Who is the Little White Adored? refers to the iconic American figure of the Little Black Sambo, a character from a children's book series created by Helen Bannerman. The character, depicted as a young African American boy, became a symbol of racial stereotypes and was widely criticized for its portrayal of African Americans in a negative light. Despite its controversial nature, the Little Black Sambo character was adored by many during its time of popularity.

The Little Black Sambo character was first introduced in the children's book "The Story of Little Black Sambo" published in 1899. The book, which was intended to be a simple tale of a young boy's adventures, was heavily criticized for its racial insensitivity. The character was depicted as lazy, greedy, and prone to violence, which reinforced harmful stereotypes about African Americans. Despite the criticism, the book was a commercial success and the character became a popular figure in American culture.

Data from the 1920s and 1930s show that the Little Black Sambo character was widely distributed and celebrated. For example, a 1922 edition of the book was one of the best-selling children's books in the United States. The character's popularity was further solidified by the creation of various merchandise, including dolls and toys, which were sold across the country. However, as awareness of the book's racial insensitivity grew, the character's image began to be seen as problematic.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Little Black Sambo character became a focal point in the civil rights movement. Activists and educators argued that the character perpetuated harmful stereotypes and was inappropriate for children. As a result, the character was rebranded and reimagined in various forms. For instance, the character was renamed "Little White Sambo" in some adaptations to distance it from its original racial context. Despite these changes, the character's legacy remains controversial, with some arguing that it is still a symbol of racial insensitivity.

In conclusion, the Little White Adored is a controversial American icon that has been both celebrated and criticized for its portrayal of African Americans. The character's popularity during its time of release was a testament to its cultural significance, but its racial insensitivity has led to ongoing debates about its appropriateness in modern society.