So, it's Banned Books Week. Before I started book blogging, I didn't know that a whole week was devoted to talking about and reading banned books and encouraging people to speak out against censorship.
I've read some really interesting statistics this week about why books are challenged in the US. And the reasons why some books are challenged are just downright ridiculous. (The Vernon Verona Sherill School District in New York challenged To Kill a Mockingbird in 1980 because they thought it was a "filthy, trashy novel." Seriously? Have they even read the book?!) While some of the reasons for challenging or banning books seem good—like being sexually explicit, using offensive language or being excessive violence—I still don't think books should be banned. (I do however believe wholeheartedly in good parenting & making wise decisions for yourself where these things are concerned!)
Why don't I think books should be banned? Because the First Amendment guarantees us freedom of speech and freedom of religion, among other things. If we begin impeding on freedom of speech, how long will it be until we are no longer allowed the freedom of religion?
And if people start banning books for any reason, how long will it be before the Bible is banned or restricted in the United States as it is in many parts of the world?
As many are celebrating the freedom to read this week, I'm celebrating the freedom to read AND to worship by reading the Bible, one of the most challenged books in the world.
What about you? Thoughts on banning books? Favorite banned or challenged book? Ways you're celebrating the freedom to read?
My motto is "Ban ignorance, not books".
ReplyDeleteI've celebrated Banned Books Week in several different ways. On my book blog, I've devoted the entire week of Banned Books Week to the topic of banned books.
I've been wearing a Banned Books Week t-shirt this week.
I've read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie, which was one of the top ten most challenged book titles in 2011.
I also organized a banned book reading challenge to encourage people to read a banned or challenged book this week.