Banned Books Research Paper

Nakayda Jacobs Position Paper, 2 Sp. 2024

Banned Books and Freedom of Speech Book banning has been a moral and legal issue throughout history. Books are a powerful information tool, but have also been used to harm society. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of books being banned in the United States. According to the American Library Association, the number of public library titles being challenged increased by 92 percent, and school libraries by 11 percent in 2023. (American Library) Books that are being challenged are disproportionately targeting LGBTQ and BIPOC topics and authors. As the American demographic shifts towards having less of a singularly white majority and a heterocentric view of what is acceptable, it has become …show more content…
What Does This Mean? This is complicated when it comes to banning books as some topics are open for interpretation of what themes and central ideas may mean. Despite the complexity of the issue, banning books or book categories is not the answer to address topics that may be opposed due to religious or personal beliefs. Religion should not be used to determine what children and adults can or cannot read because it violates the relationship of keeping the church separate from the state. The notion behind banning books is that some people may feel at a loss for old traditional American culture. It is important to remember that American culture is always changing. An example of this is how books like “How to Kill a Mocking Bird” by Harper Lee used to be banned, but are now required in some schools. The education system and the public libraries are local. That means everyone should have a say in what we have. This includes parents, educators, principals, librarians, and community members. However, when talking about banning books, we must remember the …show more content…
Having the freedom to read and write books regarding many topics is a form of education, racial justice, climate justice, and also a way of challenging authority or past societal norms. The use of government and legislation resulting in banning books is an extreme response that goes against the protection of free speech. In conclusion, books should not be banned in schools and libraries under the protection of freedom of speech. Complex issues that books are often banned for due to their central ideas of gender, race, and “depressing” topics are essential to talk about to create a healthy society. Having access to books around complex topics, it promotes empathy within society as readers will experience different outlooks on life that cannot be taught in other forms. Having books from a wide variety of perspectives, not only promotes empathy, but allows for representation. Readers will feel seen and valued within a society, or be more open to other perspectives through reading. Books should remain unbanned due to most topics being protected under the right to freedom of speech. As Stephen Chbosky says “Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.” Having freedom of

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Banned Book Research Paper