Vashti Harrison - “Big” | The Daily Show

“To share something about my life that came from something really internal, and put that all on the page, is terrifying.” Author and illustrator Vashti Harrison chats about the personal experiences that led her to writing and illustrating the picture book “Big”, the color psychology behind her choosing to use pink throughout the book, and the reason Dulcé Sloan believes there needs to be an “adult” version of the book. #DailyShow #Comedy #VashtiHarrison
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About The Daily Show:
For over twenty-five years, the groundbreaking, Emmy and Peabody award-winning The Daily Show has entertained audiences each night with hilarious, provocative and insightful satire about our society that helps make sense of the world. The Daily Show redefined the late night show category on TV and, with an audience of over 44M across social media platforms, has become a launching pad for some of the biggest stars in entertainment.
This next chapter of this iconic franchise showcases its diverse news team of correspondents and contributors, including Ronny Chieng, Michael Kosta, Desi Lydic, Dulcé Sloan, Roy Wood Jr., Lewis Black and Jordan Klepper, comedy greats as guests hosts, and interviews with influential and emerging voices from across society.
The Daily Show airs weeknights at 11/10c on Comedy Central.

[@jeandrzyzgula]

Sitting in front of a live audience, interviewing a badass author, cameras pointed at her in every direction...and she manages to have an incredibly vulnerable and raw connection that gives others permission to have those feelings.... f*ck just give her the show

[@Cooverdamn]

It truly was a beautiful moment.

[@sleepnomore6065]

I like this Dulce version than the one who constantly shouts as a punchline

[@helios7212]

Shes awesome 🙏🙏 Sad I'm just seeing this now, because in the modern day of social media and hyper short attention spans, she'll prolly never see this comment either 😔

[@doslover]

Dulce's reaction is exactly why books like this need to exist and be available to kids. Not everyone has the same experiences, and everyone should be able to find representation in books and other media. Much love to you both ❤

[@ericdwhitmorec]

Better get it before some politician trying to distract you wants to call it "too woke," and bans it

[@helios7212]

💯💯💯🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@rainzohav2181]

The quality of Vashti’s kind , attentive listening brought Dulce to tears.

[@peachesandpoets]

It does something to one to feel genuinely heard

[@DeeveOnYT]

Straight up, gurl - I felt the same way during that quiet pause.

[@helios7212]

Two beautiful people and souls 🙏🫶

[@elenickv]

I just wanna give Dulce such a big hug when I saw the pain and hurt flood back. So thankful for this interview cuz I've seen the book but never picked it up. I must read it now.

[@joycechavez9027]

“Adjectives of personality as opposed to appearance”. The message today is so transparent ! I’m 65. We, as children, as women, never heard ourselves described as anything other than our appearance until the early 80s.

[@Berrymerry928]

That’s so fasinating to me to learn this. I’m an 80’s baby so this is so intriguing to me, wow!

[@ekdaufin1485]

Even still

[@rickymcarson]

As a young black man who was constantly seen as a college student by strangers, when I was as young as 13, I feel for her story. Countless times I would receive comments about my body and people talking about my physic and size, motivated by their assumption that I must play basketball or football. I have also been socially coached that because I’m big that it’s my responsibility to ALWAYS say yes to someone when they need physical assistance with something heavy. That may not sound too bad, but over the years when everyone expects you to take on that burden (even when I don’t mind helping out) it adds up to A LOT and makes you feel like that your only use is literally to carry other peoples weight.

[@jacobyellesbury5880]

I feel you but I a lot of other husky white & brown boys have lived it too. Don’t think race is the subjective factor always in everything brother. It can be, but it isn’t always. Keep your head up❤

[@wendykarle3114]

I wish I was as gorgeous and funny as Dulce!

[@SuperAH1985]

@@jacobyellesbury5880 Had to invalidate someone's specific, lived experience, didn't you. Nowhere did that person mention "only Black boys." But your racism was quick to read it that way. Maybe you'll want to work on seeing people's lived experience as something real, especially in our patriarchal white supremacy.

[@Berrymerry928]

Thank you for sharing that. I think I have that view of men, expecting that they want to help all the time. But for a boy, that must have felt like such a burden.

[@GoddessFactor007]

​@@SuperAH1985It's UNBELIEVABLE. But sadly, I don't know why I'm surprised.

[@cathyokunlola]

Amazing interview! As a parent of a 12 yo THANK YOU! Showing your vulnerability is so generous of you Dulce. My breath caught when you described the change of meaning of big & said it happens at about 11- that’s the stage we are trying to process now. I can’t wait for her to see this interview- she adores you! I’m buying the book next! Amazing interview!

[@giiidget]

You just wrote my exact thoughts - my 10 yo daughter just turned 11 last week. All of the above.

[@Day-tm2pb]

The age maturity bias is also true for latinas. We are expected to be more mature at a younger age. You are even seen as a woman at 15, the whole point of a quinceañera.

[@elliechristie2498]

How honest can a person get……your Soul touched me sweet lady….showing our feelings is the most honest tribute to our Souls…..thank you…❤️

[@itssawida]

❤❤❤

[@virginiamiller4890]

Thank you for sharing your truth, Dulce. You are beautiful and strong!!!

[@kickingleaves5122]

Thank you Dulce. Thank you Vashti. Both of you are such incredible women. We should get to be little girls. You brought me to tears. Thank you both for your kindness, your compassion and your humanity.

[@mr.e212]

I'm so excited Dulce gets to host. At the start of the strike she almost didn't get her moment.

[@GSBarlev]

I'm so angry she's only getting a day this time too! She deserves a full week (like the others all got) and, frankly, would be an incredible permanent host.

[@mr.e212]

@@GSBarlev That's crazy I thought she was going to get the entire week.

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

I am going right now to purchase copies of *BIG by Vashti Harrison.* This interview was everything!!! I have a granddaughter that is almost 11 years old, and for the first time, I noticed this past weekend how much her body has changed. She looks like a young lady now, and while I was excited for the changes she's going through, I was also sad because she is now at a stage where her _body_ will convince others to treat her as if she were older than she is. Even if her body looks 14, *She is Still Only 10 Years Old!!!* Vashti, thank you for writing & illustrating this book. And, *Dulcé Sloan, thank you for being who you are; a sensitive, beautiful soul who invited all of us to be the little girl inside that we were denied.*

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

I just bought three copies of the book. One for my granddaughter, one for me, and one to include with the *Salvation Army's Angel Tree* gifts that I participate in. The child I have is a 9 year old Black girl, and I want her to have this amazing book along with all her wish list items I got her.

[@beachvacay3184]

I feel like I just had a therapy session. What an important book. All kids should read it, and adults too. Dulce thank you for being vulnerable. I wanted to hug you.

[@e66iu]

Protect Dulcé!!!! I cried with you, ma. we cried together like the o'jays. every kid deserves to be free to be little before they're big. being little inside a big person hurts in ways... that are big.

[@mariaantoinette3958]

At that moment, she felt her childhood experience was seen. I had that moment in therapy this year. I love her vulnerability in that moment.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@barbarabanks7273]

Absolutely one of the best interviews and teachable moments on television to date. I felt all of that❤

[@Berrymerry928]

It took me a minutes to realize what Dolce was going through with this interview… when she started choking up it made so much sense to me. Wow, thank you for sharing this book with us! Sadly, I’ve experienced this with a child sibling who looked closer to my adult age, and I remember a particular movie theater that didn’t think she was truly a child and wanted to give her an adult movie ticket. I remember being so upset and sometimes getting angry in these situations being protective of her while she just quietly shrunk inside. It took a while to realize that she goes through a different world than I do and I felt helpless that I couldn’t do anything about it at all, also feeling like I was sometimes part of the problem. I wish I had this book then to understand her world a bit better.

[@karthikramesh8912]

This is a great example of a wholesome interview! The great Dulce of course making it fabulous as usual... but understanding how words can have impact in all childhoods of people from all backgrounds... wow. I teared up at the last pages too. What's sad is, sometimes, we sponsor the words and shame ourselves.

[@marhineykaye5026]

8:00 felt all of that inner little girl pain n sadness, dulce. n when the audience applauded for all u were feeling, moving through n triumphing over, all over again as a woman, my own "little big girl" felt a little more healed.

[@dreacdreac]

I'm so glad this conversation happened here on the daily show. Dulce Sloan just stole my heart.

[@mrose6107]

girl you made me cry.... love coming your way...

[@user-jq1cw9xz3n]

Dulce, you handled this one with such grace & dignity!!! You are amazing!!!!!!

[@PhilosophicalBum21]

This was a very special interview between two strong, radiant souls. Saving this video so I can come back to it!

[@user-mu3xk7ie2t]

Dulce looks so pretty😘

[@rikkiechambers4959]

Oh Dulce that pause went straight to my heart ..I ve always found it soul stirring when a poem or song or book speaks my head thoughts out loud on a page, when another complete stranger can speak or portray the words my soul screams or even those it whispers in the dark that no one else will ever hear . That pause spoke soooo much and I think your right a bunch of big people need to read the Big book 💜soft hugs to the little Dulce who soo needed them ..💜💜💜 I swear between you and Ronnie , this episode was designed to make me cry .. but they were some of the best work I’ve seen both of you do!! Way to knock it out of the park … oh and plus your nails are so on point y’all both look soo beautiful I’m gonna go get this sweet book for my grandaughters 💜

[@susannehuber3996]

This was so wholesome ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢😢 I just love love love love love Dulce. She’s so herself. What an inspiration.

[@suchaclassylady]

This book sang to my soul. I read it to my child’s preschool class. It went over their heads.

[@ektanirvana6610]

People who dislike this interview are missing a whole part of consciousness. These are real issues and experiences. Great interview, discussion and book!

[@angelacastro3247]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ we love Dulce ‼️‼️

[@mariahelizabeth_ent]

“We should get to be little” broke me🥺😢😔💔💔💔

[@peachesandpoets]

Black girls don't often get a chance to be innocent babies surrounded by pink. Big hug Dulce. We didn't get seen. We'll be alright. We'll be alright baby girl. 😊

[@thelupecastro]

“Because we should get to be little” ugh that line will stick with me forever.

[@AjahsWrite]

I didn't hit c cup until age 10 but my face was literally the face of a 6-year-old and I still got hit on. That stuff does not go away, and people treat you like it's your fault, even though you did nothing to initiate the behavior. I feel for Dulce, Vashti, and all the adultified Black girls who have had to learn to love ourselves in a world that wasn't built for us.❤❤❤

[@peachesandpoets]

Hey guys, I grew up too fast in a toxic family and I'm reparenting myself and I'm reading children's books. I never got children's books. Libraries are wonderful places. We'll be alright, loves. 😊

[@andreajunker3260]

I'm in a period of healing my inner child but I hadn't thought of reading children's books. Great idea!

[@ericarichardson2983]

I’ve learned so much from kids books as an adult. Children’s books are for everybody! ❤

[@katboss4886]

Beautiful interview Dulce. Thank you for reminding me why we love you so much.

[@sandycosta2830]

Dulce, you're the best! Coming from a slightly different direction. Whe my sisters and I were tiny. When we were children and people treated our bodies as if we were their toys. They would pick us up and toss us around as if we had no agency and it was awful. And now that I am an average-sized adult, whenever someone says that i'm tiny because they think that's what I want to hear, I say no. I am not tiny, I am not large. I am me sized, and I am perfect. You are Dulce sized, and you are perfect. Always have been.

[@sabdullah8076]

❤❤❤❤❤ I’m so sorry you had to go through that❤❤❤❤

[@kayanims]

Honestly, this is my favorite interview since Trevor left

[@gastonneal724]

Most children can't wait to become adults. I know we(African Americans) need to train our children differently, our parenting knowledge came from those who kidnapped us. We need to develop our own methods.

[@Danae0619]

As a big girl myself, I really appreciated this book and the discussion you had. I've had words thrown at me that now, at 50, still affect me and my self-esteem about my weight. Thank you so much for your thoughts and your experiences. It makes me feel not alone. Love you!

[@teresamason8997]

This was the best! I've always told kids (and the parents of babies) how "brave and smart and strong" they are (rather than how cute or big). People chuckled at me, but I stick by it even more hearing Vashti's words. The picture Dulce showed puts this perfectly.

[@JoeSmith-cy9wj]

Amazing. Not for nothing, but to have an Author and an interviewer so involved in the work is life changing. Fantastic.

[@CashnCarryMusic]

Dulce, you are an absolute treasure. Thank you for your vulnerability, history, and humanity. So much love for you

[@MrSun-qz3ks]

Dulce Sloan, you are awesome and powerful. I fkn love this episode. I will say the best episode of all Daily Show. You keep it real on so many levels and in all, in all, and at the same time you can find laughter, love, connection between you and your audience. Love You Sis'

[@3HenKiss]

If we look at this interaction as what we have defined as what an interview "should" look like - it is not strong - BUT it is SO powerful to see Dulce's vulnerability impact the author. There is no better way to share this book than to show its impact. Dulce went with her heart and i just sat and watched with tears welling up because I'd also like to give back some words. A lovely heart sweet moment.

[@kasondaleigh]

Dulce’s heart on her sleeve moment ❤️

[@the.masked.one.studio4899]

Beautiful, powerful moment. Real emotions and conversations. So refreshing.

[@lolowilderkind]

Love the book and the interview. Makes me cry every time as I read and watch repeatedly. This is shared around my library A LOT.

[@rosemaryirwin3305]

Absolutely fantastic interview--may this book become a worldwide bestseller!

[@susanbartman2267]

Such a wonderful interview! As a retired teacher, I know how important this book is. I’ll be giving it to a number of friends who still work with children 😊.

[@stacys447]

Dulce is awesome! Thanks for sharing this guest with us!

[@jackieedmondson8422]

This interview was so real and raw. I struggle with smoking and drinking. If I did not do either of those I would be very large. It is an oral fixation. You are stuffing emotions. This is why we need more female hosts, especially late night ❤

[@QueenDannie]

I can't believe that i can remember Vashati from Nandua High in Onley, Va. We are so proud of you Vee. Virginia proud.

[@kathybell6268]

Thank you both for this thoughtful and careful conversation. I look forward to buying copies of Big for my neighborhood school and congregation

[@itssawida]

This was beautiful, healing conversation. Thank you Vashti and Dulce for creating space for such vulnerability on camera!

[@SadhviJenn]

The sanctity of childhood needs to be respected.

[@BeccaGS4946]

Not me crying with Dulce 😭

[@THEFAYLAWRENCE]

This interview warmed my heart ♥️ ❤❤ Thank you for going there.

[@tnp1047]

Emmy submission. That was powerful.

[@brandyh1284]

I have a son and a daughter, and I find myself toughening them up because I know society is looking at them to do big things/mature. My son is 12 yrs old 5'6 1/2 and my daughter 13 5'6. This book truly resonates with me, same experiences growing up a big girl: tall and plus size.

[@Graghma]

I really appreciate children's books that let in some of the 'real' but not pretty parts of life. You know it was done well when people recognize it from their life. I love that it could start a hard conversation with someone who hasn't experienced that hardship. Bravo~

[@Meggs23]

We love you Dulce! Lovely interview ❤

[@lolowilderkind]

Sweet Dulce. I'm crying again. ❤

[@jbirdz3609]

That was so moving 🥺

[@valerieburnside7826]

Dulcé All Day

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

We love you Dulcé!

[@C2DP27]

Absolutely love Dulce! Pray blessings on her. 😁👍

[@thedemencha147]

She solidified why she deserves to be the HOST of this show!!

[@SadhviJenn]

Deconditioning is a human design term we use to describe the process of separating out those words of other people. Very interesting piece.

[@benitahorn8818]

Vashti - you are an inspiration

[@nailativityt.3836]

Deep. Very touching and relatable 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@michaelsalovaara567]

I loved the silence and sincerity.

[@kasondaleigh]

“ You get to choose what words define you” , WOW! Superpower 101!

[@littlepagew]

What a beautiful interview.

[@Ohiogardengirl]

❤❤❤Dulce is just amazing and so is this book, the story needs told

[@m.w.njoroge7438]

WOW! I've been hearing about how this happens to Black girls in particular but Dulce just brought it all the way home!🥰 I experienced this in terms of not getting any care from my teachers, emotionally, academically, financially in the future...🤷🏾‍♀️ But this adultification of Black girls as young as 5 y.o. is an example of how Black bodies are manipulated against themselves and then punished for it. An ongoing, American problem.😐😑💔

[@delenaking]

It was the pause for me...😢😢😢I felt that 😢 😿 😭 😢😢😢

[@mollyjones2944]

I LOVE DULCE!!! What a powerful interview. It was worth waiting [another] 6 months to see her beautiful face behind that desk. 💚

[@gospeljazzblack2012]

This was such a beautiful and important interview. How many copies of this book can we buy. Thank you both. 💗💗💗

[@casadepazkissimmee]

Thank you! Thank you for teaching us so much. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@fleurdelis1227]

This was so beautiful ❤ Thank You

[@y.law0707]

As a high school teacher, I have posted in front of my class these beautiful words from the late, great Dr. Maya Angelou: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. 💜

[@petuniapandy]

Ladies, thank you for such a beatiful interview.

[@mayari_parlanchina]

Just went and bought the book ♥, my nieces don't speak any english but I still hope they'll get the messages of the book

[@lolowilderkind]

Vashti you're a hero. ❤

[@brandiwilliams201]

Phenomenal interview! ❤❤❤

[@raquelguerra3149]

My heart went out to Dulce. She got me crying, lol!! I'm a Latina and was not a "small girl" so i felt that when she broke down.

[@sabdullah8076]

Awww Dulce!! Aww Vashti!!! Support women y’all! We really need it. Especially black girls. Saying this as an adult that was a tall child in the 90’s.

[@andrewmarkovitz4601]

What a great interview

[@davidkenney7074]

Great interview! This adultification of black people and the language around compassionate, kind, etc. has a legacy in slavery. Let's continue to heal from it all.

[@fresiaguerra3043]

Dulce! Lots of hugs!!

[@corinnariedle1729]

Thank you!

[@benitahorn8818]

We love you Dulce.

[@linda699]

Dulcé: ❤. Me too.

[@sandrar2572]

great conversation

[@kmbrpower]

And now, Vashti is the first Black woman to win the Caldecott medal for this incredible book Big. Congratualations.

[@awildaquinones6222]

Thanks Dulce...❤

[@blueroses1391]

Great interview and a very interesting and emotional discussion. The part about adultification reminded me of Dua Lipa's song "Boys Will be Boys" [but girls will be women] - there's a clip from Billboard - Women In Music 2020, and I'm referring to that in particular because I read some of the comments and it was the first time I saw this reality. Sometimes I wonder about the world and the people in it ...

[@carontheroad]

Well done❤