New editions of Roald Dahl’s children’s books are being rewritten to remove language deemed offensive by the publisher Puffin Books, including the words “fat” and “ugly.”
Inclusive Minds told The Epoch Times that it’s an organization that works in the children’s book world to support “authentic representation, primarily by connecting those in the industry with those who have lived experience of any or multiple facets of diversity. Inclusive Minds do not write, edit or rewrite texts, but provide book creators with valuable insight from people with the relevant lived experience that they can take into consideration in the wider process of writing and editing.
“We encourage book creators (usually publishers and sometimes authors and illustrators) to ask to connect with the network at the earliest possible stage of a book’s development so that Inclusion Ambassadors can share nuances related to their lived experience as characters are created and plots are developed. This makes it very different from sensitivity reading. Involving our Ambassadors is not about cutting potentially controversial content but rather about including and embedding authenticity and inclusive voices and experiences from the outset. These connections provide valuable insight that complements the many other forms of research an author will use to ensure authentic inclusion.”
The Telegraph reportedly found hundreds of changes to Dahl’s original stories, including sentences that weren’t actually written by Dahl himself.
The changes include language relating to weight, mental health, gender, race, and violence.
‘Cloud-Men’ Now ‘Cloud-People’
After the changes, the character Augustus Gloop in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is now reportedly referred to as “enormous” as opposed to “enormously fat,” while the “Cloud-Men” in “James and the Giant Peach” have been given gender-neutral terms, and are now “Cloud-People.”“Mothers and fathers” have been rewritten as “parents” across a range of Dahl’s books, according to the report.
Elsewhere, a sentence from “The Witches” that previously read: “You can’t go round pulling at the hair of every lady you meet, even if she is wearing gloves. Just you try it and see what happens,” now reads, “Besides, there are plenty of other reasons why women might wear wigs and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.”
The word “crazy” has also been replaced with “furious” or has otherwise been removed outright, as has the word “mad,” while “policemen” has been replaced with “police officers” and Oompa Loompas are no longer “small men,” but “small people.”
“Our guiding principle throughout has been to maintain the storylines, characters, and the irreverence and sharp-edged spirit of the original text. Any changes made have been small and carefully considered,” the spokesperson continued.
However, the move has prompted outrage from Dahl’s fans, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who condemned the rewriting of the beloved children’s books.
UK Prime Minister Condemns Rewrites
Sunak’s spokesman backed fans in a Feb. 20 statement to multiple media outlets: “When it comes to our rich and varied literary heritage, the PM agrees with the BFG that you shouldn’t ‘gobblefunk’ around with words,” referencing Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant character and the language the author created and used in his books.“I think it’s important that works of literature and works of fiction are preserved and not airbrushed. We have always defended the right to free speech and expression,” the statement read.
Puffin didn’t respond to a request for comment by press time.
“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,” the children’s entertainment company said at the time. “Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families.”
