The book Jamie Oliver shouldn’t have written

He writes pretty decent cookbooks, but Jamie Oliver’s sidestep into writing children’s novels hasn’t gone so well. 

The celebrity chef has had to halt sales of his latest book ‘Billy and the Epic Escape’ around the world over its portrayal of first nations Australians. 

One chapter features an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers living in foster care, who's abducted from her home in central Australia.

Today, Wiradjuri writer, poet and academic, Jeanine Leane, on what Jamie Oliver got so wrong.

Jeanine Leane criticises the book for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misrepresenting Aboriginal culture. 

She emphasises the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for proper consultation with First Nations communities.

Leane talks about the ongoing issue of cultural appropriation and the lasting damage it can cause. 

She also discusses the role of sensitivity readers in preventing misrepresentations. 

Featured: 

Jeanine Leane, writer and poet and Associate Professor in Creative Writing at the University of Melbourne

Key Topics:

• Jamie Oliver children’s book controversy
• Cultural appropriation in literature
• Sensitivity reading
• Aboriginal representation in media
• Stolen Generations
• Misrepresentation of Indigenous cultures
• Role of sensitivity readers