Key Takeaways:
- Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah has been axed from Adelaide Writers’ Week due to her past statements on Zionism
- Dozens of authors have cancelled their appearances in support of Abdel-Fattah, including Jane Caro, Hannah Kent, and Peter Fitzsimons
- SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has backed the board’s decision, citing Abdel-Fattah’s "explicit" advocacy against the cultural safety of those who believe in Zionism
- Abdel-Fattah has called for an apology and accountability from the Adelaide Festival Board, stating that the decision was "obscene" and "racist"
- The incident has sparked a debate about free speech, censorship, and cultural sensitivity in the literary community
Introduction to the Controversy
The Adelaide Writers’ Week has been embroiled in controversy after the festival board decided to axe Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the event. The decision was made due to Abdel-Fattah’s past statements on Zionism, which the board deemed "not culturally sensitive" in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack. Abdel-Fattah was scheduled to talk about her new novel, Discipline, at the festival, which is set to begin on February 28. However, the board’s decision has sparked widespread criticism and outrage from the literary community, with dozens of authors cancelling their appearances in support of Abdel-Fattah.
The Decision to Axe Abdel-Fattah
The Adelaide Festival Board released a statement on Thursday, stating that it was not suggesting Abdel-Fattah or her writing had any connection to the Bondi attack, but based on her past statements, it would "not be culturally sensitive" to go ahead with her appearance at the festival. The board’s decision was made after the Jewish Community Council of South Australia sent a letter requesting the removal of Abdel-Fattah from the Writers’ Week line-up. Premier Peter Malinauskas has publicly addressed his support of the board’s decision, stating that Abdel-Fattah "advocated in writing explicitly against the cultural safety of those who believe in Zionism". Malinauskas claimed that in the context of the Bondi terrorist attack, Abdel-Fattah’s appearance would be inappropriate.
Abdel-Fattah’s Response
Abdel-Fattah has responded to the decision, calling it "obscene" and "racist". She stated that the decision was an attempt to associate her with the Bondi terrorist attack, and that she "cannot believe" she has to publicly announce her non-involvement in the attack. Abdel-Fattah has also called for an apology and accountability from the Adelaide Festival Board, stating that the decision has "stripped her of her humanity and agency, reducing her to an object onto which others can project their racist fears and smears". She has also questioned when Palestinians will be allowed to be present in the public space without being constructed as threats and enemies.
Author Support for Abdel-Fattah
The decision to axe Abdel-Fattah has sparked widespread support from the literary community, with dozens of authors cancelling their appearances in solidarity. Jane Caro, a writer and feminist commentator, has joined the list of writers to withdraw, stating that the decision was a "difficult" one, but necessary to uphold her values and belief in the right of people to express opinions. Other authors to withdraw include Hannah Kent, Peter Fitzsimons, Evelyn Araluen, Amy McQuire, Peter Greste, and Bernadette Brennan. South Australia’s peak organisation for writing and literature, Writers SA, has also pulled out of the event, stating that the decision "undermines the purpose of writing and of writers’ festivals".
Implications and Debate
The incident has sparked a debate about free speech, censorship, and cultural sensitivity in the literary community. While some have supported the board’s decision, citing the need for cultural sensitivity in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack, others have argued that the decision is a form of censorship and undermines the purpose of writers’ festivals. The debate highlights the complexities of navigating free speech and cultural sensitivity, and the need for nuanced and thoughtful discussions about these issues. The Adelaide Festival Board’s decision has been seen as a form of censorship, and the literary community’s response has been a testament to the importance of upholding the right to free speech and expression.