be perceived by families from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Black children and their families deserve consideration and respect, not titles that can reasonably raise concerns about racial insensitivity. I understand that "diggers" is a term used for construction equipment, but that explanation does not automatically dismiss the troubling resemblance to a deeply offensive racial slur. I want a direct explanation of how this title was approved, whether anyone questioned its wording during the editorial process, and whether your company is willing to reconsider it. I find this title inappropriate and deeply disappointing. I expect your company to take this complaint seriously rather than dismissing legitimate concerns about racial sensitivity. Sincerely, A Concerned Reader