Oh boy . . .
The original name for "Brownies" came from a short story collection, including a tale called, "The Brownies", published in 1871.
Brownies were:
"The Brownies, or as they are sometimes called, the Small Folk, the Little People, or the Good People, are a race of tiny beings who domesticate themselves in a house of which some grown-up human being pays the rent and taxes. They are like small editions of men and women, they are too small and fragile for heavy work; they have not the strength of a man, but are a thousand times more fresh and nimble. They can run and jump, and roll and tumble, with marvellous agility and endurance, and of many of the aches and pains which men and women groan under, they do not even know the names. They have no trade or profession, and as they live entirely upon other people, they know nothing of domestic cares; in fact, they know very little upon any subject, though they are often intelligent and highly inquisitive. They love dainties, play, and mischief. They are apt to be greatly beloved, and are themselves capriciously affectionate. They are little people, and can only do little things. When they are idle and mischievous, they are called Boggarts, and are a curse to the house they live in. When they are useful and considerate, they are Brownies, and are a much coveted blessing. Sometimes the Blessed Brownies will take up their abode with some worthy couple, cheer them with their romps and merry laughter, tidy the house, find things that have been lost, and take little troubles out of hands full of great anxieties. Then in time these Little People are Brownies no longer. They grow up into men and women. They do not care so much for dainties, play, or mischief. They cease to jump and tumble, and roll about the house. They know more, and laugh less. Then, when their heads begin to ache with anxiety, and they have to labour for their own living, and the great cares of life come on, other Brownies come and live with them, and take up their little cares, and supply their little comforts, and make the house merry once more."
Interestingly a recent and pretty good short story titled, "Brownies" explores with the vehicle of two Brownie Troops at camp, one which appear to be all African American (I still think that is unclear) and one of all white, but developmentally challenged, girls, one of whom directed a shall not be stated racial slur in the direction of an African American girl in the first described Troop. The offended Troop then decides upon revenge, based initially on just as much wrong and willful prejudice and misunderstanding, upon the all white, developmentally challenged Troop (all they see is the "white" to start with and not the deeper situation) and goes from there. It is about prejudice on all sides of the aisle, and understanding some folks don't really understand or mean what they say, but at the same time explores the greater responsibility for all in recognizing/dealing with/understanding prejudice and its impact, etc.
I'd suggest keeping the name and commending to youngsters of all genders and backgrounds the reading of both stories.
But I guess easier just to wipe out a tradition not borne of prejudice and foreclosing possible discussion of Brownie Troops used in a recent tale as examples for setting examples for good in the world.
Orange, brown, red, yellow --- what will Canada do with the "Maple Leafs"?
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