Drug Abuse In Go Ask Alice

783 Words2 Pages

“Beatrice Sparks was an American therapist and mormon youth counselor who was known for producing books purporting to be the ‘real diaries’ of troubled teenagers”. The book Go Ask Alice was created and uncovered by supposedly editor, Beatrice Sparks, uncovering horrifying acts upon teenagers. Go Ask Alice is a censored book in some or many states because of the use of sexual content and inappropriate language.
In the 1980’s, the “supposed editor”, Beatrice Sparks, was uncovered, and they hoped that her story would deter others from using drugs and sexual acts or rape upon teenagers. Go Ask Alice was published by the parents of the anonymous New Jersey girl after she committed suicide. Sparks states that the “journal entry style’ of the book …show more content…

She loses her virginity while on acid, and is worried that she might be pregnant. Alice continued to use drugs without her family’s knowledge, and was eventually prostituting herself for drugs. She later was found dead from a drug overdose and her diary was published. This book is a powerful way for teens to really experience the tragic consequences of drug addiction. “Teen characters are involved in drugs, prostitution, and etc., but the shocking reality of this book has been credited with keeping many teenagers away from drugs.” This book shows teenagers the consequences of what can happen if you use drugs.
This book was banned due to the use of drugs, sexual activities, and inappropriate language. “The novel is presented as the diary of a teenage girl and details her troubled life, particularly emphasizing the reality and perils of a teen drug addiction”. It was censored to prevent teenage drug addictions, teen pregnancy, and suicidal …show more content…

She kind of abused the substance to the point where she used prostitution to get the drugs and later died of a drug overdose. This book was published in the form of a diary in entry form of a girl’s drug addiction. The characters in this novel are introduced to drugs, sexual activities and abuse.
It was censored in many states because of the inappropriate behaviors in the book. The public schools and libraries wanted to deter the teenagers from trying drugs and to act upon sexual activities. In 1974, Michigan schools removed the novel because of the language and sexual content. It was unsuitable for students under the age, and for students whose parents weren’t okay with the vocabulary and plot of this novel. Underage individuals could participate in the acts presented in the novel, and could cause serious harm to others. It was censored to prevent the repetition of the plot of the story.
Beyond many doubts, Go Ask Alice gave teenagers the wrong perspective on early life, and was selectively removed to restrain any drug use or fondling behaviors in inappropriate ways. Many adults and parents agreed that this is not what the children needed to sustain their life. The banning of this book restricted a lot of negativity and limited the audiences directed

Open Document