The controversial debate on banning books from schools has many parents enraged. Some parents believe that books containing sex, religion, racism, homosexuality, and even profanity should be ban in schools in an effort to protect children. However, other parents feel that banning books is against the first amendment and feel they, and no one else, should be the one to say what their kids can and can not read.
My inquiry question is, should books marked as inappropriate be ban from schools? Every parent has a different opinion on how to raise children. Some parents are highly involved in their children’s education while others simply do not care. However, I think most parent would agree that there needs to be some limitations. Censorship is defined as, “the removal, suppression, or restricted circulation of literary, artistic or educational materials on the grounds that these are morally or otherwise objectionable in light of the standards applied by the censor” (Reichman 141). Based off a lot of different information I have come to the current conclusion, that, censorship can be right and wrong but, is needed to some extent.
It is important that parents let their voices be heard when they feel that material being taught to their children is inappropriate. The book The Catcher and The Rye, listed as one of the books most often banned in the U.S. ( Foerstel 212), is very controversial however, most would not argue that is to advanced for elementary children. Not all books need to be completely banned but should be restricted from certain age groups. Some of the top reasons books are ban from schools are sexual content, profanity, and racism. All of these are very good reasons for censoring in elementary. Younger children need to be sheltered from some issues that they may not understand yet. If a parent does not want their 5yr-old child to read this type of material most would concur that it is not appropriate.
More so, censorship should not be used to restrict children’s imaginations and opinions. One of the most controversial books at the moment is Harry Potter. Many Christian parent are raging that author J.K. Rowling is “trying to indoctrinate our children in witchcraft and satanism” (Cockrell 24). However, it is fact that the book is simply a fiction fantasy novel. Just as religion should not be forced on people, neither should the opinions of the religious. If a parent does want their son or daughter to read a book because of their individual views then they should prohibit their children from reading it, but not every kid should be restricted for another parent’s opinion. The Constitution was written to protect freedom of press, banning books because of a group of individuals personal opinions are unconstitutional.
Therefore, I feel balance is the key to banning books in school. The censors that ban book need to consider several different things before banning a book. A book that may be inappropriate for a 3rd grader may be perfectly decent for a 7th grader to read. Due to this restrictions are need but that doesn’t mean that a book should be ban completely just because it is inappropriate for one age group it should simply be restricted or read with parents approval. A classic such as Othello by Shakespeare is often read in schools, however, one person I spoke with thought that his 7th grade daughter was not mature enough for the material but said “it is a great play, but she is just a bit too young for it. When she had to ask me to interrupt lines from it I told her that maybe she should give it try in a few years” (Morgan). Some books should not be banned but concealed at a parents own discretion.
After stating the above, I would like to discuss the views of others on a few related issues. Does banning books prevent kids from exploring the world from others views? Can censoring be dangerous, over sheltering children and in turn have children enter adulthood less prepared and naïve? What harm can “inappropriate” material really due? Where should the line, between protecting and invading, be drawn?
Work Cited
Cockerell, Amanda. "Harry Potter and the Witch Hunters:A social context for the attacks on Harry Potter." THe Journal of American Culture 29.1 (2006): 24. Web. 23 Nov 2009.
Foerstel, Herbert. Banned in the U.S.A. Expanded . Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2002. 212. Print.
Morgan, John. Interview by Samantha Garrison. 30 10 2009. Print.
Reichman, Henry. Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for School. 3rd. Chicago, IL: American Library Association, 2001. 2. Print.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Free-Style (Entry 22)
So I just started "On the Occasion of My Last Afternoon" by Kaye Gibbons. It is about the life of a girl named Emma. From the start of the book it is evident that her father is very racist, he kills one of his slave but tries saying he didn't mean to do it. So far it doesn't seem like anyone really believes him. You can tell that the cook, Clarice, also a slave, knows things about Emma's dad that no one else does. She takes it into her own hands to try and repair the damage he has done so the slaves do not revolt. Emma seems very close to Clarice and skeptical of her father, however, very naive. I am interested to see how the book works out.
Scene-Response (Enrty 21)
All three versions, the 1952, the 1981, and the 1995, offer a different view on how the scene, in which Iago puts doubt into Othello's mind, can be interrupted.
The 1952 version is black and white and Othello is portrayed by a white male. In the scene Othello is wearing knights armor suggestive of his lifestyle as a honest admired man, or literally a knight in shining armor. Iago portrayed by a small less appealing man in dark clothing, very fitting to his dark motives. The start of the conversation is depicted as being very casual as they stroll along a catwalk that overlooks the sea. The sound of the waves and wind in the background give it a mellow feel. However, as the conversation becomes more intense they move inside to a dark eerie room that adds tension to the scene.
In the 1981 version Othello is yet again portrayed as a white man. Othello is played by a tall, handsome man dressed in white, whereas, Iago is played by a short, chunky man in black clothing. Not only their physical appearance but also the attire plays into how the are to be perceived but the audience, white and pure, black and corrupt. As the conversation goes on the space between that actors varies greatly. When the conversation is light the is a greater amount of space but as their voices raise and their tone deepens space gets closer and closer.
In the 1995 version the part of Othello, as intended by Shakespeare, is played by a black man. Again, the actors are dressed with Othello in lighter colored clothing then Iago. The start of the scene is very casual with several people around but then as conversation begins the two move inside to a dark room alone. As the conversation escalates music begins playing to the background and the voice of the men get louder and louder. However, what I noticed the most about this scene in comparison to the others is that Othello is very physical in his discussion with Iago and even points a gun at him. To me this portrays Othello as a violent pushy man which is not what I feel.
The 1952 version is black and white and Othello is portrayed by a white male. In the scene Othello is wearing knights armor suggestive of his lifestyle as a honest admired man, or literally a knight in shining armor. Iago portrayed by a small less appealing man in dark clothing, very fitting to his dark motives. The start of the conversation is depicted as being very casual as they stroll along a catwalk that overlooks the sea. The sound of the waves and wind in the background give it a mellow feel. However, as the conversation becomes more intense they move inside to a dark eerie room that adds tension to the scene.
In the 1981 version Othello is yet again portrayed as a white man. Othello is played by a tall, handsome man dressed in white, whereas, Iago is played by a short, chunky man in black clothing. Not only their physical appearance but also the attire plays into how the are to be perceived but the audience, white and pure, black and corrupt. As the conversation goes on the space between that actors varies greatly. When the conversation is light the is a greater amount of space but as their voices raise and their tone deepens space gets closer and closer.
In the 1995 version the part of Othello, as intended by Shakespeare, is played by a black man. Again, the actors are dressed with Othello in lighter colored clothing then Iago. The start of the scene is very casual with several people around but then as conversation begins the two move inside to a dark room alone. As the conversation escalates music begins playing to the background and the voice of the men get louder and louder. However, what I noticed the most about this scene in comparison to the others is that Othello is very physical in his discussion with Iago and even points a gun at him. To me this portrays Othello as a violent pushy man which is not what I feel.
Quote-Response(Entry 20)
"Othello: Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore!Be sure of it. Give ocular proof, or by the of mine eternal soul, thou hast been better have been born a dog than answer my waked wrath!
Iago: Is't come to this?
Othello: Make me see't, or at the least so prove it that the probation bear no hinge nor loop to hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life!
Iago: My noble lord-
Othello: If thou dast slander her and torture me, never pray more; abandon all remorse; on horror's head horrors accumulate, do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed for nothing canst thou to damnation add greater than that."
(Shakespeare 993)
In this section of the play Iago has already put doubt into Othello's mind about the fidelity of his wife. This scene shows how much Othello loves Desdemona and how much he doesn't want to believe that she would be unfaithful. Othello, his passion evident, orders Iago to prove his accusations or he will pay with his life for slandering Desdemona's name and for making him doubt her alliance to him. A few words that really caught my attention were, "on horror's head horror accumulate". This describes how horrific the punishment will be if Iago fails to prove proof, however, the way it is stated allows the mind to wonder about different venues of terror that Iago may receive. Othello reminds me of my husband in this scene. My husband doesn't like gossip so when people come over and start talking about things they are unsure of, he says "if you can't prove it don't open your mouth about it." Overall, I really liked this scene because it shows that Othello was truly in love and didn't want to believe that Desdemona was unfaithful.
Iago: Is't come to this?
Othello: Make me see't, or at the least so prove it that the probation bear no hinge nor loop to hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life!
Iago: My noble lord-
Othello: If thou dast slander her and torture me, never pray more; abandon all remorse; on horror's head horrors accumulate, do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed for nothing canst thou to damnation add greater than that."
(Shakespeare 993)
In this section of the play Iago has already put doubt into Othello's mind about the fidelity of his wife. This scene shows how much Othello loves Desdemona and how much he doesn't want to believe that she would be unfaithful. Othello, his passion evident, orders Iago to prove his accusations or he will pay with his life for slandering Desdemona's name and for making him doubt her alliance to him. A few words that really caught my attention were, "on horror's head horror accumulate". This describes how horrific the punishment will be if Iago fails to prove proof, however, the way it is stated allows the mind to wonder about different venues of terror that Iago may receive. Othello reminds me of my husband in this scene. My husband doesn't like gossip so when people come over and start talking about things they are unsure of, he says "if you can't prove it don't open your mouth about it." Overall, I really liked this scene because it shows that Othello was truly in love and didn't want to believe that Desdemona was unfaithful.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Free-style (Entry 19)
When it rains it pour.....
So I have heard this statement several times but the last to weeks gave it true meaning. Here it a list of events on top of school and work that have occupied me lately.
Oct 31- My 1yr old niece falls into fireplace and gets third degree burns on right hand and arm and is then air flighted out of town(in az) to burn unit.
Nov 3- My pregnant sister( the one that has the baby in the burn unit)starts to bleed and the doctors cant stop it and don't even know what is causing it.
Nov 6-My sister has my new niece at only 32wk along, she is on 2nd floor and my 1yr old niece is in burn unit on 7th floor.
Nov 8- My 9yr old niece's b-day, calls me crying because her mom and sister are in the hospital an missed her b-day.
Nov 9- My son was running, fell, and hit his eye on the coffee table and cracks his check bone.
Nov 11-My sons 2nd b-day
Nov 13- In-laws come into town for the weekend
Nov 14-My sons b-day party
Nov 17-My son jumps off couch falls hit the coffee table again and has to get 3 staples in the back of the head. Well in the ER with him my mom calls and tell me my 16yr old cousin died.
Needless to say I have not got to read much lately however, I have decided(besides need to get a new coffee table, I would like to get my son a Tag by Leapfrog for Christmas. Has anyone used one before? If so what do you think? My son loves books and I think that this might not only be educational but also help occupy him this winter since he won't be able to run off all of his energy.
So I have heard this statement several times but the last to weeks gave it true meaning. Here it a list of events on top of school and work that have occupied me lately.
Oct 31- My 1yr old niece falls into fireplace and gets third degree burns on right hand and arm and is then air flighted out of town(in az) to burn unit.
Nov 3- My pregnant sister( the one that has the baby in the burn unit)starts to bleed and the doctors cant stop it and don't even know what is causing it.
Nov 6-My sister has my new niece at only 32wk along, she is on 2nd floor and my 1yr old niece is in burn unit on 7th floor.
Nov 8- My 9yr old niece's b-day, calls me crying because her mom and sister are in the hospital an missed her b-day.
Nov 9- My son was running, fell, and hit his eye on the coffee table and cracks his check bone.
Nov 11-My sons 2nd b-day
Nov 13- In-laws come into town for the weekend
Nov 14-My sons b-day party
Nov 17-My son jumps off couch falls hit the coffee table again and has to get 3 staples in the back of the head. Well in the ER with him my mom calls and tell me my 16yr old cousin died.
Needless to say I have not got to read much lately however, I have decided(besides need to get a new coffee table, I would like to get my son a Tag by Leapfrog for Christmas. Has anyone used one before? If so what do you think? My son loves books and I think that this might not only be educational but also help occupy him this winter since he won't be able to run off all of his energy.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Quote-Response (Entry 18)
"Desdemona: the heavens forbid but that our loves and comforts should increase even as our days do grow!
Othello: Amen to that, sweet powers! I cannot speak enough of this content.It stops me here; it is too much of joy. And this, and this, the greatest discords be [they kiss.] that e'er our hearts shall make!"(Shakespeare 966)
I like this passage where Desdemona and Othello are reunited and you can tell just by the way they speak to each other the passion and love they have for one another. I like Shakespeare's way of describing how happy he was "I cannot speak enough of this content". The word content is a simple word that's meaning is obvious but the way it was used in the sentence was interesting and added emphasis to it. I love the photo used on page 965 depicting the kiss. I think it really fit the feel of the passage, in most kissing scenes the to lovers are tight in each others embrace. although those kinds of kissing scene show passion good I think this picture captured how much Othello treasured Desdemona, using a light kiss well holding hands. The passage and picture perfectly fit my image of childhood sweet hearts and the honesty of their love.
Othello: Amen to that, sweet powers! I cannot speak enough of this content.It stops me here; it is too much of joy. And this, and this, the greatest discords be [they kiss.] that e'er our hearts shall make!"(Shakespeare 966)
I like this passage where Desdemona and Othello are reunited and you can tell just by the way they speak to each other the passion and love they have for one another. I like Shakespeare's way of describing how happy he was "I cannot speak enough of this content". The word content is a simple word that's meaning is obvious but the way it was used in the sentence was interesting and added emphasis to it. I love the photo used on page 965 depicting the kiss. I think it really fit the feel of the passage, in most kissing scenes the to lovers are tight in each others embrace. although those kinds of kissing scene show passion good I think this picture captured how much Othello treasured Desdemona, using a light kiss well holding hands. The passage and picture perfectly fit my image of childhood sweet hearts and the honesty of their love.
Quote-Response(Entry 17)
"Mrs. Peters: It's the bird.
Mrs. Hale:[jumping up.] But, Mrs.Peters-look at it! Its neck! Look at its neck! It's all- other side too.
Mrs. Peters: Somebody-wrung-its-neck.......
County Attorney: Well, ladies, have you decided whether she was going to quilt it or knot it?
Mrs Peters: We think she was going to--knot it."(Glaspell 845)
This passage interested me because it was humorous. Throughout, the play the men are down talking the women and making sarcastic comments at there worries and interest however, in this passage the tables are turned. I thought it was funny that the men had no clue about the pun or the women hiding stuff from them. It is an important part because this is where it is clear that the women are not going to reveal to the men the dead bird, which could be used as evidence. This passage was defining point and a laughing point in the play.
Mrs. Hale:[jumping up.] But, Mrs.Peters-look at it! Its neck! Look at its neck! It's all- other side too.
Mrs. Peters: Somebody-wrung-its-neck.......
County Attorney: Well, ladies, have you decided whether she was going to quilt it or knot it?
Mrs Peters: We think she was going to--knot it."(Glaspell 845)
This passage interested me because it was humorous. Throughout, the play the men are down talking the women and making sarcastic comments at there worries and interest however, in this passage the tables are turned. I thought it was funny that the men had no clue about the pun or the women hiding stuff from them. It is an important part because this is where it is clear that the women are not going to reveal to the men the dead bird, which could be used as evidence. This passage was defining point and a laughing point in the play.
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