[Pétition] NO to censorship of the book “Spirou and the Blue Gorgon”!

We, the signatories of this petition, strongly denounce the censorship of the album Spirou and the Blue Gorgona work withdrawn from sale on November 1 by its own publisher, Éditions Dupuis, following a controversy sparked on social networks.

This album, created by two renowned authors, Dany and Yann, tackles with humor the excesses of the food industry and the dangers of junk food.

To do this, the authors use caricature and the second degree to make young readers aware of civic issues that are rarely addressed elsewhere.

However, a quick and unfounded criticism on social networks, based on superficial reading by a handful of people, has resulted in the hasty withdrawal of the work.

The censorship of this album is all the more shocking as it is a caricature work aimed at illustrating the flaws of our society, while mocking stereotypes without ever endorsing them.

Caricature is an essential artistic tradition, a tool of social criticism that exaggerates features to better denounce the flaws of our society.

In this album, the authors make fun of both the agri-food industry and the complacency of the media, using satirical creations, such as the USS Obama or the “bad guy” Simon Santo (a nod to Monsanto). It is neither offensive nor racist, but a work committed against junk food and media manipulation.

Preventing its dissemination means muzzling a form of artistic and humorous expression, thus reducing the right to satire.

It is, moreover, ignoring the right of each reader to form their own opinion, and ignoring their capacity for discernmentparticularly with regard to the use of the second degree.

It is worrying that the fate of a work can be determined by an impulsive reaction on a social network.

The person behind this controversy did not understand the reading levels and the humorous intentions of the album.

To give in to such pressure is to open the door to censorship based on misunderstanding and the simplification of literary and artistic works.

We refuse to accept that works are thus sacrificed to meet the demands of a minority segment of public opinion, which judges without context or understanding.

That everyone expresses their opinion on this work is normal and necessary.

That a single opinion is enough to censor a book overnight is serious and irresponsible.

Censoring a book on the grounds that some people dislike it, without a full understanding of its content and intent, constitutes a serious act of regression for freedom of expression.

This book, which was not controversial before this social media campaign, today constitutes a glaring example of self-censorship, bringing us closer to worrying practices observed elsewhere which aim to “purify” culture.

History has taught us that book censorship always precedes more radical measures towards freedom of expression and opinionlike the auto dafés.

You don’t have to look very far to find such “purification ceremonies”: in 2019, more than 5,000 children’s books, including albums by Tintin, Asterix and Lucky Luke, were burned on the altar of “inclusivity”. (1)

By censoring this work, the publisher is therefore giving in to the pressure of a few isolated activists, carrying a simplistic, moralizing and face-to-face reading.

Above all, it prevents public debate and reinforces a worrying trend of suppression of works that do not please a vocal minority.

We therefore ask Dupuis editions:

• To put the album Spirou et la Gorgone bleue on sale again and to defend freedom of artistic expression.
• To recognize the right of authors to explore, criticize and raise awareness through caricature and humor.

For freedom of expression, for the defense of our cultural heritage and against all forms of censorship, sign this petition for the rehabilitation of Spirou and the Blue Gorgon!

Please share this petition!

Alexis Lemarchand

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To the attention of Messrs. Julien Papelier, President of Editions Dupuis, and Stéphane Beaujean, Editorial Director of Editions Dupuis

Gentlemen,

Your decision to censor the album Spirou and the Blue Gorgondirected by Dany and Yann, caused deep disappointment.

Worse, it is a disastrous signal sent to all European readers concerned about freedom of expression, I emphasize, while respecting the rights and duties of each person.

This album, far from being a work of propaganda or bad taste, addresses the crucial issue of junk food, pollution and the ravages of the food industry, a subject that concerns us all.

In an era where freedom of thought and expression seems increasingly undermined under the pretext of righteousness, we are dismayed that a work is thus withdrawn from sale and, in short, censored and condemned to death. forgotten for having displeased a minority on social networks.

The decision to remove the album is all the more regrettable as it seems to respond more to one-off pressure from a handful of influencers on TikTok than to a serious and thoughtful evaluation.

Giving in to pressure from a few influencers should not dictate the destiny of a work, especially when it comes from emblematic creators of the Franco-Belgian and European cultural landscape.

We urge you to reconsider this decision and allow readers to experience this album for themselves.

Spirou, a historic figure in your publishing house and, beyond, in comics, deserves to have his heritage and freedom of expression preserved.

We are counting on your commitment to artistic freedom, confidence in the discernment of readers, and the diversity of opinions, in order to put Spirou et la Gorgone bleue back into circulation, an album which deserves to be judged by its readers, and not by the ephemeral fluctuations of social networks.

Please accept, Messrs. Papelier and Beaujean, the expression of my distinguished greetings

Alexis Lemarchand