In the wake of the recent controversy surrounding celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s children’s book, another novel by a UK author has been pulled from shelves due to concerns over its representation of Indigenous Australian culture. Crime writer Elly Griffiths’ 2011 mystery A Room Full of Bones, which was republished in 2016, featured a plot centered around “Aboriginal skulls, drug smuggling and the mystery of The Dreaming.”
The book’s publisher, Quercus, a division of Hachette UK, took swift action after receiving a complaint from Dr Jari Evertsz, a clinical psychologist based in Melbourne. Dr Evertsz pointed out numerous factual errors and misrepresentations of Indigenous culture in the novel, suggesting that the author had not conducted thorough research before incorporating these elements into her story.
Importance of Cultural Research and Sensitivity
This incident highlights the critical importance of authors and publishers taking responsibility for properly researching and sensitively portraying cultures and communities in their works, especially when dealing with marginalized or underrepresented groups. As ABC journalist and Bundjalung and Kullilli writer Daniel Browning noted:
“The errors, the stereotyping, what it all goes back to is pure intellectual laziness. These are people who will be read in ways that I will never be read. Blak people who have been writing their whole lives will never be read as much as these guys. And yet they still get to dictate what we look like.”
– Daniel Browning, ABC journalist and Indigenous writer
Protocols for Representation
While there is no taboo on non-Indigenous writers exploring First Nations themes or characters, it is crucial that they approach the task with respect, sensitivity, and a commitment to thorough research. Australia’s creative industry has developed extensive protocols and guidelines for writing about Indigenous culture, including:
- Consulting with relevant Indigenous people for permission and guidance
- Avoiding cultural stereotyping and appropriation
- Respecting traditional stories and intellectual property
- Seeking feedback from Indigenous writers, historians, or community members
Author Responsibility and Sensitivity Readers
In light of these incidents, many publishers are now implementing “sensitivity checks” for material deemed controversial or potentially offensive. However, the primary responsibility still lies with authors to educate themselves, conduct proper research, and seek out sensitivity readers or cultural consultants when writing outside their own experiences.
As the publishing industry grapples with these issues, it is clear that greater effort must be made to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are not only represented but also respected in the creative process. By prioritizing cultural sensitivity, thorough research, and meaningful engagement with the communities they seek to portray, authors can help foster a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape.
