First of all, hello everybody. I'm a brand new member who's finally signed up after knowing about this site for a long time. Looking forward to seeing what else this site has in store.
Unless you've been living on another planet, you'll all know about the raging debate regarding the children's books written by Roald Dahl and now Ian Fleming's books have come under attack as well. I have to say that I'm all for censorship where it matters, so that we all have a good idea of what's right and what isn't and we all know where we stand. And over the last few years, there are a lot of changes that have occurred that I'm pleased to see have taken place, although I know many won't agree with me and that's fine. But that said, I disagree with any kind of censorship, reform, or amendment that is done purely for the sake of it. I mean, what on earth is the point of that!
I'll be honest even though I have watched many, if not all of the Bond films, I haven't actually read the books so I'm unaware of the language used in them. But as for Roald Dahl, I have come across the amendments that have been made and to be honest, I do think it's all a big fuss over nothing. I read many of his books as a child and certainly never came across anything offensive. However I do know that today's world is a very different place so who knows how these books look through the eyes of a child.
It would be interesting to hear other people's views on this topic! Golly look at me! I've just created my first post!
Today everything is being changed super fast. I reckon by the time my boys are adults, alot of the things I grew up with will have changed beyond all recognition. I don't really know how I feel about it. I guess I would say that if it's important for something to be changed then OK. but if it's just for the hell of it or for the sake of fashion then that's a different story.
I'm going to say a huge no to rewriting or tampering with any kind of classic be it a novel, a sculpture, a musical composition whatever. I'm all for everybody having rights. That's a given. But I was raised to have a deep appreciation for the arts and for many years I worked in the industry. I know the hard work and dedication that goes into producing such work. So for someone to come along years later, without any real understanding of the craft of that particular era and decide that things need to go because it may cause offence is something that just goes over my head. I understand that where something is majorly offensive then I guess it needs to go. But it seems to me that people are modifying every tiny detail that doesn't really need to change. There needs to be a balance. And let's face it, rewriting someone's work is rewriting history. In future years people will get an inaccurate perception of what life was like in the past.
I think with the Roald Dahl books there's fear of children repeating whatever they've come across in there and offending others. I know people will say that's where adult guidance comes in but let's face it, if we had the adequate amount of adult guidance in the world, kids would be a lot better behaved than they are now. And moreover with the Dahl books, well as people have already pointed out, there are two versions available so what all the fuss is about, I can't think!
But with regards to modifying works of art in general that may cause offence, I think we all know that there are works that contain words and images that are just not acceptable in the world we live in. It might have been the done thing at one point but not now.
They've started on Agatha Christie now! I wonder who'll be next. Shakespeare? Jane Austen? The Bronte Sisters? It just never ends. 😡
Where the Roald Dahl books are concerned, there are two versions available. People can choose whatever they prefer. It's not like they've burned the original manuscript after making the changes so there's no need for people to get so worked up when there's more pressing concerns in the world.
As a woman of colour, I can't lie. There are times I read a book or watch a movie, and there are things that make me feel uncomfortable. A lot of women or people of colour can probably relate to what I'm saying. I understand that when these books were written, life was a certain way. But it's not that way anymore and the world has changed so I feel it's only right that such materials change as well to reflect modern life.
While I agree that there are things from the past that have no place in modern day society now, we open a very dangerous can of worms when we start getting rid of anything and everything for the hell of it. People have been reading and enjoying such works for eons. Why make all this fuss now? Why wasn't something said earlier? If there's a genuine reason for change then so be it. If not, leave it alone.
In general, I'm not really in favour of messing with someone's literary works. However, I think if something is deeply offensive where it could cause a lot of hurt then it should be changed. And with regards to children's literature, you really do have to be careful as kids have a habit of repeating anything they come across without realizing that it may not be appropriate. To me the alternative wording used in the new Roald Dahl books seems a bit pointless - if a child were to call someone that it would still be impolite so it doesn't really make any difference!
With literature aimed at adults, well even though there could be words that would be deemed offensive by today's standards, I trust that an adult would know not to go around using them.
It's a tricky one this. I'm not a writer but I am a designer so I do understand the creative process, and the time, effort and pride that goes into the work we create. On the one hand, I think well leave it alone. Someone poured their heart and soul into writing those novels and it's not fair to make these amendments, especially in the cases of Dahl and Fleming where they're no longer here to speak up for themselves.
But on the other hand I am aware that language does change and that what was once acceptable to say, may not be so acceptable now. So I do understand why we're having this discussion and why sometimes the changes may be necessary, especially if it's something that's deeply offensive.
I'm in favour of amending things if there's a strong, valid reason for it. If not, leave it alone. I don't know too much about what they're doing with Ian Fleming's works but with Roald Dahl, the changes are so minor I think well why bother?
I come from a very arty family where many of us are lucky enough to earn a living through our art. I would be appalled if during our lifetime or indeed after, someone comes along and decides certain things need to change because it's not appropriate for whatever reason. I'm all for supporting the rights of each group in society. I'm also obviously in favour of making sure that children's material is appropriate them. But I'm also against meddling with someone's creations whether that be a piece of music, a novel, a painting, whatever. Our creations are an expression of who we are, and there's a reason and a purpose for why we've produced the work that we have, and we want it left as is. I think Dahl's work should be left alone. The changes they have made are so minute anyway that I don't know why they bothered in the first place.
I work in the heritage sector so I think it's already pretty obvious what I'm going to say! Everyone is entitled to their opinion and everyone is entitled to purchase the publication version that they feel most comfortable with. But certain works are part of our histories, cultures, heritage, communities etc. Whether it's good or bad, we're in so much in a hurry to erase a lot of it. There is a lesson to be learned in everything, even the bad which is why I'm not in favor of just getting rid of stuff because we're so afraid of offence and criticism. How will future generations know and understand society as we know it today if everything is erased and eradicated? People have said that these can be used as teachable moments for their kids and I totally agree.
Not talking about Roald Dahl books specifically but we now live in an age where we have greater knowledge, awareness and understanding than ever before. Even though many people don't like change, if there is something that offensive to any group in society or goes against the way people generally think today, then I'm all for a rewrite. As far as I know - and I haven't read RD books for ages - the concern is about children picking up unkind words or ideas on how to treat people. But maybe that's where guidance from a parent or carer needs to come into it.
Hello Nilon and congrats on your first post! 😊
I have very fond memories of my mum reading to me when I was a child, and yes some of them were Roald Dahl books. We even had access to them at school. It's so long ago that I really can't remember if any of the words used are offensive so I really couldn't argue either way about whether the books should be censored. I just remember the stories and that I really enjoyed them at the time. My little boy isn't at an age where he would enjoy being read to and take in the stories, but when he is I would like to share with him the stories of my childhood.