U.S. state Utah's prohibition of A Court of Thorns and Roses indicates a limitation on free thought in American regions.
#### Utah Book Ban: Understanding the Controversy and Implications
By Charlie Sawyer (September 16, 2024, 2:18 PM)
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Utah's persistent efforts don't stop at restricting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community; it also imposes a blanket ban on books, with a recent move to ban 18 books in public schools. Institutions providing student access to these books risk facing a hefty lawsuit. The prohibition list includes popular works like Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (Acotar), raising questions about the extent to which certain US states are willing to censor literature that deviates from conservative and traditional values.
For clarity, the Utah book ban follows the removal of titles from three public school districts or two public school districts and five charter schools statewide. The reasoning behind the ban primarily revolves around the fear of sexually explicit content, profanity, and themes deemed inappropriate for young readers.
However, it's crucial to recognize that this supposed "protection" for children all too often serves to obstruct students' access to diverse perspectives and complex themes. Consequently, the curriculum becomes narrower, and students' comprehension of the world and their intellectual growth may be compromised. Books like "Water For Elephants" are fallen victims to this book ban.
The ban on books in Utah raises significant concerns about the freedom of speech. By limiting students' access to certain books, the policy can easily be seen as stifling the expression of controversial and unpopular ideas. School librarians, powerful advocates for intellectual freedom, are often caught in the crossfire, defending students' right to access a variety of literature.
The restriction of literature can also have a chilling effect on authors and publishers, discouraging them from exploring sensitive topics due to the fear that their work will be banned from schools.
Despite not having extensive knowledge of all the books on Utah's banned list, Acotar warrants discussion. This series, penned by a female author, offers a world where questioning the status quo is essential. While Utah might claim it's only trying to shield children from pornographic content, including Acotar on the list underlines the reality that they're really clamping down on people accessing strong female protagonists crafted by talented female authors.
Notably, Acotar holds great appeal among Gen Z readers on TikTok, which undoubtedly sparks fear in oppressive states and governments. Book bans are skyrocketing across the US, especially works that touch upon progressive and important cultural topics. Utah's decision to ban Acotar underscores the urgent threat to books that encourage free thought, particularly those featuring empowered female heroines.
The American Library Association revealed that in 2023, more books were banned in US schools and libraries than any other year for which records have been kept. The banned books often revolve around progressive themes, reinforcing the rising tide of Christian nationalism across the country. Utah's book ban illuminates how books that promote free thought and, specifically, feminist heroism are prime targets for censorship.
Additional Insights:
- The Utah book ban policy was enacted on July 1, 2024, and initially included 13 titles, with the list expanding to 18[1][4][5].
- Published works are removed from public school districts or charter schools if concerns arise about explicit content, profanity, or themes deemed unsuitable for students[3].
- School librarians, who advocate for intellectual freedom, are crucial in ensuring that students have access to diverse literature[1][5].
- The involvement of organized groups and government entities in censorship efforts has increased significantly, with LGBTQIA+, racial, and social justice issues commonly targeted[3].
- The trend of book challenges and bans underscores the ongoing debate about balancing child protection and intellectual freedom in educational settings.
Books like "Water For Elephants" and Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (Acotar) have been banned in Utah public schools, raising concerns about the censorship of literature that deviates from conservative and traditional values. Schools' access to diverse perspectives and complex themes may be compromised by the Utah book ban, which primarily aims to avoid sexually explicit content, profanity, and themes deemed inappropriate for young readers.
