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David Olusoga Advocates Confronting Racist Language in Classic Works

The historian argues against censorship, emphasizing historical context and the importance of addressing offensive language directly.

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David Olusoga said that schools should be prepared to support pupils who might feel uncomfortable, rather than shying away from using difficult books
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Overview

  • David Olusoga, speaking at the Hay Festival, criticized the removal of racist language from classic books and media, advocating for confronting such language to understand its historical impact.
  • He highlighted the need for resilience, stating that previous generations endured these terms in life, while current readers encounter them in texts.
  • Olusoga's comments come amidst ongoing debates over sensitivity editing in works like the James Bond series and Roald Dahl's children's books.
  • He recently contributed to a documentary on the BBC's Black and White Minstrel Show, illustrating how such media perpetuated racism and stereotypes.
  • Olusoga and his sister Yinka co-authored 'Black History for Every Day of the Year,' promoting the integration of black history into mainstream narratives.