Ancestors

Toot

Written by Randulo.com on 2025-01-27 at 15:07

In a non-fiction book, a hundred-year-old quote from a real person contains the word "oriental" which at the time was probably in common use.

Should a direct quote be edited to reflect today's values in a non-fiction historical book?

(Please boost for coverage)

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Descendants

Written by Randulo.com on 2025-01-27 at 17:11

Walter Mosely

I remember this story, it's absurd. I'm glad he was able to express his reaction by quitting.

https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2479330/star-trek-discovery-writer-says-he-quit-after-being-told-he-couldnt-use-n-word

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Written by Randulo.com on 2025-01-27 at 17:51

Here's a better version of the story. I don't have an NY Times subscription to give a gift link to Mosely's original essay. The link below quotes him, though.

https://rollingout.com/2019/09/10/walter-mosley-explains-why-he-quit-star-trek-writers-room-after-using-n-word/

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Written by Tofu Musubi on 2025-01-27 at 16:38

@randulo Be sure to ask people of Asian heritage directly, not just us randos.

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Written by Solar Branka :mw: on 2025-01-27 at 17:04

@Hawaii @randulo

Language & terminology are like a living, breathing organism, they evolve. They don't stagnate.

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Written by Randulo.com on 2025-01-27 at 17:12

@solarbranka @Hawaii That doesn't address the issue of a direct quote. The quote can't evolve. It was said, it was quoted.

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Written by Randulo.com on 2025-01-27 at 17:03

@Hawaii I agree it would be most interesting, but I can't know who is who or call anyone out. Comments are welcome.

I did look up the word and was given to understand from a dictionary that it reflects colonialism. BUT, that doesn't change the sense of the question: it's a quote from that time.

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Written by pgcd on 2025-01-27 at 17:20

@randulo the headline should include the fact that he's Black, though...

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Written by Randulo.com on 2025-01-27 at 17:24

@pgcd I agree, the media are terrible at real stories!

This is absurd. He was quoting a cop who used the slur to him. He has that right, even in a meeting. Whoever was offended need to get a life.

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Written by BlueCut on 2025-01-27 at 18:20

@randulo

My opinion is just one among many others, but I would keep the quote as it is and add a note at the bottom of the page to explain this world was used in its historical context and doesn't reflect today's values nor your values as the author.

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