If you have been following the news lately, you’ve most likely seen or heard about a big drive to ban books in schools across the country.
A growing number of parents are concerned about what their kids are reading about in school. Many are saying that the books are too obscene or harmful to children. This clash is creating a huge political battle that has already spread into national politics, like Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation.
This is ridiculous. These restrictions pose a threat to freedom of speech and choice; these are freedoms which Americans hold so close to their hearts and that are worth standing up for. So why go against that now?
By opening kids’ eyes to people, places, and cultures worldwide it creates an understanding and a sense of empathy. Books can most definitely provide representation for children who are the minority. They can show the reader perspectives different from their own.
Literature is supposed to make people question things they aren’t used to. So, it’s important for people of all ages to have conversations about these concepts, especially young adults. Stripping those conversations is hurtful and will ultimately lead to ignorance. Having a society full of ignorant people, refusing to understand these notions and lacking education, is doing the exact opposite of what humanity wants a democracy to be.
Here are some of the books that have been banned and the reasons why:
Beloved by Toni Morrison - Banned in Florida and Idaho, too much violence, racism, and sexually explicit content.
1984 and Animal Farm by George Orwell - Banned in Jackson County, Florida for being pro-communist.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien - Burned outside a community church in New Mexico along with other Tolkien novels for being satanic.
An American Tragedy by Theodore Dresier - Banned in Mass. (1972) and burned by Nazi’s in Germany (1933) because it “deals with low love affairs” – Which is a romantic relationship between two people who love each other but are not married. So… my parents?
I get it. The truth hurts and telling the truth is difficult. You can’t shelter your kids forever. They will learn eventually. Banning books can impede on children’s curiosity. Exposing your kids encourages them to learn more about themselves, history, and other cultures – even if those cultures bring up uncomfortable and heavy subjects.
Ask yourself, what is gained from isolating children from inevitable and uncomfortable truths?
I agree with this article that books should not be banned in schools. Many books teach lessons to kids which may be useful later in their lives. Also banning books is limiting the knowledge or history of different cultures we get to discover. Although the books may include explicit content schools should still not ban them, especially for teens or young adults attending school.
I feel like with them banning books iat not okay because people use that to let everything out and let other one people read what has happened to them and they use it to express there feelings.
By banning books we are limiting the accessibility that people have to further learn about the history of many different cultures and perspectives. Not only are we creating an environment where kids/young adults are hidden away from the truth of such subjects but, we could also be possibly creating ignorant future adults. This can further lead to minorities feeling unsafe or uncomfortable within an environment.
I am glad I found an article that relates to my opinion on the banning of books. People should be able to express themselves as they wish. People learning more about what they are interested in through books helps their freedom of expression. Learning from different perspectives and opinions is important so one could construct their point of view on topics. To add to your article, I believe that if they ban books, students will find out another way to obtain the information they desire. The internet has a wide range of "obscene" information that is out of the parent's control to decide whether or not their child reads it. Overall, I agree with you and appreciate this article.
I find it very wrong for our lawmakers to feel they have the right to dictate what people are and are not allowed to read. This infringes on the very rights that formed the basis of this country, freedom of speech and choice. It is understandable where the reasoning is coming from to ban certain books as many contain explicit and obscene content, not suitable for all audiences. However, children are often inevitably exposed to these uncomfortable realities, and if not by a book, then likely from sketchy and biased sources that only further certain personal agendas. The banning of books is definitely an unwise course of action; not only does it prevent our youth from expanding their knowledge, it…