I asked my sons' librarian if the Harry Potter books were banned at their school. She said no, she would never ban any book, but did have them in a special bookcase for children who asked. Yes, there were parents concerned about witchcraft.
Good blog, Warren. I am torn on the topic of re-writing literature to conform with current sensibilities as the books were products of their times. I am pleased with the Dr. Seuss Enterprises decision to not republish, and perhaps that would be a better solution than rewriting. Simply let the books die a natural death.
Literature is a reflection of its time. As we evolve in our sensitivity, attitudes will change. We've certainly been dealing with this issue for a while now--the first I remember being vey aware of the situation was with Huckleberry Finn.
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good points, Warren.
I asked my sons' librarian if the Harry Potter books were banned at their school. She said no, she would never ban any book, but did have them in a special bookcase for children who asked. Yes, there were parents concerned about witchcraft.
Interesting analysis
Good blog, Warren. I am torn on the topic of re-writing literature to conform with current sensibilities as the books were products of their times. I am pleased with the Dr. Seuss Enterprises decision to not republish, and perhaps that would be a better solution than rewriting. Simply let the books die a natural death.
Literature is a reflection of its time. As we evolve in our sensitivity, attitudes will change. We've certainly been dealing with this issue for a while now--the first I remember being vey aware of the situation was with Huckleberry Finn.
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