Roald Dahl Re-Writes: The Pros and Cons of Sanitising History

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Matilda", "The BFG", "James and the Giant Peach" these are just some of Roald Dahl's most famous stories written for kids all around the world. Last week we heard the news that Puffin, the British publishing house, is releasing new editions of Dahl's children's stories that have been rewritten to suit modern sensibilities, changing some words in an effort to not offend readers. The words "fat" and "ugly" have gone and gendered phrases switched like the Cloud-Men becming Cloud-People. These changes have caused quite a stir online - with many taking to social media to post their anger. In today's episode, we take a look at whether we should be sanitising our history and why got so upset over a few small words. Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at [email protected] CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at [email protected] CREDITS Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to: Michelle Smith - Senior Lecturer in Literary Studies at Monash University Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Kally Borg Audio Producer: Thom Lion Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.