Self-censorship in Dusseldorf
A German crime novel has been withdrawn from publication at the last minute because of fears that it will spark a violent reaction from Muslims.
To Whom Honour is Due, by Gabrliel Brinkmann (writing under the pseudonym WW Domsky) concerns an honour killing. For some reason, the publisher Droste Verlag, thought it had better send the manuscript off to an “expert on Islamic society” for their opinion.
It is reported that one particular phrase troubled the expert, who suggested that the author change it. The phrase occurs in a dialogue, and is somewhat implausibly translated as
‘You can shove your Koran up …’
It is not known whether the newspaper is shy of publishing the quote in full – “You can shove your Koran up your arse” seems more plausible and likely to cause some offence – or the quote really is that innocuous. EDITED to add: it could be “You can shove your Koran up yours…”
Gabriel Brinkmann refused to change it to “You can shove your honour up…”. Indeed, she is commendably indignant about the affair:
It’s a scandal for a publisher to tuck its tail between its legs.
But Felix Droste is unrepentant:
One knows after the latest Mohammed cartoons that one can’t publish sentences or drawings that defame Islam without assuming a security risk.
Internalised censorship strikes again.
“Up your arse” would seem a suitable place for the Koran, though if it were printed on suitable paper it could perhaps be put to some suitable lavatorial use!
They are probably looking for publicity prepublication, to boost sales.
I am getting so cynical.
Droste should change his name to Angsthase…
Praps it’s one of those anti yank muslim soft drinks, ‘Koran Up’ no?