Banned Books Week starts today! This is a week designed to raise awareness of censorship and to celebrate the freedom to read. First started in 1982, this week has always been an important way to bring the process of banning books into the social consciousness, and hopefully start conversations. This year, it is even more critical that we all become aware of this very dangerous way of taking away our freedoms.
Censorship, like most things that erode our freedoms, starts small and often seem innocuous. Historically, we see that it is through the gradual chipping away of rights that cultures and groups of people lose their liberties and rights. It should come as no surprise that when we study the dictatorships or fascist regimes of the past, one of the first things they do is to censor reading materials. They ban and burn books.
When talking about books and reading material, there is of course, the delicate balance of freedom of expression and truth. There is a reason this right is part of the First Amendment in our Bill of Rights. It is that important.
Reading material for children becomes an even more complex and emotional subject. When parents and teachers select reading materials for children, there is much to consider in addition to the quality of the work. Is it developmentally appropriate? Is the language and wording accessible to the child? Will the content add value to the child’s life and reading experience? Or is the message or theme above their maturity level at this point?
Through careful examination of books, many will not be selected. For many reasons. And that is part of a parent’s right and responsibility.
But censorship and choice are two very different things. Choice is deciding a particular book or movie is inappropriate for your child or contains things to which you do not want them exposed. Perfectly acceptable as a parent. Censorship is when you decide you do not want ANYONE to read that book because you find it objectionable. That is not acceptable.
Some of the most powerful pieces of literature contain objectionable content. Reading things you find objectionable can solidify your position or provide food for thought. Both are worthy.
It is also perfectly acceptable and encouraged, to select NOT to read things you find objectionable. Your choice is a powerful tool. It wields an economic hammer that can be felt far and wide.
While there may be books I would never read for a variety of reasons, I will always support your right to read them. That is why becoming aware of the problem of banning books is so critical. Most people are not even aware of the vastness of censorship that is going on in our country at this very minute. The number of banned books and the number of attempts to ban books, has gone up tremendously in the last year. This is extremely unsettling.
Like all things, knowledge is power and being informed is strength. With that in mind, I have shared some important resources and places where you can get more information about this critical issue.
And remember, our vote is our voice! Do not let anyone silence you!
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