Another Rant on Censorship

We recently discussed in class about the ALA and the idea of banning books from the public. I think it is preposterous to think that the government has the right to decide what we get to read. Isn’t this against the idea of free speech and press? I have always enjoyed reading and I think I have a clear understanding of what type of reading I prefer. I do not need the government telling me what type of book or that the content of a book is too bad for me.

While visiting the ALA website I noticed a quote from Judy Blume that stated: “It’s not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.” I think this quote really sums up what banning books does to the writers of books. Eventually, writer’s are only going to write what they know will not be censored because they do not want their book to be banned. Will the books even be good then?

The list of most frequently challenged books on the ALA website literally made me laugh. Goose Bumps by R.L. Stein are on the list. I read all the Goose Bumps when I was young and I do not remember anything bad about them. They are mysteries, not gory or bad in any way.

After we discussed banning books in class on Monday I came across this article on CNN about Rome banning the filming of ‘Angels and Demons.’ They were not allowed to film because the movie (and I quote directly from the article) “does not conform to our views.” It is a fictional movie, not in any way intended to be a true story. However, because the fictional story does not conform to their views, it is now allowed.

If I want to read a book, I will read it. I do not choose to read pornographic material or other ‘bad’ books by my standards. It should be up to the reader or viewer to decide what they read or watch, not up to the government.