Report on banned books in schools for 2022

[sun rise]

It seems the anti-free speech right wing brigade far far far exceeds any free speech issues the left is guilty of. I wonder how long it will be before they're actually burning books along with censoring teacher speech in the name of political correctness. The one thing that can't stand is actually allowing freedom to read because that threatens their ideology. I won't write exactly what I think of those who are actively trying to promote racism, rewrite history and destroy America but they're taking lessons from China and other totalitarian regimes who rewrite history and suppress people learning about it.

The article comes from https://pen.org/banned-in-the-usa/

Report on banned books in schools for 2022

One the list are some that caught my eye:

• They Called Themselves The K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
• Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community
• The Life of Rosa Parks (Famous Lives Series)
• Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
• The Abortion Debate (Essential Viewpoints)
• Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
• Rosa Parks
• What Were the Negro Leagues? (What was...? Series)
• Who Was Maya Angelou? (Who was...? Series)
• When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana
• Love to Mama: A Tribute To Mothers
• Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
• Maus 1: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History
• Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? (Who was...? Series)

 

[Secret Chief]

That's a lot of books. Where will they store them all? Oh, I forgot, they burn them.

 

[JustGeorge]

That's a lot of books. Where will they store them all? Oh, I forgot, they burn them.

Wish that could be a sad frubal...

 

[VoidCat]

Kept the public dumb and stupid they easier to control. That's why they ban books and talk of colleges pushing a political agenda. Saying colleges are leftists and lying to the people. Keep the masses dumb they can control the people.

 

[SomeRandom]

It seems the anti-free speech right wing brigade far far far exceeds any free speech issues the left is guilty of. I wonder how long it will be before they're actually burning books along with censoring teacher speech in the name of political correctness. The one thing that can't stand is actually allowing freedom to read because that threatens their ideology. I won't write exactly what I think of those who are actively trying to promote racism, rewrite history and destroy America but they're taking lessons from China and other totalitarian regimes who rewrite history and suppress people learning about it.

The article comes from https://pen.org/banned-in-the-usa/

Report on banned books in schools for 2022

One the list are some that caught my eye:

• They Called Themselves The K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
• Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community
• The Life of Rosa Parks (Famous Lives Series)
• Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
• The Abortion Debate (Essential Viewpoints)
• Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
• Rosa Parks
• What Were the Negro Leagues? (What was...? Series)
• Who Was Maya Angelou? (Who was...? Series)
• When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana
• Love to Mama: A Tribute To Mothers
• Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
• Maus 1: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History
• Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? (Who was...? Series)

Whilst I certainly agree that none should be banned (maybe one could make the case for the graphic adaption of Anne Frank’s Diary to be age restricted, I suppose) why would one ban a book called Channel Kindness?
Like psycho energy right there. Wtf?!

 

[Harel13]

One the list are some that caught my eye:

• They Called Themselves The K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
• Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community
• The Life of Rosa Parks (Famous Lives Series)
• Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
• The Abortion Debate (Essential Viewpoints)
• Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
• Rosa Parks
• What Were the Negro Leagues? (What was...? Series)
• Who Was Maya Angelou? (Who was...? Series)
• When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana
• Love to Mama: A Tribute To Mothers
• Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
• Maus 1: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History
• Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? (Who was...? Series)

Actually reading this books, especially from the perspective of an educator of schoolchildren, may help clarify why these books were banned, and no, it's not necessarily racism or antisemitism or whatever. I am personally, at the moment, only familiar with the two Holocaust books, Maus and the graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary. Both have scenes that I think many would regard as inappropriate, particular for kids, and I'm not talking about Nazi-related things.

I suspect at least some of the other books were banned for similar reasons. Other books may have been banned because they present ideologies that are too contradictory to the ideals of the communities where the books were banned. As I have stated a number of times on this site, even democracy needs boundaries, because without such boundaries, opposing ideologies would quickly win over. Then there'd be no form of freedom.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Actually reading this books, especially from the perspective of an educator of schoolchildren, may help clarify why these books were banned, and no, it's not necessarily racism or antisemitism or whatever. I am personally, at the moment, only familiar with the two Holocaust books, Maus and the graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary. Both have scenes that I think many would regard as inappropriate, particular for kids, and I'm not talking about Nazi-related things.

I suspect at least some of the other books were banned for similar reasons. Other books may have been banned because they present ideologies that are too contradictory to the ideals of the communities where the books were banned. As I have stated a number of times on this site, even democracy needs boundaries, because without such boundaries, opposing ideologies would quickly win over. Then there'd be no form of freedom.

Sounds like they don't want to have actual discussions.

 

[Twilight Hue]

It seems the anti-free speech right wing brigade far far far exceeds any free speech issues the left is guilty of. I wonder how long it will be before they're actually burning books along with censoring teacher speech in the name of political correctness. The one thing that can't stand is actually allowing freedom to read because that threatens their ideology. I won't write exactly what I think of those who are actively trying to promote racism, rewrite history and destroy America but they're taking lessons from China and other totalitarian regimes who rewrite history and suppress people learning about it.

The article comes from https://pen.org/banned-in-the-usa/

Report on banned books in schools for 2022

One the list are some that caught my eye:

• They Called Themselves The K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
• Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community
• The Life of Rosa Parks (Famous Lives Series)
• Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
• The Abortion Debate (Essential Viewpoints)
• Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
• Rosa Parks
• What Were the Negro Leagues? (What was...? Series)
• Who Was Maya Angelou? (Who was...? Series)
• When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana
• Love to Mama: A Tribute To Mothers
• Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
• Maus 1: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History
• Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? (Who was...? Series)

Wow! Just like the left wing brigade!

Democrats are now banning books for an unbelievable reason | Culture Watch News

 

[Debater Slayer]

Actually reading this books, especially from the perspective of an educator of schoolchildren, may help clarify why these books were banned, and no, it's not necessarily racism or antisemitism or whatever. I am personally, at the moment, only familiar with the two Holocaust books, Maus and the graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary. Both have scenes that I think many would regard as inappropriate, particular for kids, and I'm not talking about Nazi-related things.

I suspect at least some of the other books were banned for similar reasons. Other books may have been banned because they present ideologies that are too contradictory to the ideals of the communities where the books were banned. As I have stated a number of times on this site, even democracy needs boundaries, because without such boundaries, opposing ideologies would quickly win over. Then there'd be no form of freedom.

Qur'an 4:56:

Sahih International
Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses - We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.

Surat An-Nisa' [4:56-57] - The Noble Qur'an - القرآن الكريم

The Bible:

33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 19:33-36 - King James Version

Should both books also be banned from being read out or taught to children?

 

[SomeRandom]

Actually reading this books, especially from the perspective of an educator of schoolchildren, may help clarify why these books were banned, and no, it's not necessarily racism or antisemitism or whatever. I am personally, at the moment, only familiar with the two Holocaust books, Maus and the graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary. Both have scenes that I think many would regard as inappropriate, particular for kids, and I'm not talking about Nazi-related things.

I suspect at least some of the other books were banned for similar reasons. Other books may have been banned because they present ideologies that are too contradictory to the ideals of the communities where the books were banned. As I have stated a number of times on this site, even democracy needs boundaries, because without such boundaries, opposing ideologies would quickly win over. Then there'd be no form of freedom.

Whilst I can agree that certain graphic books should be monitored for appropriateness for children. Although sometimes that’s like the entire point. To show in graphic detail the true horrors of history so it doesn’t repeat itself.
I kind of have to question this.

Sure there are books that challenge the morals and ideologies of one’s community. But isn’t that what education is for? Actually broadening your world perspective and learning something?
If you never challenge yourself, how do you grow?

And is it always even worth it to uphold said community values?
Like I googled the book Channel Kindness out of curiosity and found the reason they likely banned it. It was about treating people from the alphabet soup community with respect and understanding. So I mean if I were a gay kid, I think I’d more than appreciate such a book. Especially if it was in an environment where such a book “challenged the ideals of my community.” (Read homophobia.)

 

[Sand Dancer]

Wow! Just like the left wing brigade!

Democrats are now banning books for an unbelievable reason | Culture Watch News

The far left and right use the same tactics, but in different areas.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Whilst I can agree that certain graphic books should be monitored for appropriateness for children.
I kind of have to question this.

Sure there are books that challenge the morals and ideologies of one’s community. But isn’t that what education is for? Actually broadening your world perspective and learning something?
If you never challenge yourself, how do you grow?

And is it always even worth it to uphold said community values?
Like I googled the boo Channel Kindness out of curiosity and found the reason they likely banned it. It was about treating people from the alphabet soup community with respect and understanding. So I mean if I were a gay kid, I think I’d more than appreciate such a book. Especially if it was in an environment where such a book “challenged the ideals of my community.” (Read homophobia.)

To many, growth and change are threats to the status quo.

 

[SomeRandom]

To many, growth and change are threats to the status quo.

Ahh true. Lol

 

[SomeRandom]

Wow! Just like the left wing brigade!

Democrats are now banning books for an unbelievable reason | Culture Watch News

Whilst equally dumb, I do have to agree with the parent who said there should be more books read that reflect the “black experience.”
Books such as To Kill a Mockingbird are indeed great but it is rather naive and narrow to only rely on such books all the time. It’s 2023 guys, time for some fresh blood to go into the mix

 

[Sand Dancer]

It seems the anti-free speech right wing brigade far far far exceeds any free speech issues the left is guilty of. I wonder how long it will be before they're actually burning books along with censoring teacher speech in the name of political correctness. The one thing that can't stand is actually allowing freedom to read because that threatens their ideology. I won't write exactly what I think of those who are actively trying to promote racism, rewrite history and destroy America but they're taking lessons from China and other totalitarian regimes who rewrite history and suppress people learning about it.

The article comes from https://pen.org/banned-in-the-usa/

Report on banned books in schools for 2022

One the list are some that caught my eye:

• They Called Themselves The K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
• Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community
• The Life of Rosa Parks (Famous Lives Series)
• Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
• The Abortion Debate (Essential Viewpoints)
• Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
• Rosa Parks
• What Were the Negro Leagues? (What was...? Series)
• Who Was Maya Angelou? (Who was...? Series)
• When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana
• Love to Mama: A Tribute To Mothers
• Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
• Maus 1: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History
• Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? (Who was...? Series)

WTH happened to Florida???

 

[Quintessence]

I served as a youth rep on a committee that reviewed book challenges to a local school district many years ago. I learned a lot about the process; what sorts of challenges were common, why they were brought forth, and what the role of a library is in a public school. At that time, we only got legitimate book challenges. What's a legitimate book challenge?

School libraries are supposed to be curated to age appropriate content and materials. In some respects, it is similar to the notion of rating films and movies to certain age groups. Where it is okay to have a book with some violent imagery in a high school library, it is not acceptable in an elementary school. And graphically violent or graphically sexual (pornographic) content was never permissible. Every so often, a parent would rightly flag something to the librarians that was a bit borderline on age appropriateness. It might get moved up in the age spectrum of the collections, if the committee agreed that was necessary after hearing the arguments of the person who put forth the challenge. Outright banning of a book was extremely rare, in part because librarians already curate collections to filter out anything that could reasonably be banned.

I don't have the insider view I once did with the current situation, but I am struck by how sensationalistic and superficial the coverage on banned books is. It doesn't seem to address the nuances of the process, the very real and well-intentioned legitimacy of some challenges, and the importance of curation just in general. Looking at mainstream news, that makes it difficult to assess what's really going on. So I like to go to the experts to get a good view, which means something like the American Library Association. It is worth reading their statement about current events here: The American Library Association opposes widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries

See also the rest of their resources on the matter here: Resources for Book Challenges

 

[Altfish]

Is it just me or do you also seek things out that are banned?

When the 'Mohammed Cartoons' were banned I sort them on line ... they weren't even very funny.

The attempt to ban Lady Chatterley's Lover and Spycatcher massively increased sales. The Streisand Effect

So, I'm sure pupils will seek out these banned books because they are banned.

 

[SomeRandom]

Is it just me or do you also seek things out that are banned?

When the 'Mohammed Cartoons' were banned I sort them on line ... they weren't even very funny.

The attempt to ban Lady Chatterley's Lover and Spycatcher massively increased sales. The Streisand Effect

So, I'm sure pupils will seek out these banned books because they are banned.

My personal conspiracy theory is all these banned books are actually done by educators who want their students to read them.
So they tell both sides of the political aisle that the other is banning them and bam. Both are busying decrying the other for being soft and against free speech and whatever. And then you get kids reading all these books just out of curiosity

 

[Debater Slayer]

Whilst I can agree that certain graphic books should be monitored for appropriateness for children.

As I alluded to in my previous post, I think a solid case could be made that both the Qur'an and the Bible could qualify for such monitoring. Somehow I think a lot of the people pushing for book bans now for being "graphic" or "bad for children" wouldn't approve of monitoring either or both.

 

[Debater Slayer]

I served as a youth rep on a committee that reviewed book challenges to a local school district many years ago. I learned a lot about the process; what sorts of challenges were common, why they were brought forth, and what the role of a library is in a public school. At that time, we only got legitimate book challenges. What's a legitimate book challenge?

School libraries are supposed to be curated to age appropriate content and materials. In some respects, it is similar to the notion of rating films and movies to certain age groups. Where it is okay to have a book with some violent imagery in a high school library, it is not acceptable in an elementary school. And graphically violent or graphically sexual (pornographic) content was never permissible. Every so often, a parent would rightly flag something to the librarians that was a bit borderline on age appropriateness. It might get moved up in the age spectrum of the collections, if the committee agreed that was necessary after hearing the arguments of the person who put forth the challenge. Outright banning of a book was extremely rare, in part because librarians already curate collections to filter out anything that could reasonably be banned.

I don't have the insider view I once did with the current situation, but I am struck by how sensationalistic and superficial the coverage on banned books is. It doesn't seem to address the nuances of the process, the very real and well-intentioned legitimacy of some challenges, and the importance of curation just in general. Looking at mainstream news, that makes it difficult to assess what's really going on. So I like to go to the experts to get a good view, which means something like the American Library Association. It is worth reading their statement about current events here: The American Library Association opposes widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries

See also the rest of their resources on the matter here: Resources for Book Challenges

I find it interesting that the ALA's statement specifically points out bans targeting books about LGBT and Black people. These are two groups that the far-right "free speech" brigade often don't mention in their supposed concern about "freedom."