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
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
The Proof Is Out There
The Proof Is Out There takes an in-depth look at some of the most incredible and thought provoking videos of unexplained phenomena and mysterious must-see moments of all time. Each half-hour episode explores and analyzes the full story of each irregularity in question from bizarre footage of people seemingly immune to lightning, to a fifty-foot snake, apocalyptic sounds in a man's backyard, enigmatic creatures, and UFOS that split and dive underwater. Through expert examination and the use of the latest technologies, The Proof Is Out There aims to get to the bottom of what's real? What's fake? And everything in between.
History's Greatest Mysteries
History's Greatest Mysteries will investigate a wide range of historically compelling topics and the mysteries surrounding each including the Titanic, D.B. Cooper, Roswell, John Wilkes Booth, and more. Each program within the franchise will showcase fresh, new evidence and perspectives including never-before-released documents to the general public, personal diaries and DNA evidence to unearth brand-new information about these infamous and enigmatic chapters in history.
Going Dutch
In Going Dutch a decorated, hard-ass colonel is tasked with running the least important U.S. Army base in the world, located in the tulip-hugging, wine-chugging Netherlands.