Controversy Erupts in Children’s Publishing After Pro-Trump Post
In the vibrant and bustling world of children’s publishing, a recent incident out of New York City has caused quite a stir among authors, publishers, and readers alike. On November 6, Mariel Dawson, the vice president of marketing at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, took to her personal Facebook page to share a graphic that has since ignited a debate across the industry.
The controversial post featured a collage of Donald Trump and Elon Musk strolling side by side, the backdrop a waving American flag, topped off with the words, “It’s a Great Day to be an American.” While meant to evoke a sense of national pride, Dawson’s enthusiastic support for Trump’s presidency was quickly met with backlash from her peers in the book business.
A Ripple Effect in the Community
It didn’t take long for fellow industry professionals, shocked by what they saw as a celebration of a political figure who many feel threatens the core values of children’s publishing, to voice their opinions online. Notably, children’s author Martha Brockenbrough received screenshots of the post from a “trusted person” who was alarmed at what they felt was a blatant show of support for an administration that has raised concerns in the literary community.
Brockenbrough, whose book Unpresidented: A Biography of Donald Trump was also published by Macmillan, described Dawson’s post as “tasteless” and indicative of either ignorance or acceptance of the toxic rhetoric surrounding Trump’s campaign. She pointed out that these sentiments pose a direct threat to the future of children’s publishing, especially if the administration pursues policies that defund education and libraries.
Community Outcry and Concerns
As word of Dawson’s post spread, it was picked up by various platforms, including a gossip account on Instagram. The backlash was intense, with other authors, such as Dhonielle Clayton and Katherine Applegate, joining the conversation to echo Brockenbrough’s concerns. Numerous comments flooded in, expressing feelings of betrayal, particularly in regards to Macmillan’s touted commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
An anonymous author poignantly captured the sentiment, expressing hesitance about continuing their partnership with Macmillan after what they felt was a willingness to overlook crucial values in favor of political alignment. Others could not help but question how marketing decisions are made at Macmillan, especially when it comes to progressive authors whom they believed were not afforded a fair chance in the marketplace.
Corporate Response
In light of the mounting criticism, MCPG president Jen Besser issued a statement via Instagram, asserting that Dawson’s post, made from her personal account, did not represent Macmillan’s official stance. Besser emphasized Macmillan’s commitment to its core values of Impact, Inclusivity, Respect, Sustainability, and Trust. She further reassured the community that decision-making within Macmillan is always collaborative and aims for inclusivity, ensuring that the diverse list of authors are fairly represented.
A Call for Accountability
Despite the presidential message of unity promoted by Besser, author Aiden Thomas, known for works like Cemetery Boys, candidly stated that the response was “not good enough.” He insisted that it’s paramount for the company to address the concerns raised by its authors and that accountability is a must, especially in light of the harsh political climate where the free expression and rights of marginalized voices are under threat.
Conclusion: Navigating Divisive Waters
The incident has highlighted the broader implications of political affiliations within the workplace, particularly in fields like children’s publishing that thrive on inclusivity and representation. As the industry grapples with this divide, authors are left wondering how their voices will be supported—or stifled—moving forward. In a time where the stakes feel incredibly high, it’s crucial for the literary community to foster open dialogue and ensure that all perspectives are respected as they move toward a more united future.
