Words That Offend and Referendums

Year 2023Episode 665 minMar 6, 2023
Words That Offend and Referendums

As a censorship debate rages over cuts and rewrites to apparently make Roald Dahl's children's books more palatable to today's readers, the publisher now says it will produce two versions of his novels – with and without the changes. As social mores and views change, what does that mean for literature of the past? Are some books simply too offensive for a modern audience?

Literature can help us make sense of the world – but what happens to those readers who don't see themselves reflected in stories? Or see themselves as little more than a stereotype? Is there a way to celebrate differences without defining people by them?

Meanwhile, the approaching referendum on a Voice to Parliament is forcing Australians to decide who gets to have a say in our future. And within the "yes" and "no" camps there are differing views – which one will prevail? Does a binary question allow for enough nuance in the discussion?

And the PM is being accused of breaking faith with voters as Labor confirms its plan to wind back tax concessions on multi-million-dollar superannuation balances. So should politicians be allowed to change their views? Does being locked into a promise stymie policy?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

David Hare, British playwright
Teela Reid, Wiradjuri and Wailwan lawyer
Pragya Agarwal, Author and behavioural scientist
Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for the Republic
Andrew Bragg, Liberal Senator for NSW

Words That Offend and Referendums has aired on Mar 6, 2023 at 9:35 PM
Previous EpisodeNext Episode

Trailer

We do not have any trailers for this episode

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
True Detective
Running

True Detective

Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. True Detective centers on troubled cops and the investigations that drive them to the edge. Each season features a new cast and a new case.

True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series created and written by Nic Pizzolatto. 

S.W.A.T.
Running

S.W.A.T.

Shemar Moore stars as a locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant newly tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, former Marine Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson has everything it takes to be an excellent leader and bridge the divide between his two worlds.

The Equalizer
Running

The Equalizer

A reimagining of the classic series, The Equalizer centers on enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn.

Shōgun
Running

Shōgun

Shōgun, set in feudal Japan, charts the collision of two ambitious men from different worlds and a mysterious female samurai: John Blackthorne, a risk-taking English sailor who ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will ultimately redefine him; Lord Toranaga, a shrewd, powerful daimyo, at odds with his own dangerous, political rivals; and Lady Mariko, a woman with invaluable skills but dishonorable family ties, who must prove her value and allegiance.

The Boys
Running

The Boys

In a world where superheroes embrace the darker side of their massive celebrity and fame, The Boys centres on a group of vigilantes known informally as "The Boys," who set out to take down corrupt superheroes with no more than blue collar grit and a willingness to fight dirty.