Question

Why are Claudia and Frieda different from other children in their perception of Maureen Peal?

• A. They believe Maureen is secretly cruel.
• B. They admire Maureen but hide it.
• C. They resist idealizing her whiteness and beauty.
• D. They want to befriend her to gain popularity.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. They resist idealizing her whiteness and beauty.

Most black children idolize Maureen because of her lighter skin and features associated with white standards of beauty. Claudia and Frieda, however, do not admire her. Claudia even compares Maureen to a white baby doll she disliked receiving as a gift—beautiful by society’s standards but lacking warmth or substance. This resistance indicates their subconscious rejection of imposed racial beauty standards.