Posted by Anne LeVeque on January 19, 1999 at 17:44:32:
We finished up The Big Six the other night and came across a bit
of a surprise. As Dick is developing the crucial photo negative,
Pete exclaims, "Niggers!" My husband stopped short when he encountered
it and then proceeded, with an aside to Jake (10 YO) about the
offensiveness of the word. Jake certainly knows that it is offensive,
and understands that he is not to use it under any circumstances.
I worry about the littler ones though. Julia (3 1/2 YO) and Jenny
(almost 2)are both little parrots and while Jenny was sound asleep,
Julia was still awake, although very nearly asleep.
What do others who read aloud do? Do you edit ad lib? I think I
might have substituted "Africans!" or something along those lines.
Is this one of those American vs. British sensibilities things?
While I would never suggest that the publishers change the word,
maybe a footnote would be in order - both to inform impressionable
minds who are reading it on their own and to help startled parents
who are reading aloud. I don't think that constitutes censorship,
merely commentary, but maybe others disagree. In a book intended
for adults, such a note would be unnecessary, but children should
be offered someguidance in such situations.
To top it off, last night we started on Missee Lee! Jake has taken
to making a 'ding!' sound whenever he hears a word or phrase that
is offensive. Yikes!
Perhaps some of the discussion which (I hope) ensues can be summarized
for the FAQ Woll is creating.
Anne LeVeque
fairly new member of TARS-US