My books, My words!

 

Woke Culture has crossed the line. Puffin Books (UK) recently hired a group of readers to go through books and search for any words that might offend folks (i.e. the “woke culture”).  Roald Dahl was one of the first authors to have books re-published with offensive words removed/changed. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach” were re-issued with changed content. This occurred despite the late author speaking out against tis in a 1982 interview. 

How can I be against publishers doing this? Isn’t this for the greater good?

Hell no!

 

I have four books in print (three fiction and one non-fiction). My books are MY creations, for better or worse. No one else has the right to change anything in my publication. If someone has a problem with any of my books, here is a simple solution: DON’T READ THEM! I am the only one who can alter the language in my publications.

 I don’t care what any of the idiots spouting the “wokeness” says. It is not easy writing a book. Fiction comes from imagination. Like it or not, books are written with a purpose. Children’s books are written to the level of the audience, as are novels geared towards adults. Libraries have started censoring or banning classic books due to the content. Yet, children are being encouraged to read smut.  Consider these titles (adult and juvenile) that have been placed on the “banned” list.

 

To Kill a Mockingbird

Tom Sawyer

Harry Potter

Animal Farm

The Lord of the Flies

The Grapes of Wrath

The Island of the Blue Dolphins

The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn

Dr. Suess books

Where the Wild Things Are

 

Tell me why censorship is ok. I completely understand not allowing books with sexually explicit material in a library section for children. Those should be in the adult area, and certainly NOT included in a teacher’s reading list at a school. However, don’t ban books.

 Recently, I tried to find P.L. Traver’s “Mary Poppins” at a local branch of our library. Guess what, I was unable to find any of the series. I tried online and every book was “unavailable”. I could order the movie, though.

 Why should a majority be punished for the fears and sensitivities of a minority? The USA was built on freedoms: the First Amendment allows us all freedom of speech. Yes, this comes with some responsibility. One can’t yell “Fire!” when none exists, since that can result in casualties. The media is protected, but they also must be accountable for anything said or written. Call me out but don’t get mad when I respond back.  Freedom of speech means allowing that moron to scream about horrible, idiotic stuff that you are against. Remember the Feds going after Larry Flynt for publishing “Hustler” magazine. Not my cup of tea but he had the right and won the lawsuit. Again, if you don’t care for it, don’t read it!

 Support the original works and do not buy/read modified (sensitivity-edited) books.