Classic Authors: L. Frank Baum
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- stardust535
- SusanJ_3
- whatintheworld94
- illumina
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» stardust535 - Racist Wizard of Oz
I was simply wondering how come the review of L. Frank Baum's life and times neglected to mention his time as editor of the Aberdeen Post Dispatch, where on two separate occasions he published editorials outwardly calling for the extermination of all Native Peoples. L.Frank Baum should be remembered for the damage that he caused the people of our country, not for some foolish book.-- posted by stardust535
» SusanJ_3 - Re: Racist Wizard of Oz
The reason that this information wasn't included is because, quite frankly, I never saw it mentioned anywhere on the Web sites that I used in my research. In order to publish a weekly article, I must research very quickly and information often gets overlooked. So, thank you for adding to my information on Baum.One other thing: L. Frank Baum is mentioned here because he is the writer of classic works of fiction. Not all of the writers mentioned here were great people. Many, many of them held to radical and controversial philosophies. However unsavory they were as people, they were talented writers and are thus featured here.
-- posted by SusanJ_3
» whatintheworld94 - Defense
In Baum's defense, he was raised in the early 1900's, a time when racism was pretty common. His books do not specifically disrespect any race, they simply do not include them, and therefore should not be defined as racist. L. Frank Baum accomplished much in years and should be respected for that.-- posted by whatintheworld94
» illumina - On Baum's connection to Theosophy
I am so suprised nowhere does it mention Mr. Baums connection to Theosophy. He joined that wonderful and enlightened soociety in the late 70's or 80's I con't have the date at hand. He was a metaphysician and I believe that influence is so important it should be mentioned. Each of the characters in The Wizard of Oz stood for a metaphysical precept and we are drawn to the message of self realization because it is so universal. Important to remember. He knew Helena Blavatsky who wasa tremendous influence in so many lives.And it was probably the Religious Congress that took place in Chicago at the Worlds Fair that took him to that city.-- posted by illumina
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