The Tyranny of Banned Books

1070 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Censorship in modern society

Ever since pen was first put to paper there has been some form of censorship surrounding it. The most current form of censorship is to ban the books which are viewed as inappropriate. Such an act not only violates the rights of American citizens, but it also violates the rights of the students to learn. Even if the government could manage to ban all of the books that it feels are inappropriate, the thirst to read such books would only grow. Too often is it forgotten that before the banning of books was an “at home issue,” (Book Banning 1) the federal government tried to cut the flow of inappropriate information off at the source By forbidding the reading of certain books, the first amendment rights of every American citizen are violated. The first amendment of the U.S. Constitution clearly states that all citizens have freedom of speech as well as freedom of press (Book Banning 1). By banning a book and making it so that no one can read it, the government is keeping the author from expressing their thoughts and opinions through press. The freedom of choice is also violated due to the inability of reading that particular book as an option. Not only the first amendment rights are violated, but also the academic freedom and diversity of thought guaranteed and protected by the constitution (Teachers 1). History will show that Americans do not take the violation of their rights lightly, and are more than likely to protest. Sometimes, in more extreme cases, they will rebel. The censorship of ideas is seen, not only on American soil, but in other countries, both now and in history. In a world where governments are to be respected, to think in a contradictory manner is anything but safe. All throughout history, ideological governmen... ... middle of paper ... ...ersy. The logical thing to do would be to cease all attempts to control the people, but the banning of books is anything but logical. Works Cited "Book Banning." Current Issues: Macmillian Social Science Library. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. "Book Destruction Controls Ideology." Book Banning. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 11 Feb. 2011. Foerstel, Herbert N. Banned in the U.S.A.: a Reference Guide to Book Censorship in Schools and Public Libraries. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1994. Print. Lankford, Ronald D. Book Banning. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2008. Print. "Teachers Should Prepare For Book Challenges." Book Banning. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.

Show More
Related

  • How Banning Books Marginalizes Children By Paul Ringel

    390 Words  | 1 Pages

    In the article How Banning Books Marginalizes Children, the author, Paul Ringel, states that approximately fifty-two percent of the books banned in the last ten years illustrate “diverse content”, such as race, religion, gender identity, etc. Ringel believes that attitudes about which books are “appropriate” for kids to read have too often suppressed stories about different cultures and life experiences. He basis his argument around the pretext that when libraries stop the banning it will allow kids to learn how to navigate imaginary worlds filled with differences and apply those lessons to their own lives.

    Read More

  • Technology and Censorship in Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451

    1800 Words  | 4 Pages

    Lancto, Craig. “Banned Books” World & 1, Vol 8 (Sep 2003): 258. Literature Online Reference Edition. Web. 7. Feb. 2011.

    Read More

  • The Banning of Books in American Schools

    1054 Words  | 3 Pages

    Trelease, Jim. "Book Banning Violates Children and Young Adult Freedoms." Book Banning. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. At Issue. Rpt. from "Censorship and Children's Books." Trelease-on-Reading.com. 2006.Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

    Read More

  • Censorship and Book Banning

    1822 Words  | 4 Pages

    Book banning is a prime target for censorship. Censorship in print media, notably book banning, occurs across homes, schools, stores, and other facilities daily. Censorship in the schools is the most widespread and exposed place for book banning. Do administrators and school boards have the right to ban books? Are we taking away the rights of children to read? In case of Island Trees Schools District V. Pico in New York, the Supreme Court gave the school board broad discretion to frame curriculum and teach civic and moral values. This case resulted in the school board removing ten books from the school library for being "anti-american, anti-christian, anti-semitic, and just plain filthy." Another case involving book banning was Hazelwood School District V. Kuhlmeier. In this case the Supreme Court again gave school officials the broad discretion to control curriculum. This time the court left open the question if this affects the school libraries. In Olathe, Kansas, the district's superintendent made the decision to remove all copies of Nancy Gardner's Annie On My Mind because of it imposing views for gay actions. This standpoint resulted in a public book burning by a homophobic community group. At Hempfield High School in Western Penn...

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay Of Banning Books

    692 Words  | 2 Pages

    We live in an overprotective society, where people try to control other people’s lives from things that they find explicit. Many parents believe that by sheltering their kids from offensive things it will keep them safe. But, trying to live life as if there is always sunshine and no rain turns out to be a big disappointment. The banning of books has a negative effect on children and adults alike, as it can shelter children from real life situations, and revokes the rights of the people. Although people believe in banning books that contain vulgar language and profanity to help their children, it can actually hurt the child and can be considered unconstitutional.

    Read More

  • Censorship in Schools

    2166 Words  | 5 Pages

    Issues of censorship in public schools are contests between the exercise of discretion and the exercise of a Constitutional right. The law must reconcile conflicting claims of liberty and authority, as expressed by Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter in Minersville School District v. Gobitis, 1940 in “Banned in the U.S.A.: A Reference Guide to Book Censorship in Schools and Public Libraries” by Herbert N. Foerstel (23).

    Read More

  • Challenging, Banning, and Burning Books

    916 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the modern United States, there aren't many stories of books being roasted over an open fire. It also isn't heard of banned literature being confiscated and raids on homes, similar to Fahrenheit 451. Yet everyday in our society another book is being challenged and taken off the shelves at local libraries because it disagrees with one group's views or another's. This sort of censorship has been going on from the Cold War era and has been banning books like The Call of the Wild, and challenging books such as Feed. Book's are burned, banned, and challenged because of hurt feelings and disagreement on the content.

    Read More

  • Banning Books

    4607 Words  | 10 Pages

    The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) defines censorship as: “The removal, suppression, or restricted circulation of literary, artistic, or educational materials… of images, ideas, and information…on the grounds that these are morally or otherwise objectionable in light of standards applied by the censor” (Miner 1998). In schools there are three types of censorship, one type is a “parent who doesn’t want their child to read a particular book. Another is a parent, teacher, administrator, or school board member who argues that no one in the class, or school should read the book in dispute. Lastly, there is censorship that involves someone who is part of an organized campaign, whether of a local or national group, and who goes in ready for a fight and wants to make a broader political point” (Miner 1998). Although there are many others ways that a piece of literature could get censored, most censored works are asked to be removed from classrooms and school libraries.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay: The Banned Books Debate

    1041 Words  | 3 Pages

    Education was always thought to be a vital tool to all people, but in today’s world many consider it a way for the evils of the world to tant the young. This of course is known as the “Banned Books” debate. One side that believes books should be limited to prevent the children to be exposed to information that they believe to be inappropriate. And the other that believes in the total opposite and continues to point out the importance of the primary focus of literature, in which is education. Overall what makes this debate so difficult is the fact of what makes literature so valuable to the future generations, in being: at the end of the day education is a natural right given to every American citizen, they provide valuable lessons, and of course

    Read More

  • Censorship of Literature Promotes Ignorance

    2031 Words  | 5 Pages

    * Schuldt, Christy. "Hendrix College Profile: Book Banning Threatens Freedom." Online. America Online. 1-2. 8 Oct. 1998. Available: http://hendrix.edu/profile/09.21.95/banned.html.

    Read More

  • Fahrenheit 451 Banned

    1246 Words  | 3 Pages

    Imagine a world of uniformity. All people look the same, act the same, and love the same things. There are no original thoughts and no opposing viewpoints. This sort of world is not far from reality. Uniformity in modern day society is caused by the banning of books. The novel "Fahrenheit 451" illustrates a future in which the banning of books has risen to the extent that no books are allowed. The novel follows the social and moral implications of an over censored society. Even though the plot may seem far-fetched, themes from this book are still relevant today. Although some people believe that banning a book is necessary to defend their religion, the negative effects caused by censorship and the redaction of individual thought are reasons why books such as "Fahrenheit 451" should not be banned.

    Read More

  • Censorship in Schools

    3744 Words  | 8 Pages

    The Houston Chronicle, pp. C14. Retrieved December 2, 2002 from Lexis-Nexis/Academic database. This article emphasizes the point that censors go too far when they attempt to not only ban a book for their own children but want to remove it altogether from a school library, so that other students cannot read it.

    Read More

  • Trancendentalism in The Call of the Wild, by Jack London and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

    899 Words  | 2 Pages

    Baldassarro, R. W. "Banned Books Awareness: The Call of the Wild." Banned Books Awareness. Deep Forest Productions, 24 July 2011. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.

    Read More

  • Censorship In Schools Essay

    1440 Words  | 3 Pages

    The most debatable and controversial form of censorship today is the banning of books in school libraries. Banning books that educate students is wrong and selfish. Censorship of books in school libraries is neither uncommon nor an issue of the past. Books with artistic and cultural worth are still challenged constantly by those who want to control what others read. The roots of bigotry and illiteracy that fuel efforts to censor books and free expression are unacceptable and unconditional. Censoring school books in libraries can often lead to censorship of our basic freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment. In some cases, a minority ends up dictating the majority in censorship cases. To be told what is permissible reading material and what is not is a direct violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution.

    Read More

  • The Debate of Self Censorship

    2329 Words  | 5 Pages

    In order to understand the effects that censorship has on students one must first consider its definition and a brief exploration of its root cause in school libraries. Defined as the “changing or the suppression or prohibition of speech or writing that is condemned as subversive of the common good,” censorship is not a new idea. Luckily, in the enlightened 21st century, there are procedures in school and public libraries that must be followed in order to request that a book be taken out of circulation. The content that draws the most ire from concerned parents and...

    Read More

More about The Tyranny of Banned Books

Open Document