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

[Carlson, Marc]

Considering the inherent gender bias in a "book for girls", I doubt that
*cultural* insensitivity is really their major issue here.  However,
whether it's for culturally sensitive reasons or not, "please don't
publish that because I don't want you to" is still censorship.  

I think the inherent flaw in the logic is the implicit assumption that
all censorship is bad.  We censor all the time.  In my case, I find that
I frequently censor myself since my sense of humor is enough to get me
fired if I unleash it in the wrong places or the wrong times.

I. Marc Carlson
Librarian of Special Collections and University Archives
McFarlin Library
University of Tulsa
2933 E 6th St.
Tulsa, OK  74104
(918) 631-2882 

-----Original Message-----
From: sca-librarians-bounces at lists.gallowglass.org
[mailto:sca-librarians-bounces at lists.gallowglass.org] On Behalf Of JC
Sandstrom
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 8:38 AM
To: sca-librarians at lists.gallowglass.org; Cash, John Joseph
Subject: Re: [Sca-librarians] is this a case for censorship?

Where is the line between self-censorship and cultural sensitivity?  As
the option of revising the book is open, I would not call it censorship.


Omar
MKA
John C. Sandstrom
Manager, Collection Development and Acquisitions
El Paso Public Library


--- On Wed, 9/3/08, Cash, John Joseph <jcash at indiana.edu> wrote:

> From: Cash, John Joseph <jcash at indiana.edu>
> Subject: Re: [Sca-librarians] is this a case for censorship?
> To: sca-librarians at lists.gallowglass.org
> Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2008, 6:21 AM
> 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
> 
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