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However, we cannot discuss Sylvia Plath without approaching the subject of her blatant racism and disrespect for Black people and Jewish people. Scholars have been accused of favouritism because criticisms and biographies rarely encroach upon the territory of Plath’s racism, often relegating it to being ‘of her time’. The only non-white character in The Bell Jar is scolded by Esther, treated in a derogatory manner and described stereotypically. Plath’s allusions to Esther’s feelings of ‘otherness’ and ugliness involve vicious comparisons to non-white people, and the white supremacy in Plath’s writing diminishes her literary authority. Her poems crassly compare her suffering to that of the Holocaust and beyond her fiction, Plath’s diaries dating back to her high school years show a history of hateful and disrespectful white supremacist thinking.
This should be added to the article, but I don't have the time right now. If/when it's added, I'm not sure where in the article to add it. Suggestions are very welcome. Bill the Cat 7 (talk) 16:28, 15 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, it's an RS. Since we are the only two who are discussing this article, I will NOT add it unless you agree. If you agree, however, then I still don't know where to add it. Thank you for your time. Bill the Cat 7 (talk) 14:17, 17 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I am reluctant to add what may be considered controversial personal material on the basis of a single "local" journalist's opinion piece. Does Shanagher have some privileged access to Plath's unpublished diaries, or what? I don't see The Oxford Blue listed at WP:RSP? Happy to wait for a third opinion/ further discussion. Your patience is much appreciated. Martinevans123 (talk) 14:41, 17 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I see no reason why an editorial from a University newspaper should be outright considered an RS, and when the accusations are supported by a statement as weightless as "she didn't have an exceptionally diverse cast in her book" it seems like it's easy to reject outright. Lostsandwich (talk) 21:30, 17 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Martinevans123, see what WS:RSP is not. By the way, I really don't feel strongly about this and I certainly don't want to be contentious. Her racism doesn't detract from the validity and importance of her works. Saying so would be a non-sequiter. History is full of less-than-good people who have otherwise done good things (e.g., Charles Darwin). I hereby withdraw my request to include it in the article. For what's it's worth, thank you for being civil!! I wish there were more people like you editing WP. Bill the Cat 7 (talk) 14:39, 19 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I read the source, and it is reliably cited. However, I am not at all clear how one dies from carbon monoxide (CO) poising by immersing one's head in an oven venting natural gas. Does anyone have any insights? CO is the product of combustion. Had the oven been lighted, she would have been burned - but she wasn't. So where did the CO come from? Rklawton (talk) 14:34, 24 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]
The article title makes sense, but why don't we include her legal name in the opening paragraph? I know her husband's surname is a point of contention among some of her fans and feminists, but should that have any bearing on an encyclopedia article? Rklawton (talk) 17:03, 24 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]
No strong objections. But did she ever use "Sylvia Hughes"? As far as I know she never published under that name. Her gravestone does have "Sylvia Plath Hughes", however. I'm thinking that a similar case might be Pam Ayres (although Dudley Russell is a theatre producer). Martinevans123 (talk) 17:41, 24 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]