Welcome readers,
Over the last several weeks/months we've all seen an uptick in articles about schools/towns/states banning books from classrooms and libraries. Obviously, this is an important subject that many of us feel passionate about but unfortunately it has a tendency to come in waves and drown out any other discussion. We obviously don't want to ban this discussion but we also want to allow other posts some air to breathe. In order to accomplish this, we're going to post a discussion thread every month to allow users to post articles and discuss them. In addition, our friends at /r/bannedbooks would love for you to check out their sub and discuss banned books there as well.
by AutoModerator
5 Comments
Consider what kind of political leaning is most likely to take part in the current book banning trend, and then ask yourself, why would that political ideology be the one to ban books? The answer to this second question is not “to protect kids from pornography” but that’s what they’ll say is the reason.
I was reading the Daily Kos Banned Book Club selections. Two that come to mind are Scars by Cheryl Rainfield and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson; both are YA. Ones deals with incest and cutting and the other with rape. Both, I think, are important books. They truly speak to issues young adults face. Ms. Rainfield’s book, while not a biography/memoir, is based on her life experiences.
I think it’s important that young adults have a chance to read stories they can relate to, that speak to them on a personal level. These books usually offer up a list of resources for victims to reach out to. It is hard for me to fathom why anyone would want to ban these books.
ETA: Not related to the above, but wanted to add anyway. When I was in high school in the 70’s, part of my required reading was All Quiet on the Western Front and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Both are on banned book lists today.
I told my 9 year old that I think that banned books lists are good for suggestions. That includes things that I disagree with. Hopefully I’ve instilled morals into him and he won’t turn into an asshole. Also, I talk to him about books he reads.
I read things that I know I will disagree with. How else will I learn to argue against them? Also, I sometimes change my mind.
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Telling kids, particularly teenagers, not to read something is one of the best ways to get them to read.
When I was in high school, one of the English teachers allowed students to submit up to two extra credit book reports. And for those who had issues finding something to read, she also had a stack of the Waldenbook banned book list on the file cabinet by the door.
And some of my classmates who never read anything not required were taking copies of that list and submitting reports for the extra credit.