A Rise in Banned Books: Revealing the Key Perspectives on Literary Morality
Publishing Solutions Group
Full-service content development for PreK-16 educational and professional learning services. Certified WBE.
by Gianna Carrara?
Fall 2023 Intern?
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As governments and educational systems across the United States increasingly ban books within the classroom, educators everywhere, including outside of the United States, are left scratching their heads, trying to find materials within the regulations to teach their students. New books are coming out every day with characters that reflect the entire population. Main characters who are queer, feminist, people of color, individuals that practice different religions, and those who have anti-racist values are showing up in books written by members of these communities. In any genre, for any age, these texts continue to showcase the true diversity that resides in this world, with the same themes and understanding of human nature found in “classic literature.” So why are banned books on the rise? ?
Who Is Getting Banned??
When looking at the list of the most popular banned books, the majority are authored by people of color, have sensitive subject matters related to sexuality, or include more inclusive sexual health education. Books that explore the spectrum of sexuality, discuss the experiences of people of color, and educate those who may not have proper resources are important to present to younger generations for guidance and understanding.?
Within the past few years, social justice movements have been increasing, especially within the LGBTQ+ community and for people of color. This is due to the educational policies being put in place in some areas to perpetuate discriminatory ideals. These legislations aim to limit the teachings of history—whether that involves the history of slavery and civil rights movements in America, or incorrect accounts of other tragedies. This further fosters ignorance about modern issues, which can lead to prejudice, bigotry, and increased violence towards minority groups, particularly the younger members of these communities.?
According to the American Library Association (ALA), over 100 titles have already been challenged to become banned in 11 states, just from January to August last year alone. A total of 3,923 titles have been challenged. This seems to only continue to promote more traditional ideologies.?
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Why are These Books Being Banned??
There are the arguments that the banned books are decidedly too explicit for younger readers and that the content is too mature. Many people who are for book banning do not advocate for complete access denial; instead, they argue that these books should be restricted access in public institutions such as school libraries and government buildings, where the majority of the population is youth.
Those in power who are banning these books believe that there are alternative “classic” books that address similar themes, without exploring explicit topics like sexuality, racism, and feminism. They utilize lenses employed to analyze these books, including but not limited to critical race theory, which seeks to understand social justice and equity in society; feminist lens; Marxist theory, which analyzes how economic factors influence social structures; and gender/queer theory. However, some of the older books still allowed in classrooms and programs have their own hurtful implications. Many of these books feature racist and homophobic language or slurs, lack proper understanding of mental health, and depict toxic and abusive relationships in various forms.
The banned topics are able to convey a modern understanding of the world and include the same themes (the American Dream, power and corruption, good versus evil tropes, etc.) found in older books considered classics, and contain many of the same classical literary tropes. These books are able to provide the same literary understanding as older books, but legislation and policies continue to be made to prevent them from being taught in a classroom setting. The books that are facing the greatest threat of being banned are those that try to reflect the thoughts and values of the very communities in which they are being banned.?
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What Can You Do??
The best course of action is to educate yourself! Continue to understand why books are being banned, the legislation behind it, and where it aligns with your values. Seek out books during Banned Books Week and understand the impact they may have if they weren’t banned. Discuss it with friends, family, and even teachers and educators to gather their thoughts and feelings on the subject. There are things you can do in your own community too, such as joining rallies that may promote your ideals and values or even starting a book club within your community. Work towards accessibility and encourage people to read what they want to, even if there are opposing views in the community.??
Did You Know? ?
The first Banned Books Week was held in 1982! Every year since then, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has compiled lists of challenged books for the annual event, which usually takes place in late September.?
References?
“Banned and Challenged Book Data, 2023” https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/book-ban-data?
Dworkin, S. H. & Yi, H. (2003 December). LGBT Identity, Violence, and Social Justice: The Psychological Is Political. International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling. 25, 269–279. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ADCO.0000005526.87218.9f?
Knox, E. J. M. (2015). Book Banning in 21st-Century America. Rowman & Littlefield.?
Tolin, L. (2023, September 21). The 11 Most Banned Books of the 2022-2023 School Year. Pen America. https://pen.org/banned-book-list-2023/?