What are your opinions on the banning of books by schools, government or even private citizens?

Is it ever OK to remove books from schools or libraries and limit everyones access to them? Here is a list of some of the banned books in the US, I think some will really surprise you: (Remember, this is not just in schools, these are from public, county/city government funded libraries as well) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger The Giver by Lois Lowry A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Go Ask Alice by Anonymous What’s Happening to my Body? by Lynda Madaras To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Brave New World by Aldous Huxley James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl Lord of the Flies by William Golding

a lot of these books I myself read in highschool because it was required to do so. Now just 6 years later, they are banned from schools and government funded libraries. Personally I find it ridiculous to ban ANY book.

Answer #1

I agree, books should not be banned. In school libraries (depending on the age group of the children reading them) some books should not be on the shelves but to ban them is ridiculous. As for public libraries? Well, what can we say? I personally don’t agree with it. I think that as an adult we should be able to get whatever book we want from a library.

Answer #2

I didnt know any of those were banned. I was required to read most of those in high school. A few of them only 2 1/2 years ago!!

I think that if it is inappropriate, then yes, banning it from schools is okay, but no country should have banned books.

Answer #3

Yes, but that is only because I have never seen the book. I would not ban something just by the name, I would have to review the book first. If it is not all naked pictures, than no it shouldn’t be banned. Even about racism though, racism is something that is real, I don’t see how banning a book that supposedly has racism in it is going to help anything. I dont agree with sheltering kids from the real world.

Answer #4

I agree with your last statement, but that would be pornography and not actual reading material. Heather has two mommies, is simply about a young girl who has lesbian parents, it explains that it is allright and that it’s not something to be ashamed of. The other book What Happening to my body: explains puberty and a lot of things that young men and women dont understand about their own bodies.

Answer #5

Good point.

Answer #6

what happened to seperation of church and state? when did religious fanatics get to decide?

Answer #7

thats ridiculous. harry potter? yeah, thats a really bad book for kids

Answer #8

The phrase separation of church and state are no where in our founding government documents. The laws were only set up so that they could not be a state funded/run religion that would then take over the country. This does not mean that certain areas could not elect a person who is nothing more than a pawn of any certain religion. Btw that phrase came from a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote explaining our government.

Not that I agree with the censorship, but I believe places banned Harry Potter for the book glorifying witchcraft and the homosexual overtones. The author even admitted the latter, or something like it. If you don’t think that is enough for certain areas to ban it, well, you’re wrong. There are some pretty crazy religious conservatives out there.

I don’t really believe in censorship of any kind. Yes it might make kids mature a little faster, but honestly isn’t that happening already? Might as well start to prepare them early.

Answer #9

The reason why that one was banned, was because religious fanatics said that it promotes witchcraft and is against religion.

Answer #10

I agree.

Government and churches have intruded upon our lives and freedoms far too much, and by banning books, they are now telling us what we are permitted to read. Nobody should have that much power over another individual.

Answer #11

“James And The Giant Peach” was banned in America? That’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard! It’s a children’s book for crying out loud. Roald Dahl was a nice person who wouldn’t even dream of putting it out there unless it was safe for kids. Sometimes I think that have the earth has gone cuckoo. This pretty much confirms it.

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