Thanks to Morgan I can pass along the fact that “Banned Books Week” began today. The very idea of banned books is deeply troubling. There are all kinds of books: good, bad, stupid, brilliant, lyrical, dense and ugly - some of them really, truly ugly. But the problem with banning books is: Who gets to do the banning?
Celebrate the Freedom To Read! Start at Banned Books Week.org.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
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3 comments:
I can't remember if it was college or one of the neighborhood libraries where we lived, but I recall a "banned book" section.
Lunatics get to do the banning. It's not enough for them to say I don't want to read it, or I don't want my children to read it. O no, they want to stop EVERYBODY from reading it and this is something up with which we shall not put!
Hi Irene -
A lot of bookstores participate in Banned Books Week as well by putting together displays in their stores. I imagine it sparks healthy dialogue, awareness and increased book sales!
Hi DMM -
Yes!
I almost wrote in my post: Imagine someone who makes you crazy, who is your polar opposite in all ways. Now imagine them in charge of what you can and cannot read! Now reverse the roles and watch them implode at thought of you controlling their book reading!
There's editorial discretion, parental discretion and personal discretion - none of which is the same as banning books.
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