Banned Books week starts tomorrow.I'll tell you right up front that I'm a relatively moderate, Christian mom. I will admit that there are some books I've steered my kids away from when they were younger, because, in my judgment as a parent, I either felt they didn't uphold our family's values or I decided my children weren't ready for the subject matter yet. There are books that I myself prefer not to read because I am uncomfortable with the language or the subject matter. All this may make me an unlikely advocate for freedom in reading.
But here's the thing. I choose for me. I choose for my children (until they are old enough to choose for themselves.) But I don't believe I have the right to choose for anyone else.
Do I understand the zeal behind some of the book challenges, especially in schools? Absolutely. We are taught in many a church to stand up for what is right. Some people misguidedly believe this means imposing their interpretation of "right" on others. While I'm sure these people have the best of intentions, that view is, at best, shortsighted. I value the freedom to choose for myself, thank you.So here I am, a protective mom, speaking up against censorship. We've seen a lot of high-profile banning going on in the past few weeks. But there are quieter bans happening all over. Challenges by some people who haven't even read the books they are questioning. The only way we're going to stop this kind of dictatorship from happening is to speak loudly against it.
For this week's freebie - and a longer-standing commitment - leave a comment below, telling me your views on book banning and censorship. (The winner, as always, will be selected via random name draw, not on the content of the comment, so feel free to be completely honest. But be respectful. I reserve the right to remove argumentative, troll-like comments.) Up for grabs is the last remaining ARC of TRANCE, a signed flat, and a handful of bookmarks. This drawing will remain open until Wednesday, September 29.
12 comments:
Linda, I wholeheartedly agree. Some of the books that I have read, have been a bit hard to read because of the subject matter, but I have learned of experiences that I'm grateful I haven't had to live through. Actually most of the books that have changed my opinions or have given me a broader view, have been those books that "I shouldn't have" read.
Our view of life is so limited because we tend to associate with the kind of people we like, that much needed opportunities for learning can only happen thru books that give us the chance.
Thank you Linda for being an advocate for all type of books.
Totally agree, and wonderfully said! You are a great example of everything that is being said against banning books. Able to choose for yourself and your children what you think is best without condemning books you don't care for. Wonderful post. Love it!
I agree that people have the right to choose what they want to read and what they want their children to read. If you don't want a certain book in your house than the answeris to keep it out of the house- not ban this book for all others to read just because of your views.
It's the same thing with censorship: it's your decision not to read something, and you don't have to cut things out just because of it. Did you know that Farenheit 451, a book all about censorship and keeping books away from people, was censored? It's ironic how that would happen.
Linda -- I couldn't agree with you more. I've had quite a few conversations with friends and other writers about the "appropriateness" of, for example, a certain fourth book in a popular vampire series when in the hands of 10 year olds. I've asked my daughter to wait to read it until she and I both agree that she is ready for the topic matter.
BUT -- Here's the thing (and you stated it so well) this is our choice. As a woman and a girl, mother and daughter. No one else is making that choice for us, and I for one think the quiet bans you talk about are the scariest ones. It could be going on in your school...at your public library. And you don't even know.
I recently posted about book banning on my blog, too -- my way of speaking loudly. Check it out:
www.carpekeyboard.blogspot.com
--Karen
I believe book banning is also wrong. Like you, I also do not believe that forcing my beliefs on others is the right thing to do. As a mom, it is up to me to monitor what my children watch and read until they are old enough to make that decision themselves. Everyone has the right to make that choice for themselves unless they are under 18 and then their parents need to guide them. It is a shame people believe that censorship is the way to go. Unfortunately, there will always be extremists out there trying to impose their will on others.
Absolutely right on the money, Linda. Some of the reasons schools, etc, censor books are insane, especially if it keeps them from reading a quality book with a fabulous lesson. Many people want HP banned and it drives me nuts because that book is so empowering to the youth in regards to the value of friends, good conquering evil…UGH, I could go on.
What is frustrating for me as a parent is that I can't let my children blindly choose books from say, the YA section, because there are so many degrees of mature subject matter represented.
But, I look it over, perhaps read the book first, check online, ask friends and then make the decision whether my child can read it or not, based on MY choices for MY babies. :)
Great discussion!
I don't think books should be banned. Like you - and the other commenters - I think it should be an individual choice. Nobody says you have to read it if you don't want to, but don't stop those who want to read it from reading it.
I *do* think a rating/classification system should be introduced (like there is for movies). It would help parents know whether a book is appropriate or not, and it would probably help with people choosing books according to taste/values (eg. if a book is rated M15+ for violence, those who don't want to read violent books can avoid it).
I think we all have our own internal censors. We'll stop reading a book if we know it's not something we're comfortable with. It's not up to someone else to tell us what not to read.
I agree one hundred percent! Excellent post. Though I will add that I often read books that are outside my individual comfort zone and I find that I learn a lot from them. We should also be careful how we censor ourselves.
I agree with you as well. I've been attempting to broaden my reading a bit, sometimes reading books that make me feel uncomfortable at first. A few I've ended up liking and others I haven't, but I'm still a big believer in people's right to choose for themselves.
Thank you for your insight - it was well spoken. I, too believe that, we should never take away a person's right to choose what they read or watch.
However, as a parent, it is my responsibility to find books that are age appropriate for my kids. I will never take away the opportunity to read books but will determine the right time/age for my kids to read them.
Most of these books have have a profound effect on me. They leave me thinking and often gaining new respect and understanding for people.
Post a Comment