Book Censorship

"If they ban books, they might as well lock us away from the world." (Rory Edwards, The ALA) While I understand that those who lobby to have books banned mean well, it is one thing to make that choice for your child, but is it really fair to force your choice on every child? I could understand requiring books to have a rating system much like we have for movies and video games today, but banning any book is denying freedom of speech from the author. An author writes to share a thought, a feeling, and a moment in time, not to have their book censored. According to The American Library Association," Censorship can be subtle, almost imperceptible, as well as blatant and overt, but, nonetheless, harmful." Have we become a society that dictates

While some content and language may not be suited for all ages perhaps a rating system, like we currently have for movies and video games, would be a better alternative than banning the book. The plus side of the rating system is the rating and reasons behind that rating would be clearly labeled on every cover. “I think banning books is a terrible idea, but a content warning on the back I think would empower parents."(1) Allowing parents to decide if they want to let their children read that book without having had to previously read it themselves. “Coyne thinks a rating system on book jackets would help parents decide what's appropriate for their kids to read. It's a subject many are afraid to touch, with the talk of censorship or restricting books conjuring up images of book burnings and infringing on First Amendment Rights.” (2)While I can relate to parents wanting to protect their children from the many dangers in the world today the pleasures of reading and the independent thought that it provokes should be encouraged not restricted. A good book like any other art form can make you laugh, cry, and mourn for the characters. In a world where children are exposed to violence on TV daily what parent wouldn't want their child to learn this emotional empathy, even if it's for a fictional