Banned Books Week (Sept 26-Oct 2, 2021)
Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us
An annual celebration of the freedom to read, Banned Books
Week spotlights current and historical attempts at censorship. Bringing
together everyone in the book community, it shows the shared support of intellectual
freedom, the right to freely express, publish, and access information and
reading materials, even if considered unpopular or contrary to the beliefs of
some.
“A truly great library has something in it to offend
everyone,” is a quote by Jo Goodwin, and it is a true reflection of how
committed libraries are to representing a myriad of viewpoints and
opinions. If you want to give space to
everyone, then there are going to be conflicts, so it can be considered the
measure of excellence in a library.
While not every book is for every reader, the problem arises
when one reader wants to ban that book for everyone. Generally, the censor
believes they are protecting others, but the standard of what is offensive varies
greatly from person to person.
Historically, the Bible has been one of the most challenged books of all
time (for mention of incest, rape, child abuse, etc.), yet there are obviously
people who would fight for their right to be able to access it freely.
Here is the list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020
and why they have been challenged:
1.
George (Melissa’s Story) by
Alex Gino. Challenged, banned, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content,
conflicting with a religious viewpoint, and not reflecting “the values of our
community.”
2.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by
Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds. Banned and challenged
because of the author’s public statements and because of claims that the book
contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not encompass racism
against all people.
3.
All American Boys by
Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. Banned and
challenged for profanity, drug use, and alcoholism and because it was thought
to promote antipolice views, contain divisive topics, and be “too much of a
sensitive matter right now.”
4.
Speak by
Laurie Halse Anderson. Banned, challenged, and
restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint, it was
claimed to be biased against male students, and it included rape and profanity.
5.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time
Indian by Sherman Alexie. Banned and challenged for
profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct on the part
of the author.
6.
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s
Story about Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta
Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin. Challenged
for “divisive language” and because it was thought to promote antipolice views.
7.
To Kill a Mockingbird by
Harper Lee. Banned and challenged for racial slurs and their negative effect
on students, featuring a “white savior” character, and its perception of the
Black experience.
8.
Of Mice and Men by
John Steinbeck. Banned and challenged for racial slurs and racist stereotypes
and their negative effect on students.
9.
The Bluest Eye by
Toni Morrison. Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually
explicit and depicts child sexual abuse.
10.
The Hate U Give by
Angie Thomas. Challenged for profanity, and because it was thought to promote
an antipolice message.
