Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ban This!

I have a suspicion. Something that began as a wisp of a thought somewhere in the back of my mind. Something that's taken shape the more I think about "banned book week." You see, I believe the whole thing is part of a greater conspiracy. Those individuals that ban books (or try to) have somethings in common.

At first I tried to figure out what it was that might make a person ban a book - particularly a fantasy book (see this post on Enchanted Inkpot from Monday). Then I realized that probably wasn't it. I mean yes, sadly unicorn attacks are on the rise (we'll be discussing Unicorns V. Zombies sometime soon I promise). But that can't account for all of this foolishness. It seems like more and more people join this fight every day. On the wrong side. Yes I just said one side was wrong.

So lets take a look at the facts together shall we?

* Mindless hord mentality. No pitchforks as of yet.
* Trying to stifle creativity, imagination, knowledge, understanding and most higher brain function
* Personal needs are more important than those of others, and all must comply
* Attempting to keep others in the dark and shut down open lines of communication
* Frightened of big shiny things like ideas
* An undeniable hunger for devouring the brains of others

Okay, maybe that last one is debatable... But darn it, it fits!! Don't you see? They're ZOMBIES and they're slowly taking over. I say we check their eyes because that's how you can tell. Rotting flesh can be covered up, but the eyes will still look glassy and vacant. Though frankly, I'm not sure I would be willing to get close enough to verify this information.

So how do we stop it? Don't let them devour the brains of our children. keep those brains healthy and strong by encouraging reading of all kinds. Whatever lights that fire behind their eyes, so they don't become glassy and vacant like the others. Then THEY cannot reproduce.


18 comments:

  1. Amen, Lisa! Everyday in my classroom, I encourage reading like it's the best thing you could possibly do with your time (because let's face it- it pretty much is). Thanks for the post :)

    Marissa

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am totally against book banning, as would be any free thinker. The upside to such 'lists' is that kids are rebellious enough to think, 'I'm not supposed to read it? Where can I get a copy?' If it's not being banned, then it didn't offend anyone. Personally, I like books that offend others ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Marissa - thank YOU! Glad we have so many great teachers like yourself out there. There is hope in the Zombie revolution.

    Christi - True enough - the kids (and us) will rebel and search out the books. And hey - just look at the "Speak Loudly campaign" which I am proud to say has probably served to boost sales in a great way.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Exellent post! Usually people that ban books have never read them, they just spread gossip. I remember when Harry Potter first came out and they said it was a manual for teaching children to cast spells. It went through the parents at our school like a virus. I spent more time explaining the truth, not one of them ever read it. By the end of the semester, several had their own copies and were fans. One even asked me to read it to the class. I couldn't because there was still too much controversy, but it all went away by the third book.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Catherine, that is an excellent story. Not because it was a good thing of course, but because it illustrates this mob mentality I'm talking about. Good for you for speaking up for Harry!! How sad to think children have been prevented from reading one of the greatest books ever written (I know my opinion).

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very well said Lisa! I'm linking to this on the Scribe Sisters blog later today.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lol, love this! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Loved this Lisa! Your take was AMAZING!!!

    Questions, books that have kids and teens asking questions make teachers and parents uncomfortable, but why is that the case? Shouldn't we as parents, mentors, and teachers want questions. I want them to come to me and feel comfortable to talk about a book, and discuss what they read.

    The more they talk to you, the more you can gauge where they are at in life.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jen - thanks so much! I agree wholeheartedly. It is those who are afraid to handle the big questions, whose kids go elsewhere for the information. And it's a personal decision. FYI my kids aren't allowed to read my books yet.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Well I'm about to disagree with you, Lisa. Book banners are not Zombies; they're publicists. What better way to get publicity for books than to tell people they shouldn't or can't read them? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lee - If only they still had enough brains left to plot like that!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I agree with C. Lee. Let the publicity begin!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Just read your post at Enchanted InkPot. Wonderful chuckles-ful list, with a few seriously true points.

    Zombies, indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Julie - a good side effect for sure.

    Margo - Thanks! Glad you stopped by both posts and took the time to comment. :D You had a really good point on the Inkpot! Nice.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lisa-I love this! I believe most of the 'banning mentality' is fear-based, and agree we have to foster broad thinking in our children by exposing them to as many ideas (and books) as possible. :)

    ReplyDelete