Diversity in Literature & Media (WAS book differences)

[datalaur]

No: HPFGUIDX 40505

> I fail to see the reason for the irritation people express over a 
> decision to make a character of a minority race in this instance, 
> which leads me to worry that something deeper may be at work.
> 
> Cindy


I don't mind there being diversity one bit; in fact, I am very glad 
when I do find it.  But I mind some publisher unilaterally deciding 
they're going to modify the author's work.  (I'm under the impression 
this was not a change by JKR, and that she did not bless it.)  

It's bad enough when a work has to be translated to another language, 
or when a change is intended for clarity (ie, jumper vs sweater*) but 
to have an author's work changed for some *social* purpose -- no 
matter how noble -- well, *that* is bowdlerizing, and I find it 
rather objectionable.  After all, when the next noble cause comes 
along, who knows what 'improvements' will be made?  

I like my books with all their warts intact, thank you.  

laur


*I do wish that US publishers had kept the verbage intact, adding a 
glossary or footnotes if they really felt strongly.  Good heavens, 
what's wrong with reading the book as is?  I don't buy the 'younger 
kids will struggle' argument.  We have the footnote option after 
all.  To contrast -- the recent game FIFA Soccer has some announcers 
with very thick (to this ear) accents using British terms and lo! the 
kids have picked up on that perfectly well.  

To those who say "well, vote with your pocketbook" -- I didn't really 
have that option with the first 3 books because I had no idea the 
books in my store were an Americanized version.  Consumers can only 
exercise a choice when they know there is a choice.  Now I know... 
now I will not buy 'kindler, gentler' versions any more.  Bleh.