ABC News Daily The book Jamie Oliver shouldn’t have written
Nov 13, 2024
Jeanine Leane, a Wiradjuri writer, poet, and Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, dives into the controversy surrounding Jamie Oliver's children’s novel. She critiques its portrayal of an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers, highlighting the importance of accurate cultural representation. Leane sheds light on the historical context of Australia’s stolen generations and calls for responsible storytelling. Her insights reveal the vital need for authors to engage with Indigenous communities to prevent misrepresentation and cultural appropriation.
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Transcript
Episode notes
Controversial Chapter
- Jamie Oliver's book, "Billy and the Epic Escape," features a chapter set in Australia.
- This chapter, titled "To Steal a Child," portrays an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers abducted from foster care.
Insensitive Portrayal
- The chapter is insensitive to Australian history and the Stolen Generations.
- Not knowing this history isn't an excuse anymore.
Lack of Due Diligence
- Jamie Oliver's publisher admitted to a lack of due diligence and "authenticity reading."
- The book was pulled after complaints from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation.
