Why are books banned?
Books have been banned for different reasons throughout
time. The most common reasons have been vulgar language, gratuitous violence
and sex, and contrary social and political ideas. Books have also been
challenged in schools because of their morbid and depressing themes.
Where are books most commonly banned?
Attempts are made to ban books in schools and in libraries.
Sometimes books are challenged by parents who believe that their children
should not be made to read a certain book as part of the school’s curriculum.
Other times a book may be challenged throughout a school or library because
someone or some group believes that no one should be allowed to read the book.
Books are banned in many countries outside of the US because
they clash with that country's cultural, social, political, or religious
beliefs.
The following is a link to the ALA's list of frequently
challenged classics.
What do you think? Is
there ever a situation where a book should be banned? Should books have to meet
standards of age appropriateness, similar to the movie rating system, to be
utilized in schools? Are there ideas that should not be promoted, such as
racism, violence or certain religious views?
Is there a difference between challenging the book Satanic Verses in the Wichita Kansas
Public Library because the book is "blasphemous to the prophet
Mohammed" and Slaughterhouse Five
being removed as required reading for sophomores at a high school in Rhode
Island after a parent complained that the book contains vulgar language,
violent imagery, and sexual content?
Have you read any of the books from the frequently banned
books list? What do you think? Was the book appropriate for everyone? If you
believe a book should be banned, who should be able to make that decision and
for whom?
Banned Books Week Links: