The Magnet comic started up in 1908.

In one of the very first issues, Frank Richards introduces an Indian boy, who soon becomes an integral character in the stories, and who is welcomed into the central group of friends.

In the first story featuring the Indian boy, the class bully refers to him using the 'n' word. The Indian boy replies that he's not a negro, he's an Indian, adding, "... although I have a great respect for the negro race."

Ignoring the outdated use of the word 'negro', this shows that, while racism was deeply entrenched in society, more enlightened attitudes also existed all those years ago.