Back in 1982, Banned Books Week launched after many books deemed “controversial” were banned in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country. This week, September 25th through October 2nd, we celebrate more than 11,300 books that have been challenged or banned by the American Library Association in the 34 years it’s been around. Challenged means that they’ve had documents filed to remove it, and bans encompass the actual removal process. Many commemorate this week due to the fight for freedom that readers and writers alike possess. We shouldn’t have to censor ourselves just because some feel uncomfortable with certain topics. We have that right to express ideas, no matter if they’re popular or not.
So, while celebrating this week, it brings up the question of what exactly does this say about our culture? Why are we so frightened by topics such as offensive language, LGBTQ+ representation, and sexuality?
For a book to be considered for a challenge or ban, it involves reports from others and newspapers. Each year, there is a list compiled of the top 10 books challenged most that year. While we don’t know exactly who files these challenges, we are given an interactive map detailing certain challenges. The last one was between the years 2007-2011. We also know the majority of them come from parents.
So yeah, I can understand not bringing 50 Shades of Grey into schools; it’s not something for children, but adults should be allowed access to it. But I Am Jazz Jennings, an autobiography, was challenged because of homosexuality, sex education, and political and religious viewpoint. Other books challenged include The Bible and Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan. These topics of sex ed and LGTBQ+ awareness shouldn’t be scary or whatever ridiculous reason people come up with; they’re topics we need to be discussing in this day and age.
Another hot topic that has caused books to be challenged or banned the most was sexual content. Books like Looking for Alaska, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Go Ask Alice were just a few of the books deemed inappropriate because of it. John Green, author of Looking for Alaska, has similar books and spoke out about the unnecessary challenge.
“If you have a worldview that can be undone with a novel, let me submit that the problem is not with the novel,” he stated in a Youtube video shortly after it was announced.
It’s really shocking to go through the list of books that have been deemed inappropriate for whatever reason because they’re so important. The Library of Congress even created an exhibition, “Books that Shaped America” that includes banned books that have had “a profound effect on America.” Thankfully, these books have still remained available as some are classics. So this week, try to read the books that have been banned throughout the years. Don’t let them silence your favorite books.
