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I am a huge proponent of never saying negative things on the internet. I don't like confrontation. I'm not an argumentative person in general. But sometimes things go too far. Sometimes I have to speak up, or risk losing my integrity.
Anyone remember Natzi Germany? Yeah, they burned a lot of books. Things by Jewish people like Einstein and Freud. Is this an extreme example? You betcha! But is it unrealistic? I don't think so.
This is America. We believe in the principles of freedom of speech, and, well, just freedom in general. That no matter what your beliefs are, I'm entitled to my own. And the scariest thing to me is that it seems what people are trying so hard to ban or remove are the books that realistically depict the situations teens have to face in their real lives. Ellen Hopkins anyone? How about Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson?
Then there are books that just make no sense to me. HARRY POTTER?? Just take a look at this list. THIS is what truly frightens me. This is the monster that goes bump in the night. So how do we go Van Helsing on it? Well, number one is speaking up. Letting the world know that this is NOT okay. That we support these authors and buy these books. That we recognize voices that cry to be heard, instead of keeping quiet and allowing them to be swept under the carpet. Or burned at the stake.
So? Are you going to help me fight the real monster, Ignorance? What have you done? What do you plan to do?
I try very hard to remind people that teens and children are people too! They are capable of all emotions that adults are, and they deserve to see all issues and subjects treated with depth.
ReplyDeleteI love this post - it serves as a great reminder that our freedoms must be defended if they are to remain! And ignorance is the real villian here - it always is!
ReplyDeleteTo take away a book that gives teenage girls who've been raped or sexually assaulted hope is just plain wrong. To take any book away from any child or teen that gives them hope is wrong. This is a democrary not a dictatorship.
ReplyDeleteSOme of the books on this list are SHOCKING to me. What is the world coming to when books like 'of mice and men', and the rest are banned. Those books all taught me things about life that no one would ever speak on. Ans for me being such a shy and quiet girl, most of those books opened me up to being as outspoken as I am now.
ReplyDeleteHow could anyone want to ban books especially books that teach life lessons, that expand imagination and help children not to be stuck in... in bubbles.
Im disgusted at this.
Shaking my head,
Nise T.
Dayana - Good for you!! Trying to "protect" them from these books is doing them a disservice. I say that as a writer and a mother.
ReplyDeleteChristine - Thank you. :D
Stina - You said it!
Nise - My mouth dropped open when I read it. It is disgusting and that is why I had to speak up!
Banning books only makes people more curious about them. I've never read SPEAK, but now I want to read it.
ReplyDeleteJulie - so true! At least there's that.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm a paranormal reader/writer who is not easily frightened (although I have to agree with you about evil clowns...)
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note, Lisa, this was an excellent post. I was thinking the same things you wrote so perfectly. Thank you. To help you "fight the Ignorance monster," I will buy and read Speak. I'll also Tweet this post. :-)
Clara - thank you for the compliment. We seem to have a lot in common. I am so glad you feel passionately about this.
ReplyDeleteTerrific post! It's so important to do what we can and to not stay silent. For my part, I posted, tweeted and talked to my students about banned books (again:)). I generally read at least one banned or threatened book to them every year. Last year it was the Giver. They're too young for Speak, but I'll find one :)
ReplyDeletejemi - You're awesome. Unfortunately I don't think it will be hard to find one. If that list is any indication. I just had a little talk with my son about it. He's too young for Speak as well, but he gets how wrong it is for people to try to stop others from making those decisions for themselves. Proud mommy.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! Well said.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, evil clowns are scary. *shudder* In a good way! ;)
Lola - Thanks! Yes, there's good scary and bad scary. :D
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I'm blogging about this very issue on the Scribe Sisters blog this Thursday and I'll be doing a giveaway of Speak! Be sure to stop by!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather and I'd love to stop by. I'm so happy about the outpouring by other writers on this subject. We rock!
ReplyDelete