Ms Rachel has become something of a phenomenon, at least among families with toddlers and young children. But while she has proven to be a great learning resource, she also has strong opinions on certain things. Recently, she revealed which three nursery rhymes she believes should be banned.
Ms. Rachel is no stranger to speaking out about important issues around the world. But this time, her latest complaint is about something a little closer to home.
The American YouTuber, whose full name is Rachel Accurso, has built a huge following on social media through her wildly popular educational videos for children. With years of experience teaching young viewers, Ms. Rachel certainly knows what keeps kids learning and engaged.
At the heart of Ms. Rachel’s work is one simple goal: doing what she believes is best for children. And as more parents turn to iPads and YouTube to keep their kids entertained, it’s easy to see why her educational videos have become so popular with families worldwide.
However, now, Ms. Rachel is turning her attention to something a little different. And it involves things she believes should not be taught.
She has pointed out several beloved nursery rhymes that she believes should be “retired,” as some have what the YouTuber considers to be lyrics with undertones of racism.
So the ones that really need to be retired are racist ones. Jimmy Crack Corn, Oh! Susanna, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe,” Ms. Rachel said on the SubwayTakes podcast.
Ms. Rachel reveals nursery rhymes she thinks should be banned
“Jimmy Crack Corn,” which dates back to the 1840s, has been criticized for its links to slavery as well as for ridiculing enslaved African Americans.
Moreover, “Oh! Susanna” also emerged from the same era of 19th-century blackface minstrel shows.
Finally, “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.” has older versions that contain a deeply offensive racial slur, which was later replaced with the word “tiger.”
Ms. Rachel’s thoughts of ‘banning’ these nursery rhymes sparked a lot of reactions on social media.
Per OK! In the comment section on a clip from the podcast on TikTok, one person wrote, “In ‘eenie meenie’ in Ireland, at least where I’m from, the words were always ‘catch a tiger by the toe'”.
Sparks reactions on social media
A second added, “I feel so seen for hating the three little kittens rhyme. She didn’t even mention the worst part, where the mom tells them to put on their mittens to eat the pie and then SCOLDS THEM FOR GETTING THEM DIRTY? Genuinely always hated that rhyme even when I was a kid.”
A third said: “I don’t have kids, so I’ve never actually heard Miss Rachel speak before… I now see why everyone loves her.”
What do you think of Ms. Rachel’s suggestion? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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