Banning Books: A Step Back in Time or a Leap Forward in Ignorance

Seriously, book bans in the 21st century? Doesn't it sound preposterous? It's wild how we're still dealing with this! Can you believe that book challenges are soaring, not just in school libraries, but even in public libraries? We're talking about restrictions on books available to everyone in a community. That's not just insane; it's a step backwards in time!

Before deep diving into the current situation, let me first give you a quick glimpse of how this has happened over and over in the past.

Historical Examples of Book Banning

Book banning and challenges have a long history that stretches far beyond the 21st century. In the past, various books faced bans and censorship due to their content, themes, or perceived threat to societal norms. Here are some of those moments in time when books were censored:

1. The Roman Catholic Church and the Index Librorum Prohibitorum: In the 16th century, the Catholic Church compiled a list of prohibited books known as the Index Librorum Prohibitorum. It aimed to control the dissemination of heretical or morally objectionable works, banning texts by authors like Galileo Galilei and Descartes.
2. The Comstock Law in the United States: Enacted in 1873, the Comstock Law prohibited the mailing of "obscene" materials, including books and contraceptives, through the US Postal Service. This law led to the censorship of various literary works and educational materials.
3. Nazi Book Burnings: In the 1930s, the Nazi regime in Germany carried out massive book burnings to eradicate works that contradicted Nazi ideology, such as those by Jewish, communist, or pacifist authors. Books by authors like Thomas Mann and Albert Einstein were among those burned.
4. Soviet Censorship: Under the Soviet regime, literary works, particularly those critical of the government or socialist ideals, faced censorship. Writers like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Boris Pasternak encountered state suppression of their works.
5. McCarthy Era in the US: During the Cold War, the McCarthy era saw censorship efforts (AGAIN!) targeting books, films, and other media suspected of promoting communist sympathies. This period restricted artistic expression and led to the banning of numerous works.

These historical examples illustrate how governments, religious institutions, and political movements have sought to control literature and information flow, often suppressing dissenting or challenging ideas.

Look at some of the books that have been banned in the past (what a loss for those who couldn't read these!!!):

1. "Ulysses" by James Joyce: This groundbreaking novel was initially banned in the US and the UK due to its explicit language and sexual content. It was deemed obscene and faced legal battles before being eventually published and recognized as a literary masterpiece.
2. "Lady Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence: Considered explicit for its time, this novel faced censorship in several countries due to its sexual content. It was banned in the UK and the US for its perceived obscenity before being published in full.
3. "The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie: This novel faced widespread bans and protests in several countries due to its perceived blasphemy against Islam. Many nations imposed bans and restrictions on its distribution.
4. "Candide" by Voltaire: This satirical work was banned and burned in several European countries due to its criticism of religion, government, and societal norms.
5. "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain: This American classic faced bans and challenges due to its language and themes surrounding race, slavery, and racial slurs.
6. "1984" by George Orwell: This dystopian novel was banned in several countries during the mid-20th century due to its critique of totalitarianism and fear of its potential influence.

So, it's pretty clear that throughout history, attempts to control information and censor literature have been recurrent themes.

Book Bans Today

Fast forward to today, and we're witnessing a troubling resurgence in book challenges and removals. This surge in book removals doesn't just affect our shelves; it's impacting our communities. These bans disproportionately target books by or about people of colour or the LGBTQ+ community. This isn't just about the content; it's about limiting access and diversity in reading materials.

The present wave of censorship, whether in school or public libraries, is reminiscent of historical attempts to stifle narratives that challenge the status quo or advocate for marginalized voices. By restricting access to these diverse perspectives, these bans undermine the fundamental values of intellectual freedom and inclusivity in our society. It's a concerning regression, hindering the exposure of readers to different experiences and viewpoints, ultimately curtailing the richness and depth of our collective literary landscape.

Think about it—harassing librarians, bomb threats, slashed funding, and even closures over book disputes? That's straight-up oppressive.

And don't even get me started on the censorship and intimidation librarians face. It's all just plain wrong. It's 2023, and we're still fighting for access to diverse voices and stories?

Unfortunately, classics are also being targeted by this movement. Can you believe the list below?

1. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: This novel, considered a classic of post-World War II American literature, is often challenged due to its explicit language, themes of sexuality, and the protagonist's rebellious behaviour. Critics have argued that its content is inappropriate for younger readers.
2. "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has been banned for its depiction of the struggles faced by Dust Bowl-era migrant workers. Its realism and social commentary on poverty, exploitation, and injustice led to bans and burnings due to its perceived socialist undertones and obscene language.
3. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: This acclaimed novel addressing racial injustice and moral growth is often challenged for its use of racial slurs and its depiction of rape. Some critics argue that its content is too mature for young readers, while others claim it promotes a liberal agenda.
4. "Nineteen Eighty-Four" by George Orwell: This dystopian classic has been challenged for its political themes and critique of totalitarianism. Concerns about its anti-communist stance and explicit scenes have led to its banning in various places.
5. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel deals with slavery, trauma, and the African American experience. Its graphic scenes of violence and sexual content have led to challenges in schools for being inappropriate and disturbing for younger audiences.
6. "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller: Banned for its explicit language, depictions of war, and irreverent take on bureaucracy and authority. Critics argue that its portrayal of the military and war may be offensive or disturbing.
7. "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley: This classic dystopian novel exploring a future society driven by technology and conditioning has been challenged for sexual content, drug use, and themes considered blasphemous or anti-family.
8. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell: Often challenged for its political allegory criticizing Stalinism and authoritarianism, leading to bans due to its political content and perceived subversion of authority.

These books, despite facing bans, remain essential for their social commentary, thought-provoking themes, and contribution to literature, making it crucial to engage with them for a comprehensive understanding of society and history.

Each of these classic novels stands as a testament to literary excellence and tackles significant societal and philosophical themes. Banning these books denies readers the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, crucial historical contexts, and critical discussions on issues such as racism, censorship, individuality, and societal structure. It's essential for readers, especially students, to access these works to understand the complexities of our world and stimulate critical thinking and meaningful discussions.

It's baffling to consider that kids are missing out on these books, each offering unique perspectives, tackling important themes, and resonating with various aspects of the human experience.

Strategies to Combat Book Censorship

Here are three strategies if you feel like doing something about it:

1. Community Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Organise community events, workshops, and discussions to raise awareness about the importance of intellectual freedom and diversity in literature. Engage local leaders, educators, and parents to advocate for inclusive reading materials and libraries.
2. Support Libraries and Librarians: Stand in solidarity with libraries and librarians facing challenges or threats due to book censorship. Offer support through volunteering, fundraising, or creating petitions to preserve access to diverse literature.
3. Online Resources and Activism: Use online platforms and social media to amplify the voices advocating against book bans. Share information, resources, and testimonials about the impact of censorship on communities. Engage in digital activism through petitions, hashtags, and awareness campaigns. Is there any other you'd suggest?