The phrase represents the estimated worth of a literary work infamous for its racist depictions, calculated according to accounting principles. This calculated figure reflects the asset’s worth on a company’s balance sheet, which contrasts sharply with the cultural impact and societal harm it caused. For example, if a publishing house still carries the title as an asset, this figure represents the depreciated cost of printing, storing, and distributing remaining copies.
The significance lies in the stark juxtaposition between a financial assessment and the deeply offensive nature of the content. Understanding this valuation requires acknowledging the historical context of racism and its lingering effects on cultural narratives and representations. Evaluating the accounting figure prompts reflection on how businesses grapple with the legacy of problematic intellectual property and the ethical considerations involved in profiting from or even warehousing such material.