Banned Books

 

Why does a book get banned?

Due to the content within books, there have been bans and restrictions on the distribution of specific books. Schools will pull the books from their reading list, libraries can pull them from their shelves, and bookstores can refuse to sell them. 

The content within these books can range from a different number of topics. Here are some of the reasoning why a book may get banned:

• Offensive Language: If a book contains racial or homophobic slurs, foul language, or if a book defames a certain person, books will oftentimes get banned. It is really common for schools to ban books with this type of language in them, as they do not want their students reading or repeating this type of language.

• Graphic Forms of Violence: This includes murder, sexual assault, or torture. This does not only apply to schools, as some libraries and bookstores refuse to carry books that can be too violent for readers. 

• Sexual Content: If a book contains sexual or intimate content, it will most likely be banned in schools. 

There may be other reasons why books get banned, such as books that challenge an individual's personal beliefs, such as being anti-religious.

Why is this a problem?

Not having reliable access to books, no matter what the content is, is seen as a violation of the first amendment by many people. If books are being taken off the shelves of schools and libraries, many fear that access to information is going to be affected. 

It is important to understand that the Government has no legal right to permanently ban books. Books are protected by the first amendment, which offers United States citizens the freedom of the press. 

Libraries and bookstores have the right to ban books from being sold or distributed. Schools also have the right to ban books from being required for their curriculum. 

Since books are getting banned from school reading lists, many parents have expressed their concern about the matter. Parents think it is unfair that their children cannot read books due to other children's beliefs.

Can we still read/buy banned books?

As mentioned before, books have been and always will be protected by the first amendment. However, if your school or local library has decided to ban or challenge a book, then they are not legally required to carry that book. And it does not prohibit other schools or libraries from carrying that book.

If the options in your area are limited, there are other ways to read banned books. There are websites such as Amazon and ThristBooks that ship any and every book to your house. There are also audio and digital books that are available, which can be cheaper than buying it hard copy.

Banned books should not discourage you from reading them, as no one can ban you from reading.

What are some popular banned books?

While any book can get banned, some books have constantly been banned across libraries and schools in the United States.

• 1984 by George Orwell has been banned due to its sexual content and violence. 

• The Color Purple by Alice Walker has been banned due to sexual content and offensive language. 

• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood has been banned due to anti-religious themes and violence.

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding has been banned due to animal cruelty and violence.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has been banned due to violence and racist themes.