NYT: “Publishers Revel in Youthful Cruelty”
I found this article fascinating. I have to say that, as much as I loved Wonder for the facial difference angle, I completely understand the NYT’s view that
For publishers and authors it has been hard to miss the perfect synergy that results: They can promote a cause that most people avidly support while promoting their own products.
That’s the danger I see, of trying to address what is a legitimate problem while not sensationalizing or exploiting it.
Yet at the same time, it is a very important and serious. It’s a fine line in our increasingly-commercialized and commodified culture (yes, that does sound over-dramatic!) between doing good and profiting from that.
Ultimately, though, I think the good that these books and the general cultural awareness surrounding bullying do outweighs any commercial gains.
Natalie Abbott 