Air Brushing Literature – Totally Unnecessary

Roald Dahl’s Publishers decision to seek to change words in his books seems to be a rather unnecessary and without any real merit.

To change any literature because there is a concern that current standards of some individuals will be offended by the words used when the books were written is completely wrong in my opinion.

I would expect that the vast majority of people would also agree with me.

I am also unsure as to why those that may be offended are being pampered too.

Is society becoming over sensitive to the views of minorities? At times I think we are.

Literature is written in the moment and that instant I believe is purely that a moment in time and should therefore be locked when it was created, for good or bad.

It would seem strange to me to suddenly start to alter the words of the Bible or the Koran (Qur’an) or any literature masterpiece because some felt the words were offensive. It just wouldn’t happen.

Will Shakespear be the next author to come under the spotlight, I some how doubt it, and hope not.

So why seek to change the words in children’s books. I would expect that Dahl would be figuratively turning in his grave.

I know that I would not be too pleased if a publisher wanted to change something I had written because of the sensitivity of people in years to come.

I am not the first to write on this issue and I am yet to see anyone of real note that believes the books require changing. Even the PM and the Queen Consort have raised their concerns.

What I feel would be far more appropriate is that if the issue was raised by someone while reading or having read the book about the words used then a discussion at the time to explain matters would be far more reasonable.

Airbrushing literature because of apparent sensitivity of individuals to the content is total inappropriate and unnecessary, I do hope the publishers of Roald Dahl’s works re-consider….