This week is Banned Book Week. I couldn’t let it end and not express my frustration about censorship. Often those that fight to remoooove or ban booooks have not even read the book they are criticizing. Often they haven't studied our history nor our constitution. Here we are in 2010. Presumably, we are smarter than we were 100 years ago, 50 years ago, even 10. Yet, it is clear that many still struggle with understanding why America came to be or that the writers of the constitution were preserving our freedom of speech and choice. When I see what lengths people will go to push their beliefs on others I am frightened. *haunting music and creaking doors*
Due to the diligent efforts of those that formed this country we are free to read and write whatever we want? When is it OK to tell others what they can and can’t read?
When I was raising my children there were things I had to protect them from. Don’t touch the stove. Don’t eat dirt. No playing in the toilet. The list is endless. Never did it occur to me to fight to have toilets removed from all homes or public buildings. I suppose if I had wanted to, I could have removed my toilet and returned to the days of the outhouse. The use of my time and effort to coerce or even expect others to follow my choice is ludicrous. I am glad that none of my children are dirt eaters. However, I guess if they chose to eat dirt when they became adults, it should be their choice. (There could be nutrients?)
Here is a link to the American Library Association for a list of books that are on the list this year.
What scares you the most about this issue?
