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Today, when every form of perversion except masturbation and bestiality have been shown on the screen, Hellman, Wyler and the Mirisch Co. apparently thought a re-do of The Children's Hour would sell tickets if lesbianism were not only restored as the charge the evil child falsely brings, but also condoned... There is an explicit line of dialogue which asserts that those who choose to practice lesbianism are not destroyed by it - a claim disapproved by the number of lesbians who become insane and/or commit suicide.

Lillian Hellman#37

CensorshipMediaRepresentationSexuality

About this quote

What does it mean?
Censorship and media portrayal of lesbianism were controversial and often misrepresentative.
In plain terms
Movies about lesbianism faced censorship and harmful claims.
What can you take from it?
Media representation matters for marginalized groups.

Where it applies

  • film production
  • content warnings
  • cultural debates

Putting it to work

  • support diverse stories
  • question mainstream narratives
  • advocate for accuracy

Questions to consider

  • How do films shape public views on sexuality?
  • Who decides what stories get told?

Another view

The historical context may not reflect modern standards of expression.

More from Lillian Hellman

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  2. Every word she writes is a lie, including and and the.

    Permalink to quote #38
  3. You lose your manners when you are poor.

    Permalink to quote #35

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