|
Would publishers consider publishing a "school version" of a book that has unacceptable swear words? |
Q: I had recommended a book, Feed, to a high school teacher and suggested his class read it since it’d be a great discussion starter, and he said no way would his school let him have that book in class because it had the f word in it. Is this a common reason why some books aren’t read in class? If so, would publishers consider publishing a “school version” where the unacceptable swear words are shown like this *@%! or f— or whatever? That way the story would get read, but it wouldn’t offend anyone (in an ideal world!).
According to Pat Scales, a consultant who specializes in censorship issues and who has served as chair of both the Newbery and Caldecott committees, “Publishing two different editions is expurgation and a blatant form of censorship. It should be between the author and the editor as to whether the “word” should be there. If the word doesn’t fit the character who is using it, then the novel is perhaps flawed. Words help define character, and in Feed I think the word needs to be there. The best thing that teachers can do is to help students focus on character —not words. Focusing on “the word” is what censors do. They take words out of context and never consider the value of the entire book. The book is devalued when “the words” are taken out. If teachers can’t use the book as the author wrote it, then why did they choose to use it in the first place? Publishing two editions is “selling out” and I wouldn’t think many authors or publishers would go for it. We absolutely must fight the fight and not give in.” 9:10/05
|
