Why Anne Frank's Diary Graphic Version Stirred A Controversy In US?

A graphic version of Anne Frank's diary, titled Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation, has recently ignited a firestorm of controversy in several public schools across the United States. This adaptation, while aiming to provide a visual interpretation of Frank's poignant account of hiding from the Nazis during World War II, has stirred debate due to its inclusion of sensitive content. 

One Texas teacher, in particular, faced repercussions for reading a passage from the book to eighth-grade students, leading to her dismissal, while other school districts have grappled with whether to ban or review the controversial adaptation.

The Graphic Adaptation

Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation was published in 2018 with the authorization of Anne Frank Fonds, the foundation that holds the rights to Anne Frank’s original diary. 

The adaptation seeks to faithfully recreate the handwritten diary of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who endured the harrowing experience of hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam. 

One distinctive aspect of this adaptation is its restoration of sections that were omitted from earlier editions, shedding light on Anne Frank's exploration of her sexuality and her own body.

The Texas Teacher's Dismissal

The controversy in the  United States centres on a Texas teacher at Hamshire-Fannett Independent School District, near Houston, who assigned the graphic adaptation to her students. 

She read passages from the book aloud in class, including one that explicitly describes male and female genitalia. This particular passage follows Anne Frank's account of hearing gunshots as Allied forces descended from a crashing plane. 

The school district swiftly responded by asserting that the book had not received approval for classroom use and initiated an active investigation. The teacher was subsequently sent home and temporarily replaced by a substitute. 

In an effort to appease concerned parents and students, the Texas district publicly apologised for the perceived "inappropriate" content.

Parental Outrage and Ongoing Controversy

Amid the unfolding controversy, some parents expressed their outrage at the teacher's actions and the content of the graphic adaptation. 

One parent, whose twin boys attended the class, revealed that the teacher had another student read aloud a passage in which  Anne Frank expresses her feelings for another girl. 

This parent decried these actions as "not OK" and criticised the teacher for assigning the book as homework, stating that it was "bad enough" on its own.

This incident is not an isolated one. The graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's diary has faced criticism and censorship in various school districts. In 2020, it was temporarily removed from a different Texas district after a parent raised concerns about its sexual content. 

In Florida, it faced an outright ban in one district and underwent review in another. A Jewish Republican lawmaker in Florida went so far as to label the book "Anne Frank pornography."

Anne Frank Fonds has steadfastly defended the graphic adaptation, asserting that it is indeed appropriate for young readers. Board member Yves Kugelmann emphasised this stance by stating, "We consider the book of a 12-year-old girl to be appropriate reading for her peers" to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

A Broader Trend of Controversy

This controversy is part of a more extensive trend in the United States, characterised by conservative backlash against books that address themes of sexuality, gender identity, and race in school curricula. 

Teachers have faced disciplinary actions, and books have been challenged or banned for featuring authors such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, who delves into racial issues.

Moreover, it is not only Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation that has come under scrutiny; Jewish-authored books such as Maus and The Fixer have also drawn objections from activists who find their content objectionable.

The graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's diary has thrust a contentious debate into the forefront of American education. 

While some argue for its historical and educational value, others contend that its explicit content is inappropriate for young readers. 

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