Publishing is a medium that prides itself on its freedom of expression but has started to be cautious about signing certain voices.
The New York Times offers an update on recent book publishing trends. This is another sign of how intellectual elites want to harm themselves in order to promote virtue and social activism. This is a microcosm of our current culture which is dependent upon cranks and self-appointed arbitrators.
This study is by Pamela Paul (columnist) and is based upon the recognition of an anniversary in the literary world and its subsequent effects.
This month marks the third anniversary of Jeanine Cummins’ novel “American Dirt.” It was a fictional tale about immigrants crossing the US southern border. It was so well received that Cummins was given a multimillion-dollar deal.
The author and the book were attacked just before publication. As a result, publishing was modified. This selective outrage can then overshadow mass support for a product. Corporate power is shaken and their weak character leads to them complying with a small group that believes the bullhorn sounds more resistant than it is.
“American Dirt” started with a blog post from another writer who was asked to review Cummins’ novel. Myriam Guruba, a Mexican American writer, wrote a rough review. Gurga argues that it is a poor grade and that the author isn’t in the right place to write it. Gurga laments about “italicized Spanish terms…littering her prose, giving the same effect as store-bought Taco Seasoning Seasoning seasoning.” ”
Gurba is free to express her views. It is amazing that this profane review has received so much attention. Cummins’ inability to write such content and her complaints were mostly ignored. More than 140 people signed a petition asking her to reconsider.
It is important to find out how many complaints were made by readers. The backlash was too much. Cummins’ book tour was canceled after the publisher blinks. It was also warmly received in Mexico.
The book publishing industry has experienced a chill since the publication of the book. Authors have resisted Cummins and “Dirt” out of fear of being targeted or potentially losing their careers. Paul claims there has been an improvement in the operations of imprint houses.
It was obvious that January 2020’s scandal over “American Dirt” was a sign. It was at this point that the publishing industry lost its confidence, and allowed its worst instincts to rule the publishing industry. It is difficult to know who can write, who should blurb, and who can edit. Books that were previously considered for publication are now unavailable. Self-censorship is common among Sensitivity Readers.
This feat is remarkable on so many levels. This feat is quite remarkable on many levels.
Publishing has stood firm. The ban would prohibit content from certain areas. Publishers and the media continue to resist this kind of activity.
What’s the difference between schools restricting titles or social mobs telling students that certain works are invalid? How does an industry understand that some authors can’t write on certain subjects while also defending certain limitations?
To see an industry that has long prided itself on defying bans and censorship now coddling the pitchfork & torches crowds regarding publications is borderline amazing to behold, and sad to consider. But just look at the paradox in play: As they deliver strong words today about banned books, their actions show they actually support that concept. The only difference is in who it is doing the complaining.
