‘Ten Little Indians’
“One little, two little, three little Indians” are the lyrics children sing today, but it all started out with the main characters being referred to as “[N-word]” or “injuns.” It is generally thought that this song was adapted, possibly by Frank J. Green in 1869, as “Ten Little N*ggers,” though it is possible that the influence was the other way round. Either way, “Ten Little N*ggers” became a standard of the blackface minstrel shows. The song was recited in mystery writer Agatha Christie’s novel of the same name.
‘Chinese, Japanese, Dirty Knees, Look at These’
Many can remember reciting this rhyme as children while using fingers to simulate slanted eyes that supposedly differentiated Chinese and Japanese people. Even more racist was all other Asians lumped under “dirty knees.”
