The Detrimental Effects of Banning Books for Children
The Detrimental Effects of Banning Books for Children and Teens
Photo Credit: Duluth News Tribune
Issue #376 Education August 30, 2023
Books have been banned in America almost since the beginning of our country. But in the past few years, book banning, including by people who don't even have children, and attacks on public and school libraries has increased tremendously.
By limiting access to certain literature, not only are people's worldviews being restricted, but knowledge about others is almost eliminated.
Actually, that is exactly the goal of these current book banners, to "erase" or eliminate all books for or by Black and other non-white or non-American authors, and for or by LGBTQA+. These people also often ban books that don't subscribe to their particular "Christian" values.
The Houston Intermediate School is actually converting its school libraries to "detention centers." What does that tell children about priorities?
Book banning has far-reaching effects on teachers, students, and classrooms. It diminishes students' opportunities to explore different cultures and experiences, narrowing their understanding of the world and hindering their capacity for empathy.
By removing books that tackle controversial or sensitive topics, book banning hampers curiosity and perpetuates ignorance. It creates gaps in knowledge and limits the intellectual growth of children.
Furthermore, it infringes upon the rights of other readers, denying them the opportunity to engage with important and thought-provoking works. Many of these book banners, including the relatively new "Moms for Liberty" say they are protecting "parents' rights" to choose what their children read, but which parents? What about the parents who do want their children to have access to certain books?
By exposing children to a diverse range of literature, we foster an environment that encourages critical thinking, empathy, and understanding. It allows children to explore different cultures, traditions, and identities, ultimately shaping them into well-rounded individuals who appreciate diversity.
Of course, that is exactly what the extreme right-wing does not want for children.
In addition to favorite classics like "Hop On Pop," "Charlotte's Web," "Where the Sidewalk Ends," "And Tango Makes Three," "The Bluest Eye," "Maus," "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry," "Romeo and Juliet," and "The Kite Runner," here is a list of some of the other books that have been banned recently.
Some of these books are targeted toward young children, while others are meant for older children and teens.
1. Book Title: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
Reasons for banning: Challenged due to its use of racial slurs and its depiction of controversial themes.
2. Book Title: "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
Reasons for banning: Frequently challenged for its profanity, sexual content, and portrayal of rebellion.
3. Book Title: "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
Reasons for banning: Criticized for promoting witchcraft, occultism, and undermining religious values.
4. Book Title: "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker
Reasons for banning: Frequently challenged for its explicit sexual content, violence, and profanity.
5. Book Title: "1984" by George Orwell
Reasons for banning: Often challenged for its political and sexual content, as well as its portrayal of authoritarianism.
6. Book Title: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
Reasons for banning: Frequently challenged for its depiction of euthanasia and its exploration of controversial themes.
7. Book Title: "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
Reasons for banning: Challenged for its portrayal of racial stereotypes and its use of racial slurs.
8. Book Title: "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
Reasons for banning: Often challenged for its sexual content and its depiction of homosexuality.
9. Book Title: "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
Reasons for banning: Frequently challenged for its sexual content, offensive language, and its portrayal of drug use.
10. Book Title: "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
Reasons for banning: Challenged for its depiction of profanity, sexual content, and its exploration of controversial themes.
Of course, many of these books tackle difficult and controversial topics, but life itself often can be difficult and controversial, so "hiding" these books does nothing to help children deal with or understand why these topics are important to learn about.
Banning books for children undermines the principles of intellectual freedom and stifles their intellectual and emotional growth. By promoting a diverse range of literature and encouraging open dialogue, an environment that values inclusivity, empathy, and critical thinking can be strengthened.
All parents, teachers, and librarians should be supported in the choices of books for children and teens, and just a few people or organizations should not have to power to ban books for everyone else.
It is crucial to raise awareness about the negative consequences of censorship and advocate for the right of children to access a wide variety of literature, enabling them to become informed, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.
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Happy-book-banning people don't understand the concept of "covering the sun with one finger" (you can't - yet again, they likely don't read, themselves). Other people in the rest of the world are being educated about every subject, including America's internal affairs and history. At the very least, this is headed towards incompetent individuals. I sure hope the tide changes.