Writers Condemned For Their Views

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of condemning writers for their views. There’s been a sharp rise in well-known novelists being branded sexist or misogynistic, or being criticized for their views on transgender issues or gay marriage. Some of these writers have been subjected to online abuse and harassment, while others have been disinvited from events or had their books banned by schools and libraries. The trend goes back to the middle of the last century but the issue has become more common as we travel through the twenty-first century.

One of the most high-profile cases of this was the backlash against J.K. Rowling in 2019, after she made a number of tweets that were seen as transphobic. Rowling was accused of being a transphobe, and her books were burned by some people. She was also disinvited from a number of events, and her publisher, Little, Brown, was forced to issue a statement distancing itself from her views.

Another example is the case of Orson Scott Card, who has been criticized for his views on gay marriage. Card has said that he believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and he has donated money to organizations that oppose same-sex marriage. As a result of his views, Card has been disinvited from events and his books have been banned from some libraries.

The treatment of these novelists raises important questions about freedom of speech and the role of art in society. Some people believe that these writers should be free to express their views, even if those views are controversial. Others believe that these writers should be held accountable for their words, and that they should not be given a platform to spread harmful messages. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of well-known novelists being branded sexist or misogynistic, or being criticized for their views on transgender issues or gay marriage. Some of these writers have been subjected to online abuse and harassment, while others have been disinvited from events or had their books banned.

Here are ten writers who have been caught up in this delicate net:

Enid Blyton (1897 – 1968)

One of the most popular children’s authors of all time, but her work has been criticized for its perceived sexism, racism, and snobbery regarding class.

In the early days of her career, Blyton’s work was praised for its escapism and adventure. However, as time went on, critics began to point out the negative stereotypes that were often present in her books. For example, Blyton’s female characters were often portrayed as being less intelligent and capable than their male counterparts, and her books often featured racist and xenophobic stereotypes.

In the 1960s, Blyton’s work began to be banned from schools and libraries. This was due in part to the growing awareness of the negative stereotypes in her books, but it was also due to the fact that Blyton’s writing was seen as being out of touch with the changing social values of the time.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Blyton’s work. However, this interest has been accompanied by a renewed debate about the negative stereotypes in her books. Some people argue that Blyton’s work should be banned, while others argue that it should be read critically and that the negative stereotypes should be discussed with children.

The treatment of Enid Blyton’s writing by education authorities and libraries has varied over the years. In the early days of her career, her books were often praised and recommended for schools. However, as the negative stereotypes in her books became more widely known, they began to be banned from schools and libraries. In recent years, there has been a more nuanced approach to Blyton’s work, with some libraries and schools continuing to ban her books, while others are choosing to keep them but to discuss the negative stereotypes with children.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to read Enid Blyton’s books is a personal one. However, it is important to be aware of the negative stereotypes that are present in her work and to discuss these stereotypes with children.

Roald Dahl (1916 – 1990)

Was a beloved children’s author, but his work has also been criticized for its perceived sexism and antisemitism. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to remove Dahl’s books from schools and libraries.

In 1983, Dahl made a number of anti-Semitic remarks in an interview with the New Statesman. He said that there was “a trait in the Jewish character that does provoke animosity” and that Hitler “didn’t just pick on them for no reason.” These remarks have led some people to argue that Dahl’s books should not be taught in schools, as they could promote anti-Semitism.

Dahl’s work has also been criticized for its sexism. In his book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the character of Augustus Gloop is a fat, greedy boy who is ultimately punished for his gluttony. Some people have argued that this character is a stereotype of Jewish people, who are often portrayed as being greedy and materialistic.

In recent years, there have been a number of efforts to “sanitize” Dahl’s writing. For example, some schools have removed the character of Augustus Gloop from their productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Others have edited out the anti-Semitic passages from Dahl’s books.

The treatment of Roald Dahl’s writing is a complex issue. On the one hand, his books are beloved by millions of children around the world. On the other hand, his work contains some harmful stereotypes that could be harmful to young readers. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that Dahl’s books should be taught in schools.

Here is a timeline of the treatment of Roald Dahl’s writing by education authorities and libraries:

1964: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is published.
1983: Dahl makes anti-Semitic remarks in an interview with the New Statesman.
1990: Dahl dies.
2012: A school in London removes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from its curriculum.
2013: A library in New York City removes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from its shelves.
2018: The British Royal Mint decides not to issue a commemorative coin to mark the 100th anniversary of Dahl’s birth, citing his anti-Semitic views.
2020: The Dahl family issues an apology for the hurt caused by his anti-Semitic statements.

It is likely that the debate over Roald Dahl’s writing will continue for many years to come.

Norman Mailer (1929 – 2007)

Was a controversial figure throughout his life, and his treatment by the public and the literary establishment was often coloured by his perceived misogyny. In the 1970s, Mailer was a vocal critic of the women’s liberation movement, and he made a number of statements that were seen as offensive and sexist. For example, he once said that “all women should be locked in cages” and that “women are low sloppy beasts.” These statements led to widespread criticism of Mailer, and he was even banned from some literary events.

In recent years, Mailer’s reputation has come under renewed scrutiny, and his misogyny has been called into question. Some critics have argued that Mailer’s statements were simply the product of his time, and that they should not be judged by the standards of today. Others have argued that Mailer’s misogyny was deeply ingrained in his personality, and that it is impossible to separate his work from his personal views.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not Norman Mailer was a misogynist is a complex one. There is no doubt that he made some offensive and sexist statements, but there is also evidence to suggest that he was a complex and contradictory figure. Whether or not his work can be separated from his personal views is a matter of debate.

Germaine Greer (1939 -)

A very famous feminist writer and academic – and author of the seminal The Female Eunuch – who has been outspoken about her views on transsexuality. She has said that she does not believe that transgender women are “real women” and that she does not use female pronouns to refer to them. Her views have been met with criticism from some transgender activists, who have accused her of transphobia.

In 2015, Greer was scheduled to give a talk at the University of Cambridge, but the event was cancelled after protests from transgender students. In 2016, she was invited to appear on the BBC show “Question Time,” but she was booed and heckled by audience members when she expressed her views on transsexuality.

Greer’s views on transsexuality have been controversial, but she has defended them by saying that she is simply stating her opinion. She has said that she does not believe that transgender women should be discriminated against, but she does not believe that they should be able to force others to accept their gender identity.

The treatment of Germaine Greer as a result of her views about transsexuality has been mixed. Some people have defended her right to express her opinion, while others have criticized her for her views.

Salman Rushdie (1947 -)

His novel The Satanic Verses was published in 1988. The novel caused widespread controversy, particularly in the Muslim world, for its perceived blasphemous portrayal of Islam. In 1989, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death. This fatwa led to Rushdie being forced into hiding for several years, and he still receives death threats to this day.

In the wake of the fatwa, The Satanic Verses was banned in many countries, and copies of the novel were burned. Libraries and schools also removed the novel from their shelves. In the United States, the novel was banned in some school districts, and there were calls for it to be banned from public libraries.

Rushdie himself was also subjected to a great deal of abuse. He was called a “devil worshipper” and a “blasphemer.” He was also the target of a number of physical attacks. In 1991, he was stabbed by a man who had been inspired by the fatwa. And even recently, in August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie was stabbed multiple times as he was about to give a public lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. The attacker was a 24-year-old man from New Jersey with roots in Lebanon. He was arrested at the scene and charged with assault and attempted murder. Rushdie was gravely wounded in the attack, and he lost sight in his right eye. He was also hospitalized for several weeks.

The treatment of Salman Rushdie and The Satanic Verses is a reminder of the dangers of censorship and the importance of freedom of expression. The novel may have been offensive to some, but it is a work of literature that should be protected.

Here are some additional details about the treatment of Rushdie’s writing by education authorities and libraries:

In the United Kingdom, the book was banned from several schools and libraries.
In India, the book was banned from all schools and libraries.
In Pakistan, the book was banned from all public places.
In Iran, the book was banned from publication and distribution.

Despite the bans, The Satanic Verses has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. The novel has also won several awards, including the Whitbread Prize for Fiction and the Booker Prize.

Martin Amis (1949 – 2023)

British novelist, essayist, and critic, Martin Amis was accused of misogyny and sexism throughout his career. His novels often feature grotesquely sexist male protagonists and objectified female sidekicks, and he has made a number of controversial public statements about women.

In 1989, two judges of the Booker Prize refused to allow Amis’s novel London Fields on to the shortlist because of its portrayal of women. Amis has also been criticized for his comments about Katie Price, a British glamour model, whom he described as “two bags of silicone.”

Amis has defended his work, arguing that the many misogynistic characters in his books are intended to be the butt of satire.

Amis’s treatment by the literary establishment has been mixed. He has been praised for his talent as a writer, but he has also been criticized for his misogyny and sexism. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to boycott Amis’s work, and some critics have argued that he should be considered a pariah in the literary world.

Here are some specific examples of Amis’s writing that have been criticized as misogynistic:

In his novel The Rachel Papers, the protagonist describes a woman as “a piece of meat with a mouth.”
In his essay “The War Against Clichés,” Amis writes that “women are not as funny as men.”
In an interview, Amis said that “women are inferior to men in every way except childbirth.”

Those comments are taken out of context. Amis’s supporters argue that his work should be taken in context, and that he is not a misogynist. They point out that he has also written sympathetically about women, and that his work is often satirical.

However, Amis’s critics argue that his work is overwhelmingly misogynistic, and that his comments about women are often offensive and hateful. They believe that he should not be given a platform to spread his views.

Ultimately, whether or not Martin Amis is a misogynist is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that his work has been criticized for its portrayal of women, and that he has made a number of controversial statements about them.

Orson Scott Card (1951 -)

is a well-known science fiction author who has written many popular novels, including Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead. However, Card has also been a vocal opponent of gay marriage and homosexuality in general. This stance has led to calls for a boycott of his work, and he has been criticized by many in the LGBT community.

In 2013, when the film adaptation of Ender’s Game was released, Card’s anti-gay views were once again in the spotlight. Many people refused to see the film because of Card’s views, and there were protests at some of the screenings. Card himself was not involved in the promotion of the film, and he was not invited to attend the premiere.

Card’s anti-gay views have also had an impact on his career outside of writing. In 2013, he was asked to step down from writing a Superman comic book because of his views. He has also been banned from speaking at some science fiction conventions.

Card has defended his views, arguing that he is simply expressing his religious beliefs. However, many people believe that his views are harmful and discriminatory. They argue that Card’s work should not be supported because of his anti-gay stance.

The treatment of Orson Scott Card is a complex issue. On the one hand, people have a right to express their religious beliefs, even if those beliefs are unpopular. On the other hand, people also have a right to be free from discrimination. In the case of Orson Scott Card, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they want to support his work.

Jonathan Franzen (1959 -)

A critically acclaimed novelist who has been accused of misogyny on several occasions. These accusations have stemmed from his comments about female writers, his portrayal of women in his novels, and his general attitude towards women.

In 2001, Franzen made headlines when he said that he was “uncomfortable” with Oprah Winfrey selecting his novel The Corrections for her book club. He said that he thought Winfrey’s book club was “too mainstream” and that it “diminishes the book.” This comment was widely interpreted as being sexist, as it suggested that Winfrey’s book club was only for women and that it did not have the same cultural cachet as other book clubs.

Franzen’s novels have also been criticized for their portrayal of women. In his novel Purity, the female characters are often portrayed as being weak, helpless, and/or manipulative. This portrayal has led some critics to argue that Franzen is a misogynist who does not understand or respect women.

Franzen’s general attitude towards women has also been called into question. In a 2015 interview, he said that he thought that women were “better at relationships” than men. This comment was seen by some as being patronizing and condescending.

As a result of these accusations, Franzen has been treated with suspicion by many female readers and writers. His novels have been boycotted by some, and he has been the target of online harassment.

Whether or not Franzen is actually a misogynist is a matter of debate. However, there is no doubt that his comments and portrayals of women have alienated many readers.

Bret Easton Ellis (1964 -)

Bret Easton Ellis has been accused of misogyny and sexism since the publication of his first novel, Less Than Zero, in 1985. His most famous novel, American Psycho, which was published in 1991, features a protagonist who is a misogynist and serial killer. Ellis has been criticized for the graphic violence and misogyny in his novels, and he has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women.

In response to these criticisms, Ellis has said that he is not a misogynist, but that he is simply trying to depict the world as he sees it. He has also said that he believes that art should be provocative and challenging, and that he is not afraid to push boundaries.

Ellis’s treatment by the media has been mixed. Some critics have praised him for his work, while others have condemned him for that perceived misogyny. In 2019, Ellis published a nonfiction book called White, which was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised the book for its honesty and its willingness to tackle difficult topics, while others criticized it for being offensive and misogynistic.

Ultimately, whether or not Bret Easton Ellis is a misogynist is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that his work has been controversial, and that he has been the target of much criticism.

J.K. Rowling (1965 -)

J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia for a number of years, dating back to 2017 when she “liked” a tweet that criticized the transgender rights movement. In 2019, she defended Maya Forstater, a British researcher who lost her job after making transphobic comments on social media. And in 2020, she sparked a firestorm of controversy when she tweeted about the use of the phrase “people who menstruate.”

Rowling has defended her views, saying that she is simply concerned about the safety of women and girls. However, many people have accused her of being transphobic, and her comments have been met with widespread criticism from the transgender community and its allies.

In a blog post published in December 2020, Rowling attempted to clarify her views. She said that she supports the rights of transgender people to live their lives as they see fit, but she also believes that there are important biological differences between men and women. She also said that she is concerned about the way that the transgender rights movement is being used to silence women who raise concerns about these issues.

Rowling’s comments have been met with mixed reactions. Some people have praised her for speaking out about what they see as an important issue, while others have accused her of being transphobic and of contributing to the discrimination faced by transgender people. She has been the target of online abuse and harassment since she made her views on transgender issues known. She has been called names, had her books burned, and been disinvited from events. She has also been the subject of a number of petitions calling for her to be cancelled.

Rowling has said that she has been subjected to “a tidal wave of abuse” and that she has been “silenced” by the transgender rights movement. She has also said that she is afraid to speak out about her views because she fears for her safety.

And this concludes our list of writers condemned for their views. What’s your take on these, any writers who are missing?

Writers Condemned For Their Views – Sexual, Political & Social