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Oliver's Book Withdrawn After Indigenous Offense
Jamie Oliver's children's book faces backlash for cultural insensitivity toward Indigenous Australians, leading to its withdrawal from sale.
English
United States
Human Rights ViolationsControversyCultural SensitivityPublishingCelebrity ChefChildren's Book
Penguin Random HouseNational Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation
Jamie OliverBilly
- Why was Jamie Oliver's children's book withdrawn from sale?
- Jamie Oliver's children's book, "Billy And The Epic Escape," was withdrawn from sale due to criticism for causing offense to Indigenous Australians. The book was criticized for employing stereotypes and tropes about Indigenous Australians, and for not consulting with Indigenous communities before publication.
- How did Jamie Oliver and his publisher respond to the criticism?
- Jamie Oliver expressed his devastation at causing offense and apologized wholeheartedly for the misrepresentation. Penguin Random House, the publisher, also acknowledged their publishing standards fell short and agreed to withdraw the book.
- Which organization criticized the book and what were their main concerns?
- The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation criticized the book for contributing to the "erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences." They specifically pointed to a subplot about an Aboriginal girl in foster care as problematic.
- What was a key criticism from Indigenous campaigners regarding the book's creation?
- Indigenous campaigners were upset that neither Oliver nor his publishers consulted with them before publication. The lack of consultation highlighted a significant oversight in the publishing process and contributed to the controversy.
- What is Jamie Oliver's background and what other controversies has he been involved in?
- Oliver is a British celebrity chef known for his work on children's food and nutrition. He previously caused a stir by criticizing the nutritional value of some U.K. school dinners. His latest children's book, "Billy And The Epic Escape," faced significant backlash due to cultural insensitivity.