Manchester University warns students about Dickens’ 1851 essay on China
The University of Manchester has sparked controversy by issuing a warning about an 1851 essay co-authored by Charles Dickens. The essay, part of an English Literature module, is said to contain 'racist views, particularly against Chinese people'. The warning comes amidst ongoing debates about free speech and academic freedom.
The essay in question, titled 'The Great Exhibition and the Little One', was published in the 1851 magazine Household Words, co-edited by Dickens. It contrasts Western civilization's progress with China's stagnation, reflecting the era's prevalent views on the subject.
The university's head, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, has issued the warning. However, Frank Furedi, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent, has criticized this move, describing it as 'historically illiterate'. He argues that the essay should be studied in its historical context.
The university is home to the Confucius Institute, a partnership with Beijing Normal University. Ironically, in 2022, the UK Government barred the university from licensing new technology to a Chinese company due to national security concerns.
Lord Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, has weighed in, suggesting universities should disclose their dependence on foreign funding to maintain transparency.
The University of Manchester's warning has raised questions about free speech, historical context, and academic integrity. While the university aims to protect students, some argue that the warning could hinder academic freedom and historical understanding. The debate highlights the complexities of navigating historical texts and their potential impacts on modern audiences.
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