In my opinion, no teacher or parent has the right to tell me I cannot read a book because it displays a different religion or culture to mine. As a voracious reader I pick up anything and everything, ranging from my grandma's magazines to my brother's A-level copy of Morte D'Arthur to my well-thumbed Anne Of Green Gables. Through my wonderful parents allowing me to make my own judgements and ask around and do some background research on books I have a fairly varied reading style, but I wouldn't say I am corrupted. Of course many parents may want to guard what a younger child reads, but the same goes for television and films. I know many young kids who grow up watching soaps and music videos that portray a harsh or inappropriate view of the world, and this is what affects them as they grow. Through books I can develop who I am and how I see the world. Through books deemed 'racist' or that have a different religious or political viewpoint to mine I can learn more about the world around me and my views will be my own, not something repeated from my parents or teachers, because I am learning all viewpoints.
All the same I'm not advocating that an six-year-old reads the Gossip Girl series. However I want to have the freedom of being able to read what I want. You have every right to voice your opinion on the suitability of a book, to tell me it's not right for me to read yet, or to say you disagree with the views expressed. But you have no right to tell me I can't open the book. I can make that decision for myself. When a book is guidelined to a certain audience I do a bit of background research, and I don't wish to fill my mind with rude language and murderuous characters. But I don't believe in banning books. It's like banning breathing.
In short--feel free to warn me about risque or emotional books. Just don't tell me I can't pick it up.
In short--feel free to warn me about risque or emotional books. Just don't tell me I can't pick it up.
Okay--dramatic speech over. Through what I just typed I don't want to cause offense to anyone, but I just wanted to clarify what I thought. I'm going to post my thoughts on several 'banned books'. Of as well as sharing my thoughts on some 'clean' books that are still touching, thought-provoking and express beautifully a different culture.
But before all that--what makes a book become a 'banned book'? Unfortunately, not much. A book discussing or promoting homosexuality, a religious viewpoint, the occult/Satan, or anything that could possibly deter from the conservative mainstream. Any one of those factors can cause a parent to contact a school or library and tell them the book is hideous, cruel, wrong. If the complaint is strong or popular enough, bam. It's off the shelves.
So--stay tuned for a week peppered with debate! I've got book reviews of banned classics up my sleeve, and hopefully I can do a round-up of everything that happened on Friday. In between that, I've got some Autumnal gubbins to share. Interested in posting a review of a banned book? Grab the button below and link up!
~Libby
P.S. I put up a scroll box now, so it's easier to grab the button. It links back to this post, and if you try it out and it works for you, please let me know! And if it fails, let me know too. :)
But before all that--what makes a book become a 'banned book'? Unfortunately, not much. A book discussing or promoting homosexuality, a religious viewpoint, the occult/Satan, or anything that could possibly deter from the conservative mainstream. Any one of those factors can cause a parent to contact a school or library and tell them the book is hideous, cruel, wrong. If the complaint is strong or popular enough, bam. It's off the shelves.
So--stay tuned for a week peppered with debate! I've got book reviews of banned classics up my sleeve, and hopefully I can do a round-up of everything that happened on Friday. In between that, I've got some Autumnal gubbins to share. Interested in posting a review of a banned book? Grab the button below and link up!
~Libby
P.S. I put up a scroll box now, so it's easier to grab the button. It links back to this post, and if you try it out and it works for you, please let me know! And if it fails, let me know too. :)
Awesome! I totally agree with you. As a voracious reader myself, I've probably read a lot of books that other people wouldn't consider appropriate...but I'm thankful that no one has tried to stop me. It is even encouraged by some people: Two years ago my teacher had us all pick a book from the banned book list and do a report on it.
ReplyDeleteI'll totally do a review (or two ;P) on a banned book. Like you, censorship is something I feel strongly about.
Happy Banned Book Week! (And beginning of Autumn!)
~Starr
AGREED!
ReplyDeleteEveryone should have the right to read what they want to.