Censorship and the Banning of Books
analytical Essay
840 words
There has been censorship since the times of the early Catholic Church with it dictating what you could and could not do. The people of the United States have looked back upon what was being done, and have expressed that it was wrong for the church to such a thing. However, the leaders of today seem to be hypocritical in the subject. They say that it was bad once, but today it is okay. Censorship is most prominent in books today, and the most common to be thrown out are the ones that have obscene language and sexual references. There are many examples of this; however, the few that are best known are: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. The banning of books, such as these, blocks the meanings that these mature and experienced authors are putting forth to the world.
The Catcher in the Rye is a classic novel written by J.D. Salinger that portrays the life of a confused teenager in New York City. The main character is a teenager that has been a delinquent throughout his life. Holden Caulfield says, “I forgot to tell you about that. They kicked me out [of Pencey]” (Salinger 4). The banning of the book begins when Holden starts to act like the delinquent that he has been described as. The book has a very strong vocabulary of words that are to this day considered inappropriate. As stated in Sweet “The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most barred from libraries and courses, ostensibly because of its sexually provocative language, but probably because of its alienated and irrelevant attitude toward the world” (Sweet 3). For example, the first of the strong language starts in the first paragraph of the book. On the topic of the history of his li...
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... parents do not object to sex education any more than they object to dictionaries, but when it is a question of what their teenage sons and daughters will read in school, they may prefer to replace materials that contain highly explicit illustrations or suggestive prose (Sweet 3).
The quote says that teenagers take sex education, but is it really just the teenagers. From a personal perspective, I was first taught sex education while in elementary school. Should society really be worried about what teenagers read more than what children, whose age is still in the single digits, learning about sexual intercourse? Society should stop worrying about what their children read, and more on the progression of their children toward adulthood at too early an age. The banning of books blocks the meanings that these mature and experienced authors are putting forth to the world.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that censorship has existed since the early catholic church, but the leaders of today seem hypocritical in the subject. censorship is prominent in books with obscene language and sexual references.
- Analyzes how j.d. salinger's the catcher in the rye portrays the life of a confused teenager in new york city.
- Analyzes how kurt vonnegut jr.'s slaughterhouse five is about a prisoner of war camp during world war ii.
- Explains that mark twain is one of the most controversial authors in history because of his thick southern background. he uses writing to portray his time on the mississippi river, and as a young child.
- Explains that books are banned on the basis of religion, and what children should be exposed to in their youth. catcher in the rye is used in high schools and college.
- Explains that many parents do not object to sex education, but they prefer to replace materials that contain explicit illustrations or suggestive prose when it comes to what their teenage sons and daughters will read in school.
- Opines that society should stop worrying about what their children read, and more on the progression of children toward adulthood at too early an age.
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- Censorship of Books in Schoolopinionated essayIn schools around the nation, many books have been banned from the teaching curriculum. Some of them deserve to be banned due to the explicit content only suited for adults. Some books like the Harry Potter series, The Catcher in the Rye, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Hunger Games. Granted, there are language issues in Catcher and Huckleberry Finn, but that language exists everywhere. The censorship should not be as strict as it is because many great books are being banned that students should be reading in order to gain an understanding on who some great writers were. Some of the banned books should be reconsidered on whether they should be censored or not.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the profane language in the catcher in the rye forced the book to be banned from schools.
- Explains salinger, j. d., the catcher in the rye. new york: little, brown and company, 1951.
- Opines that the censorship of books should not be as strict as it is because they contain things like vulgar language, sexual references, drug use, or extremely violent details.
- Opines that language is a major reason for censoring books like the harry potter series because of the witch-craft.
949 wordsRead More - Stop Literary Censorshipanalytical essayStop Literary Censorship Censorship is becoming more and more common all over the world today. The online Encarta Encyclopedia defines censorship as, "supervision and control of the information and ideas that are circulated among the people within a society. In modern times, censorship refers to the examination of books...for the purpose of altering or suppressing parts thought to be objectionable or offensive." Henry Reichman from the Education World website defines it 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" (Cromwell).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that censorship is becoming more and more common all over the world today. encarta encyclopedia defines it as the examination of books for the purpose of altering or suppressing parts thought to be objectionable or offensive.
- Explains that the first amendment to the constitution states that congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
- Explains that censors fall into three groups: 1) parents who hear about or see material that troubles them; 2) community members or parents who react to a book without having read it; and 3) local, state, and national organizations with specific lists of titles which they consider objectionable.
- Explains that the number of formal demands for the removal of books from public and school libraries has increased by more than fifty percent from 1991 to 1994.
- Opines that books are 'educationally unsuitable', citing sharon cromwell and staples. many parents confuse the book's subject matter with the notion that or publisher advocates a particular moral agenda.
- Lists the most frequently banned classics, including of mice and men, hawthorne's scarlet letter, and twain’s huck finn.
- Explains that huck finn was the fourth most banned book during the last decade due to "racial epitaphs."
- Analyzes how jack london and kate chopin's writing was censored in several european dictatorships in the 20s and 30s. the awakening is said to give us unique access to the interior life of a protestant woman
- Analyzes how chopin's novel "traces the sensual and sexual coming to consciousness of a young woman and predictably aroused hostility among contemporary reviewers, just as whitman'
- Analyzes how staples states that authors censor themselves, weeding out curse words, and steering away from difficult areas, regardless of feelings that such omissions affect the credibility of their work.
- Opines that parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life. critics spend their time and energy in pointing out the horrible examples.
- Opines that it is wrong that what one person can read should be confined to what another person thinks is proper.
- Cites haym, nina, gen.ed., the norton anthology of american literature.
- Explains that daniels, walter m., ed. the censorship of books. new york: the h.w. wilson company, 1954.
1575 wordsRead More - Stop Book Censorshipanalytical essayGrowing up as a child, parent’s shelter their children as much as they cannot allowing them to take in negativity and vulgarity in the world, but what happens when they go to school and talking amongst other children? Some parents do not always shelter their children as much, letting them know what is happening in the world at a much younger age than others. Teachers, but mainly government, try to correct what they think is wrong by censoring what content children can and cannot read. Censoring books should not be allowed today because children are maturing at a younger age; they are exposed to more vulgar content now with cellphones than when reading a book such as The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, or a modern title like the Harry Potter series (American Library Association). Censoring books should not be allowed since children are maturing at a younger age; that is, children and teenagers should be able to choose whether or not they if they think books are too vulgar for their own preference.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that censoring books should not be allowed because children are maturing at a younger age.
- Opines that the catcher in the rye's censorship is debatable because holden was trying to be an adult although he was still a kid.
- Analyzes how holden, who is only seventeen, uses language modern teenagers use today. unless children are raised extremely religiously, people often hear swearing as a teenager’s regular vocabulary.
- Analyzes how holden was trying to prove that he was more of an adult by ordering adult beverages and acting more like a adult.
- Narrates how they ordered a scotch and soda, which is their favorite drink, next to frozen daiquiris. if you were only around six years old, you could get liquor at ernie's.
- Analyzes how holden's bragging about being able to get alcohol underage proves that he is more adult-like but still could pass as a child.
- Argues that the catcher in the rye should not be censored because it is nothing compared to what children are doing.
- Asks why we should censor books when children are getting cellphones so young when they can look up anything they want with a cellphone.
- Opines that censorship causes books that may not have been bestsellers to become bestseller
- Argues that censorship violates students' rights regarding freedom of belief. schools should remain a marketplace for ideas, not an institution for like nations. children should be able to choose books vulgarity depending on their own preferences.
- Opines that books should not be censored because not many teenagers read books for enjoyment today.
- Concludes that in order to keep books from being censored, american society must open their eyes. children are maturing at faster rates and trying to be more adult-like.
- Explains wiginton and erwin's "the catcher in the rye turns 60, its censorship still in question." the leader newspaper elmhurst college rss.
- Analyzes mindlin, alex, and lukenbill, w. bernard. "censorship: what do school library specialists really know?"
918 wordsRead More - Pros And Cons Of Book Censorshipanalytical essayTo Be or Not To Be Censored Censoring Material is a common occurrence in America. parents are worried what there children are seeing and hearing and how these materials are affecting these young minds. There's is Pros and cons to censoring materials. These pros and cons affect many. Many adults and children don’t know the history of censorship or even what censorship is.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that censorship is a common occurrence in america. people and groups can choose to try and get materials they don’t agree with banned or they can challenge the materials.
- Explains that the united states of america uses censorship as a way of protecting its citizens.
- Explains that many are in favor of censorship for a multitude of reasons. racial issues, sexual situations, violence or negativity, and religious affiliations are common reasons for books to be banned or challenged.
- Explains that with more internet access, it becomes increasingly difficult for parents to supervise and restrict children from materials deemed unfit. cyberporn is easily found with the typing of simple keywords.
- Analyzes how the first amendment states that the people have the right of freedom of speech and press. censorship is a nationwide topic.
- Explains that many books that once were banned for any number of reasons have had the ban dropped due to a change in judgement.
- Analyzes how "i know why the caged bird sings" is an autobiography over the life of maya angelou. huckleberry finn is one of the most challenged books because of twain's use of "nigger".
1319 wordsRead More - Book Censorship in American High Schoolsexplanatory essayCensorship in American High Schools Book banning has a long history and has made both positive and negative impact on readers. People have been trying to stop books from being banned, but there are also people that are trying to ban books to protect their children. Many books have been challenged and even banned because of the “inappropriate” content the books contain such as profanity. Books have started to get censored since the 1500’s and has threatened many cultures. The people who ban and censor books think that they are protecting the readers from the information, but it is secluding the readers from getting more ideas.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that book banning has a long history and has made both positive and negative impact on readers.
- Explains that books are banned because of political, religious, sexual, and social reasons, while people's beliefs are a reason for some books being banned.
- Explains that book censorship has a long history and it has affected many cultures.
- Explains that banned books have shaped american high schools in regards of what the students could read. parents should not complain about books that their children could not understand.
- Opines that parents should not judge what their children are reading in school, but should gather students to vote whether or not a book should be banned after they have read it.
- Explains that harper lee's to kill a mockingbird is one of the most frequently banned books in american high schools.
- Analyzes how the book, the catcher in the rye by j.d. salinger, is banned in american high schools.
- Explains that judy blume's "forever" depicts marital sex, which is intimacy, and parents don't want their children to learn about it.
- Opines that books help students create a different world in their minds, which helps their creativity, and could help the decisions they make in real life situations.
- Explains that banning books affects high school students because books open people's mind to a new world.
- Explains campbell, colin, "book banning in america." new york times.
1974 wordsRead More - Censorship for J.D. Salingeropinionated essayCensorship will always be a topic that can be debated especially when it comes to the books that are read in school. There are certain topics that should not be discussed or talked about in great detail in books that are being read in school. Even if the book is a classic piece of literature, like “Catcher In The Rye,” it needs to be censored. It is important to have censorship in place so students are not getting the wrong impression of sex, alcohol, drugs, and profane language.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that censorship should be in place so books like "catcher in the rye" are banned from schools so students are not able to read such books.
- Opines that censorship needs to be enforced so that students in today's society will not be influenced by what they are reading in school.
- Opines that some students and parents would take great offense to certain things that are being said or discussed about in books. in "catcher in the rye," profane language, such as "goddamn," is used a tremendous amount
- Explains that they're an atheist, but don't care too much for the other stuff in the bible. the disciples annoy the hell out of them.
- Opines that it was hard to read through the book with all the profane language that was being used in the context.
- Explains that some parents don't want their children to read sex, alcohol, and drug references in books that their english teacher assigns to them. with censorship in place, students would not have that reassurance that performing those acts would be okay.
- Explains that some people believe that censorship should not be enforced in the school and the materials that they have to read.
- Opines that censorship is a topic that can be debated especially when it comes to the books that are read in school.
736 wordsRead More - The Catcher In the Rye Should Not be Bannedanalytical essayBanning a book on the basis of profanity is merely a superficial reason of those who wish to limit beliefs that do not coincide with their own. By excluding a novel from a high school curriculum in order to shelter students from profanity, is an attempt to do the impossible. Profanity is found everywhere. According to TV Guide, "Profanity is uttered once every six minutes on American primetime television...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the novel, the catcher in the rye, should not be banned from literature courses taught at the high school level.
- Opines that banning a book on the basis of profanity is an attempt to do the impossible. profanities are uttered once every six minutes on american primetime television.
- Analyzes how holden caufield, the protagonist, swears steadily throughout the book. his curses are of the tamest kind, though, "damn", "hell," "crap", and "ass."
- Explains that the profanity used in the catcher in the rye is at the same level of the vulgarity often heard in a pg-13 movie.
- Explains that banning books infringes on the freedoms that america was founded upon. the first amendment prohibits the exercise of free speech and is unconstitutional.
- Argues that the novel, the catcher in the rye, should not be banned from literature courses at the high school level.
793 wordsRead More - Sexuality Education in Americaexplanatory essayWhat do the American people as a whole want their youth to be taught about sex? That is the ongoing question that not only state and federal governments are asking, but also local school districts, churches, and parents of all aged children. In the early twentieth century, disputes focused on whether or not to teach sexuality education at all; while currently it has shifted to which method is more successful in the school curriculum.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that most states have adopted laws to regulate sex education. 21 states required education on sexuality and stds.
- Aims to provide an opportunity for people to develop and understand their values and attitudes about sexuality.
- Explains that abstinence-only programs were less effective than the comprehensive sex education programs.
- Explains that the american people as a whole want their youth to be taught about sex.
- Explains that the abstinence-only program promotes sexual intercourse before marriage as the only option for sex education by not acknowledging that many teens will become sexually active.
- Explains the goal of comprehensive sex education, known as abstinence plus, is to educate young people on the subjects of sexuality, birth control, and disease protection. eighty-two percent of teenage pregnancies are unintended.
- Explains that the curriculum acknowledges the fact that teens may become sexually active, and provides education to young people on various issues including: sexual development, reproductive health, interpersonal relationships, body image, decision making and gender roles.
- Opines that sexuality education should encompass a variety of things besides education on sex, contraception, and stds.
- Explains that the federal government does not play a substantial role in the development of sexuality education programs.
- Explains that more than two out of three public schools have a policy authorizing sexuality education, while six percent of school districts require the encouragement of abstinence.
- Explains that a program is deemed successful if it brings about one or more of the following results: delaying initiation of sexual intercourse, decreasing the frequency of unprotected, and increasing condom use. the american public ultimately decides what is the best way to educate the nation's teens on sex.
2490 wordsRead More - Sex Education in Schoolsopinionated essayencompasses sexual development, reproductive health, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy, body image, and gender roles.” Sex education discusses important aspects of reproduction, sexuality, and just growing up in general in a physical and emotional sense. One would have to wonder though; does sex education actually serve its purpose? Does it enlighten teens enough about sex and the consequences, to the point where you can actually tell the difference between those who are sexually educated and those who are not? According to a study done bye Coyle (1999) sex education no matter where, at home or in school, and no matter the program does indeed help decrease the amount of teens having unsafe sex. Based on information from that same study about 3 million teenagers a year get an STD, and roughly 10% of adolescent females ages 15-19 get pregnant every year unintentionally. In an article from The Alan Guttmacher Institute (1999) there has been a 20% drop in female pregnancies between n 1990 and 1997 and the drop has continued, they have stated that the reason for this i...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that sex education in schools seems to be a controversial issue. the paper aims to determine if it actually keeps down the amount of teens with std’s or who become pregnant.
- Explains that parents often have a hard time communicating with their children about sex, they find it awkward, or just not an easy situation to approach. organizations like planned parenthood have guides and such to help parents discuss things.
- Argues that sex education is helping, even if the rates waver at times.
- Opines that sex education at home and in school does affect the amount of pregnancies and std’s amongst teens.
- Opines that sex education decreases the number of teens who become pregnant and contract std's. sex education informs and is an important part of a curriculum, just as much as math and english.
1232 wordsRead More - Censorship In School Librariesopinionated essayCensorship in School Libraries 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.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the most debatable and controversial form of censorship today is the banning of books in school libraries.
- Opines that the first amendment of the constitution is the most important and debatable of them all.
- Explains that freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. human rights and intellectual independence are inseparably linked.
- Explains that the power of freedom cannot be yielded, nor can it be denied. true justice comes from the exercise of rights.
- Opines that censorship, ignorance, and limitations on the free flow of information are the tools of dictatorship and oppression.
- Explains that books like the chocolate war, i know why the caged bird sings, and of mice and men have been placed on the controversial bookshelf of many school libraries.
- Opines that the children of today are in danger of being 'protected' from a lot of great literature.
- Explains that homosexual books are a target for censorship in schools. a republican state legislator introduced 'no promo homo' bill that would make it felony for anyone to provide minors with books that show alternative lifestyles without their parents' consent.
- Explains what he meant by "alternate lifestyles," although a parent testifying in favor of the bill said she was alarmed that books such as leslea newman's, heather has two mommies are available in school libraries.
- Opines that school libraries are stations for information and ideas. books and other library materials should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all students in the school.
- Opines that there is no rational excuse for a school library to ban books at the request of 'concerned' parents.
- Explains that would-be banners act with what they consider to be the highest intents protecting themselves, their families, and communities from perceived oppressions and preserving values and ideals.
- Explains that the censors are mostly parents and other community residents of all backgrounds, political and religious beliefs, who are concerned about the reading habits of today's children.
- Opines that the most effective antidote to the poison of mindless orthodoxy is ready access to a broad sweep of ideas and philosophies.
- Argues that the only logical reasoning to aid in what offends people is to completely eliminate the book from the library. it may help them examine other beliefs, attitudes, values, and traditions.
- Opines that the right to choose what we read is one of our most cherished freedoms. restraints on literature set the stage for attacks on all expression that is artistic or politically controversial.
- Analyzes how george orwell's classic 1984 painted a bleak picture of mind-controlled, book burning society in which creative thinking was forbidden.
1440 wordsRead More