A youth collection published by Milan censored in Turkey
” This censorship is particularly violent because it comes to the root of critical thinking », laments Brigitte Labbeinitiator of ” Philosophy snacks “. Published by Milano, seven titles from the children’s philosophical collection were declared “harmful for children” by the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services on Monday 27 June. Its Turkish publisher, Gunisgi Kitapligihas not yet received the official letter motivating the censorship.
Published in France since 2001, “Les Gouters Philo” came to Brigitte Labbé after a year dedicated to this subject. ” I realized that children’s questions were taught philosophically. This is where this idea came to me: can we transmit Kant’s ideas to children? “. Very quickly, the collection took off internationally: it was translated into 25 countries and sold 4 million copies worldwide. In Turkey, the first translations like The good and the bad – one of seven censor-designated titles – arrives as early as 2006.” It was a real phenomenon in Turkey. You can find “Philo Snacks” in homes but also in private and public schools », explains the one who now has around fifty titles in her collection, including 32 in Turkey.
A harmful effect on those under 18
From 2007, Brigitte Labbé also initiated tours in Turkey where she went to meet her audience. ” So far, I’ve always been very free, we’ve never had a problem with our translations. This announcement really came like a cleaver “, she says, referring to the announcement published this Monday, June 27 in the Official newspaper describing the contents of the books as follows: “Certain expressions, images and descriptions in books having a harmful effect on the spirituality and development of children under 18”.
Now qualified as harmful the seven titles – Boys and Girls, Good and Evil, Body and Spirit, Dictatorship and Democracy, Courage and Fear, Small and Big, Love and Friendship – must bear the stamp “ Harmful to minors”. “Not to mention the problems this will surely cause in public schools… “, regrets Brigitte Labbé. While waiting to know the measures taken by the Turkish publishing house, Brigitte Labbé has decided to support the collection by continuing her travels and meetings with young Turkish audiences: “ We must continue to fight for children! “.