Author's nude drawings too hot for US publisher

[simonsebs]

Author's nude drawings too hot for US publisher (http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2765565.ece)

Its sad, but I do see where the publishers are coming from. They know that there are some parents out there who would raise a big fuss about this. I've seriously given up trying to figure out people like that.

So instead of taking a chance they have decided to stay on the cautious side. There are some things I don't think children should be exposed to (i.e. drugs, cursing, and pornography), but simple, non-sexual nudity is not one of them.

[TheNorm]

Reading further...girls suspended for saying vagina? Another book blacklisted for using the word "scrotum?" Honestly, this goes deeper than anti-nudity. Hopefully these are isolated incidents and not an indication of the new morality.

[MrTruth]

Originally posted by TheNorm:
Reading further...girls suspended for saying vagina? Another book blacklisted for using the word "scrotum?" Honestly, this goes deeper than anti-nudity. Hopefully these are isolated incidents and not an indication of the new morality.

Yes, we must immediately paint clothing over all works of art depicting the nude human form. We must tell all children that to be nude means sex and sex is dirty and bad so children should always immediately turn their heads away in shame when they come across a nude human image. Also any language concerning the human body, such as penis, vagina, breast, ***, etc should all be banned because all of these words relate to sex and sex is dirty and bad. If we all work together as parents, we can ban anything and everything even remotely related to the human body (including anything to do with sex education) and raise a bunch of ill informed and ill prepared for life children who will then grow up in a very protected fantasy world rather then be able to think independantly and rationally about the real world. Let's not talk about sex and nudism when children are around. Let them figure it all out for themselves by learning from the (non existant because sex is immoral and bad) pornography industry. Wait......isn't the porno business a multi billion dollar business? Who is buying all of this stuff when we are a nation of moral and religious people who believe that such things are so bad???

[MrTruth]

I don't think children should be exposed to (i.e. drugs, cursing, and pornography)

Sorry, but children must be taught about such things and at earlier and earlier ages. Children must be aware of the dangers of the world around them and be prepared to deal with them whether parents want to admit to these dangers or not. It is very sad that we have to do this, but this is the reality of the world in which we live today.

Children who are raised to understand and accept the nude human body and have a clear understanding of what it is all about will grow up to respect their own bodies and not be interested in pursuing harmful things such as drugs. Self acceptance and self respect are two very important things that children must learn. To teach children to deny their own humanity by educating them that their own bodies are somehow shameful is very misguided.

[simonsebs]

Originally posted by MrTruth:
Sorry, but children must be taught about such things and at earlier and earlier ages. Children must be aware of the dangers of the world around them and be prepared to deal with them whether parents want to admit to these dangers or not. It is very sad that we have to do this, but this is the reality of the world in which we live today.

Children who are raised to understand and accept the nude human body and have a clear understanding of what it is all about will grow up to respect their own bodies and not be interested in pursuing harmful things such as drugs. Self acceptance and self respect are two very important things that children must learn. To teach children to deny their own humanity by educating them that their own bodies are somehow shameful is very misguided.

That's not what I meant when I said that. I know that you can't censor reality and I agree with you about teaching children to avoid these types of dangers.

What I meant was that some things shouldn't be in the home. I don't kids should be around people who use and sell illegal drugs. I don't think any parent in their right mind who openly watch porn with their kids around or leave it where their child could find it. I think its wrong to curse around children, but then again that is based off of personal experiences growing up.

Still with all that being I don't want this thread to get off-topic talking about this. Let's focus on the book publishers and whether or not they made the right decision.

[nimrod]

It seems to me that the publisher is more afraid of a law suit than anything else. I applaud the author for sticking to her beliefs and not folding to the publishers presure.

[walter05]

Elected local school boards select books.

Statewide school boards that are appointed by elected officials or elected select books.

There are parents, right wing groups, etc. that review proposed textbooks. If they are viewed as objectionable, the books will not be approved and therefore can't be sold.

If the publisher publishes a textbook deemed objectionable that textbook will not be approved. In addition other textbooks from that publisher may also not be approved. If the publisher gets a bad reputation, parents may shy away from that publisher when selecting other books for home use.

If the books are intended to be read by children, the same process applies to school libraries.

Book Stores also are careful with children's books. If parents believe that Barnes and Noble puts objectionable material in books intended for children, those parents may shy away from Barnes and Noble.

The publisher is making a dollars and cents decision. The publisher does not want to take any risk that could cost it and its other authors a lot of business.

As a parent, I would be concerned about the smoking illustrations. I don't want smoking suggested to my children. I would not be offended by the illustrations including the penis but believe those illustrations are not necessary. Children's books are not the place to stretch the creative envelope.

I am not sure if the publisher made the correct decision or not.

[simonsebs]

US publisher relents on German children's book (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/174379,us-publisher-relents-on-german-childrens-book.html)

Here's an update to the story. I still wouldn't be surprised if some parents complained about this book.:disappointed:

[walter05]

I doubt the publisher relented because of an outcry in Germany.

If there are objections, I am sure there will be more defenders.

Once again however, I would not appreciate the smoking images.

[MichaelJB]

The publisher shouldnt shy away simply because theres risk involved. They need to be unafraid of threats by uptight people and let children be exposed to the truth. They really need to tell some of these radical nutjobs to get a life and if they want to keep their kids suffocating in a bubble seperated from the real world then they shouldnt buy the book, simple as that. We have something called freedom of expression in this country and authors should be able to sell children's books with tasteful nudity and certain words in it without parents coming after them with torches and pitchforks.

[MichaelJB]

Elected local school boards select books.

Statewide school boards that are appointed by elected officials or elected select books.


Thats why you make sure people get elected who will make smart choices and not fall prey to fear or threats.



There are parents, right wing groups, etc. that review proposed textbooks. If they are viewed as objectionable, the books will not be approved and therefore can't be sold.


Then those groups must be challenged if they are denying children access to legitimate material. We shouldnt allow one group of people to decide what is best for children. This is a free country.



If the publisher publishes a textbook deemed objectionable that textbook will not be approved. In addition other textbooks from that publisher may also not be approved. If the publisher gets a bad reputation, parents may shy away from that publisher when selecting other books for home use.


Then that is the parent's fault for jumping to conclusions and assuming the publisher is bad simply because they make one bad choice. They need to do what they think is right and not worry about the parents.



If the books are intended to be read by children, the same process applies to school libraries.


If children cannot get such books from school libraries then they can go to public libraries or bookstores that will have those books. There are many choices.



Book Stores also are careful with children's books. If parents believe that Barnes and Noble puts objectionable material in books intended for children, those parents may shy away from Barnes and Noble.


Barnes and Noble isnt the only bookstore around, other bookstores are not so picky.



The publisher is making a dollars and cents decision. The publisher does not want to take any risk that could cost it and its other authors a lot of business.


Then maybe they shouldnt be publishing books if they cannot make the big decisions.
Risk is part of the game, you either accept that going in or you dont play the game. Thats how it works.



As a parent, I would be concerned about the smoking illustrations. I don't want smoking suggested to my children. I would not be offended by the illustrations including the penis but believe those illustrations are not necessary. Children's books are not the place to stretch the creative envelope.


I would rather a child see a penis and learn about the the positive/negative aspects of smoking from a children's book rather than some drug dealer on the street. I dont want a child to miss out on a good book just because of one or two things "some" people might find objectional. These publishers cannot allow one small group to manipulate and bully them.

Mike

[walter05]

You are correct that we must make sure to elect the right people.

We must also make sure that when people challenge things, they will be heard.

I teach my children about smoking and drugs. It is not clear this book showed smoking in a negative light.

I don't think there was an attempt to show penises in a positive light but simply as factual parts of male anatomy. That is fine.

Publishers must pay attention to their markets. If not, they will not sell books and go out of business.

[MichaelJB]

You are correct that we must make sure to elect the right people.

We must also make sure that when people challenge things, they will be heard.


Thats why we need to get enough people to speak and speak loud enough that others cannot help but hear what we have to say about things. People might not have to agree with us but they must at least hear us out.



I teach my children about smoking and drugs. It is not clear this book showed smoking in a negative light.


While smoking and drinking are not necessarily things to be encouraged, I dont think its right to just show children one point of view. It's good for them to see both sides.



Publishers must pay attention to their markets. If not, they will not sell books and go out of business.


Thats right but they should not refuse to publish a book just because someone threatens them or they are afraid a bunch of angry parents are going to come after them. If they feel publishing a certain book is the right thing to do then they should do it and stand up for themselves and not let certain groups or certain parents bully them into doing something they know is not right.

Mike

[walter05]

I am a parent. It is my responsibility to teach my children right from wrong. I teach my viewpoint.

If a publisher does not take care of listening to the market, that publisher will be out of business and publishing nothing.

You are extremely immature not to understand the responsibilities of parents and the need of companies to make profit.

From this point on, when you provide mature cogent points, I may respond. If not, I will ignore your posts.