Exploring the Themes of Division and Family in Steve Deace’s New Book
Steve Deace, a host on BlazeTV, is known for his 2016 novel, “A Nefarious Plot,” where he delves into the spiritual divisions impacting America. This book, reminiscent of CS Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters,” offers a satirical view on the nature of evil and how it can undermine language, empathy, justice, and various societal institutions.
Deace’s latest work continues on this theme, focusing specifically on how activists have appropriated the rainbow symbol, distorting its meaning in the context of marriage and family.
Across many American public school libraries, books aimed at children are critical of traditional lifestyles, pushing narratives that often clash with conventional views on gender, marriage, and virtue. At first glance, Deace’s new title, “Richie Meets the Rainbow: A Heartwarming Tale of Childhood Enlightenment,” could be misinterpreted, as its cover features a colorful cartoon child. Personally, I find the rainbow somewhat overused; it has become, to me, a symbol associated with agendas that challenge long-standing values.
Interestingly, Deace shared that some listeners were quickly offended, not realizing the book served as a critique rather than an endorsement of what he terms “rainbow jihad.” He describes it as a Trojan horse of sorts.
Recently, during an appearance on “Stu Does America,” Deace introduced readers to Richie, a young boy navigating school alongside a teacher sporting a rainbow-themed show of liberal ideology. Fortunately for Richie, he has what Deace describes as a “secret weapon”—his dad.
Instead of dismissing Richie’s concerns while watching sports, the dad engages him in conversation, discussing a well-known book—the Bible. Deace wants readers to understand that this father figure aims to educate his son about the manipulation behind the rainbow’s new connotations, which have been adopted for indoctrination purposes.
While the book is framed as a children’s story, it functions as a commentary on leftist agendas, particularly in educational settings. Deace has made it clear that he envisioned this book primarily for young boys, stating, “I didn’t do that for the money, but to send a message.”
He emphasizes that father figures are essential in countering cultural threats and should be celebrated as heroes in narratives.
Despite facing challenges with the release of this book, including sourcing it from Hungary, Deace notes that he isn’t pursuing wealth through sales. At the time of writing, the book had reached the number one spot in the Children’s Christian Emotions and Emotional Fiction category on Amazon.
As the book began to climb the charts, Deace remarked on its unexpected traction, gaining attention during Pride Month. When asked about the possibility of Richie appearing again in future stories, Deace hinted at various potential scenarios that could unfold, depending on the book’s success.
