Pro-Bowdlerization

Evelyn Minaise Natalie Tomasello

•  To remove or change passages that are considered vulgar or objectionable

•  Bowdlerization does not add to nor restrict aspects of the original text but rather replaces words and expressions that cannot be read aloud with propriety in racially diverse environments

•  Thomas Bowdler o  The Family Shakespeare

!  Censored version now fit “to be read by a gentleman in the company of ladies” (Wheeler)

What Is Bowdlerization?

Problematic Topics / Themes

•  Racism

•  Rape

•  Death

•  Homosexuality

•  Sexual Content

•  Explicit Language

●  Prostitution

●  Pedophilia

●  Masturbation

●  Sexist

●  Religion

●  Depression

Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Grimm’s Fairy Tales by the Grimm Bros.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Beloved Books

Bowdlerization Does NOT Take Away From Historical Context

•  A way to keep texts relevant o  More likely to be read over time

•  Example: Huckleberry Finn o  219 counts of N-word

•  *Bowdlerization makes a text more accessible, prevents resurgence of racism, is more inclusive, and preserves childhood innocence.

•  Today’s society is constantly changing

Social Acceptance

Intention of Author Time Period Speaker Intention of

Speaker Audience

●  Crude language may not contain the same level of social acceptance today as it once did

“...That's not an ordinary word. That is… quite a hateful word in today's society” (Gribben) (NPR)

To understand the context, one must consider the:

Preventing Resurgence Of Racism •  “The question to ask yourself is whether you

could read a certain passage out loud to a black child without stopping or stumbling. Only then can you say whether it’s okay or not.” o  Theologian Dr. Eske Wollrad

•  While reading Huckleberry Finn, an African American student found “no pleasure... in turning the pages where [the N-word] slapped her again and again and again” (NPR)

Inclusivity of Minorities

Bowdlerizing makes the text accessible for all

Children’s novels should encompass hope and the assurance that every child belongs in a society that values them, no matter the color of their skin

Accessibility From The Standpoints Of ...

Parents: •  Regulation and control •  “There are some concepts that

are best introduced in a more controlled way than having them crop up accidentally in a fairy tale” (Douglas)

Teachers: •  Ensures that every child

receives the information needed about a bowdlerized novel

•  Teaching tool to help explain problematic language and concepts

•  More suitable for a classroom

●  Teachers and parents have allied together to bowdlerize

Preserving Innocence Novels that expose children to harsh social and racial realities penetrate the naive and sheltered life their parents have attempted to create

Children accept what their beloved books tell them

To come across exclusionary language that makes them feel inferior can only be damaging (Capon)