[Sca-librarians] is this a case for censorship?

[Johnna Holloway]

Books get canceled or changed all the time. At times it seems like 
publisher's
whims or maybe author's whims. (We were working on my husband's latest 
book just last evening.)

See 
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/08/13/0813spellberg.html
The Jewel of Medina was just canceled for instance.

I suppose the question is do they really need a Daring Book for Girls at 
all or does playing
the

digeridoo just make it all more daring?

What is it they say about publicity?


Johnna



Cash, John Joseph wrote:
> Dear folks,
>
> I came across a story today on the BBC, about a book being produced in 
> Australia which Aboriginal leaders are asking to be scrapped or 
> changed. The full story is at 
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7595515.stm.
>
> The book is to be called "Daring Book for Girls," is a revision of a 
> British book, featuring many Aboriginal-themes activities, including 
> instructions on playing the digeridoo. Many Aboriginal leaders say 
> there are taboos surrounding the instrument, including one calling it a 
> "male" instrument, one not to be played by women. The publishers have 
> apologized for any offense caused, but nonetheless appear to be going 
> ahead with it as planned. They say there is considerable disagreement 
> on this taboo within the Aboriginal community.
>
> It seems to me they are missing an opportunity, to ask Aboriginal 
> leaders for help revising this book, and getting suggestions on 
> alternatives. Instead, they appear to be going ahead with the offending 
> copy.
>
> If they change it, would it be a case of self-censorship? If they do 
> not, would libraries' refusal to order or carry it be a case of 
> self-censorship?
>
> Please forward this to toher lists, as I'd like some opinions.
>
> - Johannes
> John Cash, Wells Library, Indiana University
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sca-librarians mailing list
> Sca-librarians at lists.gallowglass.org
> http://lists.gallowglass.org/mailman/listinfo/sca-librarians
>