this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2024
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Today I Learned
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He was a POS, much like Lovecraft and Rowling.
Someone else mentioned this, but didn't follow up with any examples.
I am ready to TIL, how else was Roald Dahl a POS?
The racism maybe?
The racism definitely; that's the topic of the original post actually, but there are a lot of oblique references to him being a bad person aside from his racism, but nobody has provided any examples yet.
Here is a list of controversial actions and statements attributed to Roald Dahl:
Made numerous anti-Semitic comments, including stating there were reasons for Hitler's actions against Jews[1][4].
Expressed anti-Israel sentiments and admitted to becoming anti-Semitic[4].
Used racial and sexual stereotypes in his writing[3].
Included racist depictions of Oompa-Loompas as African pygmies in early versions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory[4].
Incorporated themes of child abuse, neglect, racism, sexual innuendo, and fat-shaming in children's books[4].
Used coarse language and drug references in works intended for children[4].
Originally described Matilda as a "devilish little hussy" before editors intervened[4].
Engaged in long-term adultery, having an affair with a friend of his wife[1].
Displayed a mean and unpleasant personality, earning the nickname "Roald the Rotten"[1].
Expressed chauvinistic attitudes, frequently portraying women negatively in his stories[1][3].
Showed a lack of remorse for his controversial statements and views[1][4].
Citations: [1] The dark side of Roald Dahl - BBC https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20160912-the-dark-side-of-roald-dahl [2] The hundreds of changes made to Roald Dahl's books to suit a new ... https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/1154tr5/the_hundreds_of_changes_made_to_roald_dahls_books/ [3] Roald Dahl revision controversy - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Dahl_revision_controversy [4] What's the Deal With… Roald Dahl? - Becandbooks https://becandbooks.com/whats-the-deal-with-roald-dahl/ [5] After family apology, 5 antisemitic Roald Dahl quotes - The Forward https://forward.com/fast-forward/349771/roald-dahls-family-has-apologized-for-his-jew-hatred-what-were-the-5-worst/
Now that I am fully informed, I have decided to continue being a huge fan of his work. Of the authors of delightful stories that I have enjoyed in my life, this is probably not even top 20 assholery.
Most of these are in the OP or other comments, thanks for putting them in one place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Dahl#Criticism_and_controversies
Thanks. I irresponsibly overlooked that.
Apparently he was a big ol' troll.
"I thought he might say anything. Could have been pro-Arab or pro-Jew. There was no consistent line. He was a man who followed whims, which meant he would blow up in one direction, so to speak."[201] Amelia Foster, director of the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, says: "This is again an example of how Dahl refused to take anything seriously, even himself. He was very angry at the Israelis."
"Dahl wanted to provoke, as he always provoked at dinner. His publisher was a Jew, his agent was a Jew... and he thought nothing but good things of them. He asked me to be his managing director, and I'm Jewish."
And just as with countless trolls, low-tier comedians, etc., if someone is intentionally being a huge asshole, even if only for the lulz and "it's just a prank bruh/did I trigger you?" of it all, they are still being a huge asshole.
True that
Not to condone it but it was the zeitgeist. There were so many so much worse from that period across all forms of media. His mildly toxic edginess is at least not hidden away.