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Spectator
a day ago
- Spectator
The scourge of the sensitivity reader
'Something strange is happening in the world of children's and YA [young adult] literature,' writes Adam Szetela, and his horrifyingly compelling book certainly bears that out. It offers a sobering report from the front lines of how identity politics and online pile-ons against anyone who sins against the latest pieties actually play out in the world of American publishing. Such is the atmosphere that many of the interviewees, who include presidents of the Big Five companies, senior agents, directors of public library districts and award-winning writers, are almost paranoid about preserving their anonymity. At the heart of That Book is Dangerous! is the comparatively new figure of the 'sensitivity reader', who often has no accredited expertise but claims that their 'lived experience' enables them to spot 'authentic Latina voices' or determine whether the portrayal of a 'Filipino-American queer' character is accurate. Szetela trenchantly suggests that white authors are now required to hire tour guides… to help them understand what happens when a black American walks into the kitchen. If one were to ask a black co-worker 'What do blacks eat for dinner?' they might be reported to HR. If they pay a sensitivity reader for an answer, they will be lauded for 'trying to get the story right'. The book cites the case of a well-known sensitivity reader who wrote to an author that 'going to national parks is not a thing we [black people] do'. Authors and editors, Szetela claims, now feel pressure to abide by 'rules of authenticity' which 'will not permit a black character to enter a national park unless they explain why they want to enter a national park' and 'do not leave room for a novel about six English-speaking Latinas who met at Boston University'. The very existence of sensitivity readers, Szetela claims, rests on a form of essentialism which implicitly sees Afro-American life, for example, as both so opaque that it needs 'cultural ambassadors' to explain it to white people and so homogeneous that a single person can claim to speak for 'Black/African-American culture' across history. Stringent demands for inclusivity often have a blind spot about class, Szetela argues, citing writing guides and policy statements for literary festivals which sometimes seem to be 'competing to see who can create the longest identity list that does not mention class'. Yet poor, ill-educated writers miss out because they cannot afford the very well-paid and generally well-educated sensitivity readers that publishers now often insist on. When one unfortunate undergraduate merely stated that she didn't think a particular bestselling YA author's books should feature in her university's Common Read programme, she was savaged by several much more powerful people, including one who called her a 'RAGGEDY ASS fucking bitch'. The attitudes of what Szetela calls 'the Sensitivity Era' can have a dismal impact on lively writing. One sensitivity reader felt the need to 'add all the other categories of queerness' to a book by a gay man clearly aimed at other gay men because she disapproved of 'the primacy of white gay men at the top of the pyramid'. A recent graduate of a master's in creative writing made it clear that white participants in a workshop would never give their black colleagues honest but useful feedback, such as: 'Maybe you need to tone down the political messaging for the sake of your story.' In addition, according to Szetela, 'there is no room for even one uncontested thought crime in contemporary literature written for young people'. If a character says something offensive, they have to be challenged immediately and explicitly. Readers are given no chance to work out for themselves that the person is bigoted, or even to accompany them on a journey where they come to see the error of their ways. There are moments when Szetela is baffled by what he finds. As a former keen wrestler who sometimes got into the ring with concussion or stitches under his eye, he simply 'can't imagine a situation in which I would break down crying, like the employees at Penguin Random House, because somebody wrote a book that I'm not interested in reading'. Yet he urges his fellow progressives to realise that 'there are bigger fish to fry than well-intentioned books written by other progressives'. This applies even within publishing, where commercial houses naturally continue to issue popular and often influential books by conservative authors. As a tool for addressing more serious inequalities, the initiatives he describes are simply non-starters. Furthermore, he reminds us, 'most Americans think cancel culture is a big problem', while prominent liberals 'deny that it even exists' or 'call you a white supremacist for believing it exists' (even though some occasionally call for 'more cancelling'). This has proved a spectacular own goal, since the politicians now running the show have been able to attract easy and widespread support by criticising cancel culture. This is hardly the first polemical book to explore the failings of 'woke' cultural crusades. Yet its combination of lively wit and rich detail makes it a particularly rewarding one.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Billy Bush is replaced by handsome TV star on Extra
Longtime Extra host Billy Bush 's successor has been announced. On Wednesday Dancing With the Stars judge Derek Hough, 40, was revealed as the upcoming face of the long-running series. The TV star — whose sister Julianne Hough just sold her Hollywood Hills home — will take over hosting duties in season 32, premiering on September 8. It comes after Billy announced his departure from the celebrity news show in May. Derek stated via Extra: 'The ballroom has been my stage, my home, and my launchpad. Now, I'm stepping into an exciting new spotlight as the host of Extra. 'I'm truly looking forward to collaborating with this incredible team, diving into this next creative chapter, and connecting with fans and audiences in a whole new way.' On Wednesday Dancing With the Stars judge Derek Hough, 40, was revealed as the upcoming face of the long-running series; pictured August 11 He added: 'It's an honor to join a show that's been a cornerstone of entertainment news for over 30 years — and I'm ready to help lead it into a bold, fresh new era for Season 32 and beyond.' As the dancer is set to be ushered in, Extra's executive producer Jeremy Spiegel praised his success. 'Derek has not only dominated the world of dance — he's become a beloved household name who has won America's hearts with his talent, charisma, and boundless creativity. 'I am excited to work closely with Derek as he brings his electrifying energy and fresh perspective to Extra.' Lauren Blincoe, who is Senior Vice President of Current Programming at Telepictures, shared, 'We are thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Derek Hough as the new host of Extra. 'Derek brings a rare mix of energy, creativity, and a dynamic presence that perfectly captures the spirit of this exciting next era for our iconic show. 'We're energized by the future of Extra with Derek front and center and can't wait to see him turn the entertainment news genre on its head.' The show promises a 'freshly reimagined' new season 'with brand-new segments built around Hough,' along with 'a dynamic new set and graphics.' The TV star will take over hosting duties in season 32, premiering on September 8. Derek stated via Extra: 'The ballroom has been my stage, my home, and my launchpad. Now, I'm stepping into an exciting new spotlight as the host of Extra' Beginning as the host isn't the only new territory for Derek, as he and his sister Julianne will also expand their horizons with the launch of Ovation Dance. The Emmy-winning siblings initially teased the dance tour and competition experience, in partnership with DanceOne, in August 2024. 'Ovation by DanceOne, in partnership with Derek and Julianne Hough will launch in 2025. Ovation is a multi-genre convention and competition, focusing on International Latin Dance!' the caption of an Instagram post read last summer. Derek and Julianne will serve as tour directors. Appearing on Good Morning America this week, the esteemed choreographer gushed that he and the company want to be 'servants of dance' who help support the younger generation of performers.
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up so far as first nine stars announced for new series
The first batch of celebrities set to grace the dance floor for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 have been unveiled. This year's line-up includes a former international footballer, a Drag Race sensation, a well-known YouTuber, an EastEnders star and a Love Island champion. As of Wednesday morning (August 13), nine celebrities have been confirmed, with more names yet to be announced. Returning to host the show will be Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The judging panel will once again feature Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Fans of the hit series will also be pleased to know which professional dancers are returning to the ballroom this year. Back in April, it was confirmed that Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Nikita Kuzmin, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk would be part of the 2025 series. Also returning to the dance floor are Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Michelle Tsiakkas, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola, reports the Manchester Evening News. Joining them will be two brand new professional dancers, So You Think You Can Dance winner Alexis Warr and Australia's Dancing With The Stars' Julian Caillon. Below are the first nine celebrities who have been announced. We'll keep updating the list as more names are confirmed. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. (Image: BBC) Harry is most recognised for his appearances on the Bradley and Barney Walsh edition of Gladiators, where he competes under the moniker Nitro and faces off against contestants in demanding physical contests. The multiple gold medal-winning Team GB athlete, who became the first competitor to claim gold in both the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships, has previously featured on Strictly when he participated in last year's festive special alongside Nancy Xu. Harry revealed: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got. I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track." Dani Dyer. (Image: BBC) The offspring of former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer gained prominence on Love Island's fourth series, which she claimed victory in alongside her former partner Jack Fincham. After her triumph on the reality romance programme, Dani has presented documentaries including Is This Anxiety? , has collaborated with her father Danny on the podcast Live and Let Dyers and has featured in guest roles on EastEnders and Celebrity Gogglebox. With more than three million social media fans, she is an accomplished writer with her first book What Would Dani Do, and married West Ham player Jarrod Bowen in May this year. Hinting at what's to come, she expressed: "Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I've done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on." Alex Kingston. Fans of Doctor Who will be thrilled with the announcement from Alex Kingston, who portrayed River Song on the BBC sci-fi series from 2008 until 2015. Beyond her adventures with the Doctor, Alex gained recognition as Dr Elizabeth Corday in the internationally acclaimed TV drama ER, earning a SAG award during her eight-year tenure on the medical show. Other television roles for Ralph Fiennes' former wife include Douglas Is Cancelled, Treason, Gilmore Girls, Boudica, Lost in Austen, Dodger, A Discovery of Witches, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and Arrow. Upon joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alex simply told the BBC: "Aaaaagghhh! ! ! ! ! !". Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. (Image: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a Chelsea legend) Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, renowned for scoring goals in the Premier League and across Europe, is trading his football boots for dancing shoes. The retired Dutch footballer played for Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, earning a reputation for his power, pace, and precision during his playing career. Since hanging up his boots, Jimmy has become a regular face in football punditry for major UK sports networks, managed clubs like Burton Albion and Northampton Town and even served as an assistant coach for the England national team. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink commented on his Strictly participation: "Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I've done before but I'm looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals." Belvinder Sopal. Balvinder Sopal was announced as the fifth celebrity taking part in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing. The performer, whose work encompasses theatre, radio, cinema and television, is best recognised for portraying the notorious Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on EastEnders since 2019. In her role as Suki, she has been central to some of EastEnders' most compelling and critically praised storylines, from her involvement with 'The Six' to her turbulent romance with Eve Unwin. Prior to EastEnders, Balvinder featured in numerous well-known TV programmes in different roles, including a guest starring role in Call The Midwife series seven, Doctors, and Waterloo Road. Regarding her Strictly participation, Balvinder commented: "Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I'm far too excited to put into words how I feel but I'm incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!". George Clarke. (Image: BBC) YouTube sensation George Clarke was announced as the sixth contestant for the 2025 lineup on BBC Radio One's Going Home Show. With more than 600,000 followers, George maintains close ties with internet phenomenon The Sidemen. Also recognised as George Clarkey, George started dabbling with video content during his teenage years, rapidly realising the strength of wit and candour to forge connections with audiences globally. Building a substantial fanbase across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with followers attracted to his genuine nature and razor-sharp comedic timing, George co-presents The Useless Hotline Podcast alongside Max Balegde. "Never thought I'd say this... but I'm doing Strictly! Honestly, I've got no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to get stuck in... and potentially fall over a fair bit," he quipped. La Voix. (Image: BBC) RuPaul's Drag Race UK sensation La Voix has been confirmed as the seventh participant to inject additional sparkle and elegance to the nation's beloved dance floor. A dynamo of magnetism, comedy, and cabaret, La Voix captivated the programme and won over viewers' affections during the series. Securing four RuPeter Badges and earning a spot in the Grand Finale, she claimed the runner-up position and swiftly established herself as a crowd favourite. She's well-versed in television appearances, having featured on ITV's Queens For The Night, and wowing the panel as a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent where judge Alesha Dixon proclaimed her "a force to be reckoned with". "I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV. Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse'", she quipped. Chris Robshaw. (Image: BBC) Chris Robshaw was revealed as the eighth celebrity on Strictly during Scott Mills' BBC Radio 2 programme. The former England rugby skipper will take to the renowned ballroom in just a matter of weeks. He initially joined his boyhood club, Harlequins RFC, directly from school and became captain aged 23. He earned 66 caps for England and led the national side 43 times, guiding them to a Six Nations Grand Slam triumph in 2016. After being confirmed for the 2025 line-up, he confessed: "This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I'm hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can't wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let's see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha." Ellie Goldstein. (Image: BBC) BBC Breakfast disclosed that Ellie Goldstein has been confirmed as the ninth celebrity joining the fresh series of Strictly Come Dancing in the coming weeks. As a pioneering model, actor and influencer, she made history as the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of British Vogue. Her modelling career has also seen her star in major campaigns for brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas. Two years ago, Ellie collaborated with Mattel to launch the first ever Barbie with Down syndrome, and more recently her acting has taken the spotlight, with a guest lead role in CBBC's Mallory Towers. "I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream. I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dance floor. Let the Strictly journey begin!", she enthused.
