The Roald Dahl Museum has recently made a statement expressing their commitment to combating racism, particularly antisemitism. The museum’s staff has undergone training to prevent antisemitism and is striving to create a more welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment.
In December 2020, both the Dahl family and The Roald Dahl Story Company issued apologies for his controversial comments. Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Roald Dahl remains a celebrated author known for iconic works such as “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda,” “The BFG,” “The Witches,” and “Fantastic Mr Fox.” His stories continue to inspire and entertain children all over the world.
The Roald Dahl Museum explicitly condemns racism in all forms, emphasizing their stance against any racism directed at any individual or group. While his racism is undeniable, the museum believes in the potential for Dahl’s creative legacy to make a positive impact.
The museum has been collaborating with various Jewish organizations, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council, the Community Security Trust, and the Antisemitism Policy Trust. Together, they are developing educational resources for schools. These materials will encourage primary pupils to explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) through Dahl’s beloved characters.
The placement of a statement on the museum’s building in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, and on their website has been praised by Marie van der Zyl, the president of the Board of Deputies. She sees these statements as a significant step towards providing a comprehensive understanding of Roald Dahl’s work. She looks forward to collaborating further with the museum to raise awareness and educate about anti-Jewish hate.
The Antisemitism Policy Trust also appreciates the museum’s actions and its commitment to anti-racism education. The trust has provided training to the museum’s staff and trustees, fostering positive and constructive conversations.
In February, Puffin UK announced that they would continue publishing Dahl’s work as intended, without editing or removing potentially offensive language. However, in response to modern sensitivities, the publisher has released the Puffin Roald Dahl books, which are rewritten to cater to a more contemporary audience. Readers are now free to choose between the original versions and the revised editions.
The Roald Dahl Story Company had previously apologized for the “lasting and understandable hurt” caused by Dahl’s antisemitic statements. They acknowledged that these prejudiced remarks are incomprehensible and go against the values at the heart of Dahl’s stories, which have positively impacted young people for generations. Despite his flaws, the hope is that Dahl can remind us of the profound impact words can have.
In other news, a prequel film to “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory” is in the works. It will feature a CGI version of Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa and Timothee Chalamet as the eccentric character Willy Wonka. Directed by Paul King, the film, titled “Wonka,” is set for release in December.
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