Barnes & Noble suspends Diverse Editions lines after online backlash over ‘literary blackface’ – By Valerie Russ (Philadelphia Inquirer) / Feb 5 2020
Tweets were calling it “faux diversity” and “literary blackface,” a major marketing blowback during Black History Month.
“Diverse Editions” — a re-release of classic titles including Romeo and Juliet, The Wizard of Oz, and Peter Pan, each with five new covers representing different ethnic groups — was set to launch Wednesday evening at Barnes & Noble’s Fifth Avenue location in New York City.
But hours before, not only was the launch canceled but Barnes & Noble announced the initiative would be suspended.
“The covers are not a substitute for black voices or writers of color, whose work and voices deserve to be heard,” said a statement issued by Barnes & Noble. “The booksellers who championed this initiative did so convinced it would help drive engagement with these classic titles.”
The project, created in part to raise awareness and discussion during Black History Month in partnership with TBWA\Chiat\Day and Penguin Random House, printed 42 covers across 12 classics re-casting lead characters as people of color.
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