Contemporary US Book Bans: A Perspective on Censorship
Eliminating Timeless Masterpieces from the United States' Repertoire
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In today's America, books are being taken off shelves in classrooms, textbooks, and even public libraries. But which books are deemed 'unfit' for children and how do they fall into the crosshairs of censorship?
As soon as a person finds a book disturbing or deems it inappropriate, it becomes inaccessible to students. Threats of hefty fines loom large. This is the reality in the United States under President Joe Biden as of 2023. These books are often works that challenge, enlighten, and question the status quo. A sharp rise in book bans has been recorded; with Knox County Schools alone barring 113 books, including titles featuring diverse characters and storylines[1].
Author Daniel Kehlmann finds the current state of America to be akin to fascism. In an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," the writer explains, "America has always been asymmetrical: If you were black, you lived in a police state where you were constantly afraid of being shot if the police pulled you over in your car. If you were white, you didn't have this problem." Kehlmann, living in Berlin and New York, adds that people from South America are being "hunted with a deep, racist hatred."
Books often targeted include those with characters of color (44%), LGBTQ+ characters (39%), women, race, sexuality, gender, and American history[1]. Notable books on the list, while not specifically banned since 2021, frequently face challenges include:
The Handmaid's Tale - The Testimony of Offred
Originally published in 1985, Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel is a chilling depiction of a Christian fundamentalist government overthrowing the U.S. government and redefining the roles of women. The tale focuses on a fertile handmaid whose role is to bear children for powerful individuals.
Animal Farm - Farm of the Animals
First published in 1945, George Orwell's animal fable is a cautionary tale about a rebellion against human authority ending in a dictatorship of the pigs, mirroring the history of the Soviet Union. Its significance can be applied to any history since 1945.
1984
Also by George Orwell, 1984 is a totalitarian novel set in a surveillance state. Its title refers to a still distant, yet closely connected future, warning of the growing trend towards a surveillance state. Despite its obvious relevance, there have been calls to ban the book in public schools[5].
The Diaries of Anne Frank
The heart-wrenching diary chronicling the experiences of Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust has been a compulsory read for generations. First published in 1947, the work has been translated into over 70 languages and has been adapted into films several times.
The Hunger Games - The Hunger Games
The dystopian series by Suzanne Collins has achieved massive success with its tale of children forced to fight to the death in a corrupt society. Although the films have attracted controversy for their violent content, the books have been widely popular among readers.
The Fault in Our Stars - The Fault in Our Stars
This romantic coming-of-age novel was an instant bestseller upon its release in 2012, focusing on the lives of two teenagers dealing with serious health issues. The sensitive subject matter has raised concerns among some parents regarding its appropriateness for younger readers.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Who Kills the Mockingbird
Published in 1960, Harper Lee's classic novel illustrates the realities of prejudice and racism. The work is considered a masterpiece of contemporary literature and has been adapted into a beloved film. Despite its educational and social significance, the book has faced bans and challenges throughout the years.
Nineteen Minutes
Author Jodi Picoult's tale of a school shooting is a complex examination of guilt and justice. The book has been criticized for its dark themes, although it remains a compelling study of human emotion and response to trauma.
As censorship continues to grow in the United States, it's essential to question the motivation behind these bans and the implications for future generations. Books play a pivotal role in broadening our understanding of the world, challenging us to think critically, and fostering empathy. Limiting access to such powerful tools of education and enlightenment stifles this vital growth, leading to a less informed and more divided society.
Sources:[1] PEN America (2023). State of Censorship: A Look at Book Bans Across the United States.[2] ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (2023). Frequently Challenged Books of 2023.[3] Department of Defense (2023). Prohibited Reading Material List.[4] ntv.de (2023). Friedrich Merz follows Trump's example: Guest books left behind.[5] Educational Leadership (2023). The need to rethink book banning in schools.
The USA's surge in book bans, especially classics like 'The Hunger Games,' 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' and 'Animal Farm,' indicates a disturbing trend of censorship that mirrors political agendas. These international banned books, such as 'The Diaries of Anne Frank' and '1984,' are essential for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of world history, making their removal from classrooms a concerning general news issue.
