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.
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Well done Samantha. Lisa, did a similar inquiry, but you both had diffrent and equally effective arguments. One point you brought up that is very relevant to the issue is that there are some parents that just don't care. You can place the responsibility for censorship into the hands of parents but it may still leave many children exposed to material that they are not yet mature enough for. Perhaps rating books as age specifically appropriate would help. Libraries, public and school, can than regulate that children can only read books in their age range...UNLESS...they have a parent's permission. That way those parent's who choose to take responsibility for what their children read, can, and the children of those who don't care still have some safeguard against material they may not be ready for. Good job.
ReplyDeleteIn today’s internet age banning books is like trying to put out a fire with a thimble. It may seem like it helps but kids today can access the same information on the internet.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do agree that some censorship in our schools and public libraries are necessary who is to say when it has gone too far? I think parents are the best judge of their children’s understanding of certain issues. Kids today grow up a lot faster than we did and are exposed to things that we were not. By sheltering them from things deemed inappropriate all together when they are sent into the "real" world I think it will be harder for them to adjust. Where as a child that is explained things of a serious nature a little at a time as their understanding and their ability to grasp the implications of it grow will be better equipped to deal with life’s ups and downs.
It is true and sad that some parents just do not care. I worked at a private boarding school and we had to approve everybook in the library. We had a list off books that were not allowed because of drug and sex mostly, sometimes it was even the title! I always disagreed with it becuase it was always based on one opinion. I was asked to approve a series once and it was very hard because I tend to not be as sensitive as some of the older staff would have! Lucky for me the book was fine and didnt even hint at sex but it was always hard for me to disapline students for things that I did not deam as innappropriate but the school did!
ReplyDeletePatrica, I agree that keeping things from kids these days would be hard if one was determined to read or see something. However, I think that restricting books in elementary schools could be very helpful. A kindergartner is not as likely as a 7th grader to surf the web on a hunt for a book they could not check out. I think it may be easier to restrict a few books to older age groups or require parental approval then it is to deal with the drama of completely banning it. This may be an acceptable alternative? What objections do you think parents would have to this?
ReplyDeleteDan, I think it is sad that some parent do not care but it is reality. Do you think that requiring parental approval would possibly help parents be more involved in their kids education?
Christina, wow that must of been hard. I think I would have a hard time banning books from older children. I think that most high school aged children are mature enough to decided there own opinions on their learning material. While working there were there ever parent mad because certain books got ban? If so, how did the school handle it?
Hi, Sami. I think that schools are restricting certain books and requiring parental approval. A teacher I know does exactly that, and she has this group of girls who weren't really interested in reading before but who now are avid readers and discussing books because their parents gave them access to these books. For some kids, the material adults try to protect them from are unfortunately already part of their daily lives, and reading books that depict difficult circumstances and making good choices in them are especially valuable to them. For this reason also, I would hesitate to ban books. In doing so, we impose our version of reality on others, making them feel abormal, alone, and uncomfortable with sharing the realities of their lives and getting assistance with problems they may be having. However, as a parent of a pretty sheltered six-year-old daughter, I am not ready to discuss crime, sex, and drugs with her and would like to wait until she needs to have that conversation. So, I'm glad for a little proection for awhile longer. Nancy
ReplyDeleteI am a firm believer in not banning books.
ReplyDeleteMaking parents aware of books that have quetionable content and and informing them when these books may be used would help ease tension. Maybe even using a rating system similar to vidio games and movies would provide a balanced compromise. anything but book banning.
I really like and agree with your statement that banning materials should depend on the parents' beliefs. Your Harry Potter example is a good one and I hadn't previously thought of that argument that way. Just as we wouldn't want someone to impose their beliefs on us, we don't want to be limited to books because of someone's beliefs.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think it is just human nature to be drawn to material regarding sex, racism, profanity, etc. If the difference between reading and not reading means allowing books with questionable material (to some people) then I believe that banning books is more harmful than beneficial.
And really, how likely is it that a 5 year old or is going to have access to books in their elementary school library that are too adult in content?
Great topic! I am totally against banning books. I feel it is up to the parent to "police" what their children view. True that some don't care, but the remainder of the children shouldn't be punished for that. My boy's school will not let the student's check out certain age books without parental permission. For example, when my youngest was in 4th grade, his reading level was 7th-and I had to approve titles in that grade level for him to read. I also agree with the statements made about sheltering our kids..they are going to see and hear it anyway, I'd rather it be from a reliable source than otherwise. Furthermore, I don't think most school libraries are going to carry books that are THAT graphic. I just can't imagine the purpose of such books in a school.
ReplyDeleteI totally think that banning of books is a ridiculous notion, except when it's being done by the parents of individual children. To allow some great power-hungry group to say what should or should not be allowed where reading is concerned is bad for two reasons.
ReplyDeleteOne, banning books based off of "inappropriate content" of any kind makes me ask, "Who decides it's inappropriate?" Do we use religious ideals? If we do that, the church and state thing gets involved. I believe the state should NOT be allowed to force the public to exercise certain religious practices. But I also say it goes both ways. The church should NOT be allowed to dictate what is right or wrong for everyone. Ban books from your church if you want, but the schools need to remain untainted.
Two, what does everyone do when they're told "Don't look over there!"? They look over there. "Kids, DON'T read this book!" Guess how many kids are gonna go to the library or go online to find out why it was sooooooooooo bad...about 90 percent of them, at least. Banning books in schools is probably the best possible way to ensure that those kids DO read them actually.
Very well done. I would have been one of those that didn't care until I had my children. I think that in this day and age it really doesn't matter what they read because they are learning it from the kids in their schools anyways. I accidently bumped into a young boy about 7 in Walmart the other day and he called me a "Bitch"! I was in total shock. No matter if it is sexual content, language, or whatever our kids are learning it at younger and younger ages. Due to the earlier puberty levels our kids are becoming more mature at a earlier age. When a 12 year old girl is getting hit on by 25 year old men because they think she is their age we have a problem. I have 2 really good friends that are gay and I do not want my children to think of these type of things like my parents do. Very good research and interesting information. Thank you for your hard work.
ReplyDeleteI think you're correct and there does need to be censorship based on age group, but beyond that I think it should be the parent's choice. Teachers could inform the parents of the literature their children will be reading in class and if a few parents have a problem with any of the books, those children should read an alternative. I don't think censoring can necessarily be dangerous and over sheltering- obviously it can be in some cases, but overall I think the parents will talk with their children and prepare them for adulthood; I don't think literature has very much to do with that. Good post, though, I enjoyed your topic!
ReplyDeleteI could just make my comment, "what Seth said," but it might not be counted as a comment.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your post I was thinking about myself as a child in the public school libraries. I don't recall this being an issue. The books in the school libraries were pretty non-contriversal, or at least as far as I knew. I don't recall this being an issue when my kids were in public school as well.
However, the public library and the college library (where I used to hang out when my dad was going to college) had some pretty interesting books! They were way over my head but there were some key words and illustrations that gave me the feeling that I stumbled upon some forbidden territory; all part of growing up.
If there are books in the public schools that are not appropriate, based on the concensus of the community at large and not some group of self-rightous folks, then donate them to the public library.
So it seems like most people are totally against banning books. As I stated I am kind of neutral on the subject. I think that banning/censorship is helpful with younger children however, confines older children and teens limiting their exploration of new ideas.
ReplyDeleteHere is something to try, I would like to see the results
Scenario: You(very religious) and your ex-spouse share custody of your 5year-old daughter. Unfortunately, your ex has her most of the school year so when she comes to visit you for Thanksgiving and is reading "Heather Has Two Mommies" you are very upset for two reasons. First, that the school would allow a book with such controversial ideas to be checked out by a kindergarten. Second, when confronted your ex claims he had no idea.
Do you think that this mother is right in her request to the school board that the book be censored from children under 5th grade without parental approval?
Remember your daughter is five and you are very religious and not yet ready to discuss this topic with her.
I would have to agree with you about parents voicing their opinion on this matter. Its hard to say whats out their for youth to experience through reading. It definitely has changed that's for sure. I can also see where the frustration would come from. I don't think all need to be band but certain actions should take place.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sami. I like your scenario because it touches on the boundaries we face. It's not always possible for parents to fully supervise their children, especially if they share custody with an ex that doesn't share their views. In this situation, they may be looking to public institutions to help them. It sounds to me, though, that this is an issue for the parents to work out and not for the school system to get involved in. However, the teacher may bear the burden of the acrimony between the ex-spouses, which can put him or her in a difficult position. Nancy
ReplyDeleteThe bottom line to this debate is all about money. It is a battle that has raged on forever and always will as long as a collective group is effected by a collective set of rules in which they feel like they have no say so. Basically, all of our money goes to educate all of our kids. Because we are each affected, we all want our part in setting these guidelines. However, we all have different morals and therefore diffrent thoughts on what our kids should read. Overall a very good post with great evidence.
ReplyDelete