On today’s NOTICE News Daily: There’s uproar after a publisher decided to “update” words in Roald Dahl’s classic novels like “BFG” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Plus: What’s causing these world-famous canals to go dry?
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Top Story: Should Words in Classic Books Be Changed?
LONDON – Last week a British newspaper reported that the publisher behind many of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novels like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda” and “BFG” plans to re-release the books, but with updated words that hopefully won’t offend anyone. This included making Oompa-Loompas gender neutral and calling Augustus Gloop “enormous” instead of “fat.” The story set off a firestorm of criticism from authors and politicians. >> Full story from Insider
Further Reading…
- Update: Following the backlash, the publisher now says it will release unedited versions of the books (Reuters)
- Both the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, (BBC) and the Queen Consort, Camilla, waded into the conflict (The Guardian)
- Go Deeper: The conservative newspaper Washington Examiner posted a list of the “25 most surprising changes” to Roald Dahl’s books
- In addition to this, Roald Dahl left behind a complicated legacy of anti-semitism (Time)
In Other News…
- Toxic Train Derailment in Ohio was ‘100% preventable’: A first report from the government says the spill might have been avoided if the railway company’s alarm system had given engineers an earlier warning that bearings were overheating. They also said there’s no evidence the train crew did something wrong. >> Full story
- Republicans To Hold Their First Presidential Debate In Wisconsin: The Republican National Committee’s debates committee voted to hold the debate in Milwaukee, and wants all participating candidates to sign a loyalty pledge vowing to support the eventual White House nominee. >> Full story
- Oat, soy and almond drinks can keep calling themselves milk, the FDA says: >> Full story from NBC News
Low Tide Leaves Venice Canals Almost Dry
Weeks of dry winter weather have raised concerns that Italy could face another drought after last summer’s emergency, with the Alps having received less than half of their normal snowfall, according to scientists and environmental groups. >> Watch more from Reuters Video
Discussion Questions
- Since Roald Dahl wrote the majority of his books in the mid 20th century, why might some people now feel that the language is outdated?
- What was the main reason the publishing company said they wanted to change some of the language in Dahl’s books?
- Some feel that editing or censoring Roald Dahl’s books infringes on or goes against what fundamental right?
- Publishers The Roald Dahl Story Company and Puffin worked with a company called “Inclusive Minds.” What larger political or societal issues are related to this story, and why?
- What could the impact be of the new government report finding that the toxic train derailment in Ohio was “100% preventable”?
- Why would the dairy industry have wanted the milk substitute products to not use the word “milk” in their names?
Writing Prompts
- There could obviously be both pros and cons in changing some of the language in the Roald Dahl books, like “fat” to “enormous” and “black” to “dark.” What would you say are both advantages and disadvantages to making such changes? In your opinion, does one side outweigh the other, and why?
- In the books, could there be a range in what’s now considered offensive to some? Are some references or allusions to things more “out-of-date” than others, and why? What should be the gauge or framework by which publishers decide what is acceptable versus what ought to be edited out–if anything?
- If other past works begin being edited for current audiences, what could be some effects of that–either strengths or consequences? In what other areas or arenas could such changes reach, beyond literature?