October 1st-7th is BANNED BOOKS WEEK and Literacy Advocate and Actor Levar Burton is the Honorary Chair for this special observation. He will be talking about this topic on IG on October 4th you should join the conversation.
How is it we are back fighting to have the right to read? Reading is a civil right according to Mr. Burton and I completely agree. The problem is that there are some individuals who are ashamed of some of the stories in print because they show the world just how cruel people can be to others and how difficult they can make it for someone who is different from them.
The truth is never easy but it is always just that and yes it sometimes makes individuals uncomfortable but we still have an obligation to be transparent and tell the full story. We also have the right to enjoy fiction and other literary works. Writing should bring about discussion and debate it allows for free expression and enjoyment. Books should fall under the First Amendment in my opinion.
Individual expression is as important as individual discretion but individual discretion should not impose on others which is what happens when you remove literature from the shelves and websites, that others may enjoy. Students are deprived from seeing themselves in literature, especially African American students who already don't have enough representation in literature especially when it comes to telling the story of all the struggles and horrors their ancestors went through which allows them to be present in today's society with slightly better opportunities than their ancestors.
Black voices and our stories are being removed and silenced in an attempt to paint an untrue picture of America. Schools can not properly integrate the black experience into their curriculum with literature to tell the stories. Life is full of uncomfortable and difficult situations. Reading about them allows schools the opportunity to help teach children how to process uncomfortable truths and appreciate the advancement of the treatment of others.
Banning books is scary. It has a 'Hitler' type terror attached to it and this can not be the Land of the free and home of the brave with such actions being allowed.
In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a noncommittal ruling that continues to keep school and library books in the political crosshairs more than 40 years later. In Island Trees Union Free School District v. Pico (1982), the Court deemed that “local school boards have broad discretion in the management of school affairs” and that discretion “must be exercised in a manner that comports with the transcendent imperatives of the First Amendment.”
But what does this mean in practice? In these kinds of cases, the application of the First Amendment hinges on the existence of evidence that books are banned for political reasons and violate freedom of expression. However, without more explicit guidance, school boards often make decisions that prioritize “community values” first and access to information second. -(tc columbia ed article)
These communities are usually not african american when it comes to voicing their opinions and desires to remove certain literature from our bookshelves. This must not be tolerated. We must especially when it comes to the history of this country, demand that it is told truthfully and that our children as well as adults have access to whatever they enjoy reading. The banning of books reflects the current intolerant and disrespectful political climate we currently live in in my opinion. It should cause great concern and YES, we should STAY WOKE.
This term shouldn't be offensive, it should be seen for what it is, a call to be alert, a call to action, a call to speak up and to act out if necessary to prevent evil from triumphanting over good. Reading is a wonderful experience, a mental journey that can soothe the soul or light a fire in it for change. It can inspire us to ' Get into good trouble' as Senator John Lewis said.
I LOVE TO READ AND I WANT TO READ ANY BOOK ON ANY TOPIC THAT I DESIRE!
#Bannedbooksweek2023
#LetFREEDOMREAD
