Touching a Touchy Subject: Banned Books

Remember when you were a kid and your mom would yell, "Don't touch!" Well, like any kid warned not touch something, I'm going to go right ahead and do it anyway -one of the better ways to learn, I guess.

I have a strong disposition against the banning of books.

That's my personal opinion; one which I very much live up to in my house with my children. I have never forbidden them from reading a particular book. Read that sentence well, now. This doesn't mean I trot all kinds of age-inappropriate materials out for them to read, because I do not. I merely respect their curiosities when it comes to books -books which might be too mature for them- and try not to play mom, yelling, "Don't touch!" I stick to providing a father's opinion. "I'd probably be interested in this too when I was your age, but you should know that it has some rough words and scenes to it. Are you sure you don't want to wait until you're a little older?" Again, this is my opinion as a father of three and lover of the printed word.

 

As a teacher, of course, my stance on books and their availability to students differs. And, if one wants to stretch the imagination a bit, one could say I nearly participate in the banning of books all the time, because as a teacher of reading, I make decisions everyday on which books are best suited for a particular level and type of reader; thus removing certain titles from my student's hands because I have to consider their content and  age-appropriateness. I am very much okay and respectful of this as a professional. I'll wager that not a week goes by when I don't say, "You know, you may not be ready for this book just yet. Let's search some more." Or, "Hmm... I'm glad you're interested in reading this book, but this is one you need to have your mom or dad approve of first." Such is the job of any educator. We put aside our opinions to serve the whole, seeking to respect everyone in the process. And, it generally works.

                 

Generally.

Enfield schools recently made waves when banning a book from its summer reading list because one parent objected to it.

One.

               
Enfield High School removed Matthew Loux's graphic novel SideScrollers because one parent found the language too profane. This despite the fact that the book, which has anti-drinking and anti-bullying themes, received the honor of being rated a Top Ten Graphic Novel for Teens by the American Library Association.

Personally, I have difficulty understanding Enfield School's choice. One parent should not be able to overturn a reading list vetted by professional teachers. I write this because it goes against the entire idea of serving the whole and -most importantly- respecting everyone in the process. The decision to pull the book from the list because of one voice ignored the collective voices of teachers, as well as, the larger community that tacitly accepted the title in not speaking against it.

Thankfully, there are others -many others- willing to come to the table to fairly and thoughtfully try to ascertain how the greater community feels about having this particular title on its high school reading list. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has joined together with the Kids Right to Read Project to see that Enfield schools at least reconsiders its initial decision. 

I applaud this. Me, personally. Maybe you feel differently? 

Either way you can and should read the details of this book banning decision as it is presented on the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund website. Mr. Charles Brownstein, Executive Director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, has posted an excellent account of the matter, including a superbly crafted letter which was sent to the Enfield School District this month.

Additional note: I do make chartable donations each year to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. I am incredibly fond of graphic novels (as evidenced by some of my posts) and I believe the work they carry out benefits everyone who likes to read.