My Thoughts on Book Banning

Disclaimer: I understand this topic can be controversial. These are all my own opinions. I have done some research but because my knowledge and understanding are flawed, there is no way that I can understand it all. I might change my mind someday. Please do not argue with me or others. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this as well but I am not interested in arguments only healthy, respectful discussions. 

Last year, I read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. In case you are unfamiliar, it's a dystopian novel from the 1950s that revolves around the banning and burning of books. Ironically Fahrenheit 451 was banned from schools in the 80s due to language. 

This past week (Sept 26th - Oct 2nd) was Banned Book Week. Every year, The American Library Association sets this week aside to discuss banned books as well as recently “challenged” books.

I find banned books fascinating since everyone has a different view and perspective on what should be banned and what should be kept on shelves. People on both sides of religious, political, and societal coins have challenged books to be banned. Banned or not, books are the gateway to learning what you believe, what you don't believe, and how you perceive the world and others. Those are things we shouldn’t take away from society. 

Below are a few thoughts I’ve had regarding banning books. Like I mentioned above, these are just my thoughts that I have pieced together as I have researched and thought about this concept. I’d love to hear what you think as well!

- I am a believer in the United States Constitution. The First Amendment states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Freedom of speech should apply to everyone - even people you disagree with. I wonder if banned books infringe upon this right that we have fought for? Does giving the government the ability to choose what we can and cannot read violate our freedom of the press? I think it does. 

- Books or sources should not be forced upon anyone. If you don't want to read something, you shouldn't be forced to. There are a lot of books and options out there. They are a lot of banned books I would never read. They are quite a few banned books I have read. We don’t have to read it or endorse it but if we erase literature just because it makes us uncomfortable, we will never grow as a society.

- No religious text should be banned. The Bible has been banned. The Quran has been banned. No religious or holy texts should be removed from circulation no matter the reason. This encroaches on freedom of belief and free-thinking.

- I have seen a handful of books include content, theme, and trigger warnings. I think this is brilliant because it helps readers make informed decisions for themselves. In this same vein, I believe in the power and wisdom of family. Parents should help children make wise decisions on books and content until the child can discern for themselves. 

- Limiting access based on age/grade level is alright in some regards. There's a reason why libraries and bookstores have a separate children’s section. A 5-year-old doesn't need to know the nitty-gritty about World War II yet but can appreciate the men and women who sacrificed everything for our freedom. Separating books by age range is not censorship, it’s just helping readers find appropriate material for their needs. 

In conclusion, I don't think banning books should be the job of the government or the school system. I think families should decide for themselves what they will and will not read. There are so many reading options out there. If you are needing to learn about a particular topic and do not like what you find, go discover something else. Use your freedom of speech to choose your materials but don't infringe on others' freedom by forcing them to read or not read a book. 

Also as a side note, as I was researching banned books, I noticed that although some books may be "challenged" or "banned" in the U.S., many readers still have access to copies. But in other countries such as Afghanistan during the past and the current Taliban regime or Nazi Germany, most or all books have been inaccessible and illegal. Governments have burned and destroyed the books, art, music, and language of countries just to annihilate the culture. Freedom of speech and the press is a very important thing for us as United States citizens to uphold.

There are always exceptions. Banning books is a messy topic that involves a lot of people and a lot of different views. But these are just some of my thoughts because I find the topic so intriguing. How about you? What are your thoughts on censorship and banned books? Have you read any banned books? If you are unsure of your own opinion on banned books, I would highly recommend doing your own research to see what you think. It’s a very interesting topic!

Until next time!

~ K.J. Haakenson