"Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States." -- ALA website: Banned Books Week
*steps on soap-box* Whatever side you take on the Banned Book Debt, it still has an effect on every single one of us. I believe that everyone has the right to choose what they want to read (or watch or listen to or believe in). If they are children or teens, then it should between themselves and their parents. If they are adults, then they should be allowed the choice. If you don't like something, then don't read it. There are several banned or challenged or regular books that I have no interest in reading or didn't like when I did read them. They just aren't "my cup of tea". But my opinion should not prevent others from reading it and making their own choice about it. Of course, I do think that content vs. age appropriatness should be highly considered when choosing what books to teach in schools. Something that is "right" for the average ninth grader is different from your average third grader...and even every "average" ninth grader is different from another. But some kids mature faster than others, so every case should be treated as an individual. *steps down* Alrighty then, "serious" May-Day is done for the day...
If you would like more information about BBW, then check out the ALA website (link above) or the Banned Books Week official website. You can also join in the celebration of the freedom to read by checking out some of the "Banned Books Week Blog Hop" stops: Bookish, Esther's Ever After, Imaginary Reads, I am a Reader, Not a Writer, & I Read Banned Books
And now that I have said my opinion of the matter, here are two humorous videos presented by the Girls in the Stacks. They share with you some options to do when people tell you that you shouldn't be reading something, and a poem showing the effects of banning books has on one "little girl". These are meant to be entertaining as well as insightful and a bit educational.
Are you reading any banned/challenged books this week? What's one (or more) of your favorite banned/challenged books? Have you been surprised to find certain books on the banned/challenged lists?
~Namárië
(Elvish Farewell)
Ugh, we just had some sort of flap locally at a school over Clockwork Orange and I Know Why the Caged Birs Sings as well as that old standby Huckleberry Finn. By high school, all but the most sheltered have read and heard FAR worse either on the street, online, or on TV. As a parent, I would far rather have language/issues/volatile ideas etc. addressed by trusted adults in a safe environment like the classroom than have kids pass it around among themselves with no mature guidance and input.
ReplyDelete*Puts soapbox away*
And welcome to the REN3 blogfest/writing project :-)
I'm glad you feel that way as a parent, li. And I agree that kids are exposed to things far worse in real life than they might read in books. I don't think books should be kept from kids either. But I do think some kids aren't ready for some books, so schools should be able to adapt to these readers. I don't think any type of books should to keep out of schools, just that kids shouldn't be "forced" to read a book they aren't mature enough or emotionally ready for. (I speak from personal experience as an once emotionally-sensitive teenager who dealt with a book that I wasn't ready to read.) But if kids/teenagers want to read something (anything) then go for it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post! And for stopping by!