Banned Books...What a shame...

[Mermanity27]

I was misinformed when it comes to the horrible consequences books have on young, impressionable minds. Forget video games and movies, these controversial and inappropriate books are poisoning youth all over America. Luckily for all of us the powers that be...(insert laughter here)...have opted to ban them from not only schools, but libraries as well. I know I can sleep easier at night knowing my children will not have to endure the sheer mental torture of reading something too political or socially offensive and having to form their own opinions on the matter. Or even worse, ask questions of me, their parent...because really...who has time to answer difficult questions their children saddle them with? I much prefer the anesthetized reading lists schools have chosen that contain books of substance about rainbows and butterflies. No real moral dilemmas there...just good, clean blandness.

Also seemingly banned from schools are art, music, and physical education programs. You know...all those things that encourage a healthy, creative mind? But who cares, right? It's only the future of America...I guess we could all use a lot less imagination and a whole lot more status quo. Life is not an exciting adventure as Alice once had; we do not encourage children to crave adventure or think that anything is possible. The way these books are being dwindled down to the dregs of writing it is a wonder we can even say we encourage our children to think at all. It's too dangerous.

This list of banned books is a perfect example of dumbing down the populous. Most of these books were considered classics at one point...now they are throw away texts, too controversial for school. It made me laugh to read the list at first, now I feel like crying. Good thing for me I own most of these books in my personal collection. My children will get all the grit and grime they won't let you have in school. The best part about all of this? Reports have been made that 10 different states have actually resorted to burning these books...aww my favorite **** past time...the burning of the books....What does that say about us?

[LadyDove]

Ah I had forgotten September was National Banned Books Month. It is absolutely crazy. I've heard people argue that they don't want their kids to read some of those books. I'm completely fine with that...If you don't want your child reading it fine. Here's a thought be a PARENT! Check the backpack, ask questions, stalk them what ever you have to do to make sure your Precious Junior doesn't get his hands on information, but leave MY kids out of it.

Around my house when the banning of books is mentioned, that that is one of the first things the Natzis did. After all you cannot easily control an informed populace, but an uneducated uninformed one... well that is childs play.

[Mermanity27]

I like your RAOK... :)

[queenofthehivemomof5]

What is on the list of banned books you posted? The picture was a bit too small to read for me. I could see the Harry Potter series, The Scarlet Letter and Grapes of Wrath...all of which I fail to see why they are banned. My kids can and will read all of these books (they are on my bookshelfs at home) when they are the right age to read them and understand them.

Where were these books banned and why? I think it is horrible to ban ANY book.

[LadyDove]

I like your RAOK... :)

Thank you! I do take somewhat of a perverse delight in reading the top 100 list each year. I also buy as many of the books off the list as I can, just because well I still CAN.

I think the biggest laugh I get each year though is Fahrenheit 451. A book about censorship... being CENSORED!!!

[faeryedark]

Am I correct, in thinking I saw Farenheit 451 on that list? It's one of my fav. books of all time...but sadly I'm not surprised, Bradbury is/was a visionary.
I know I had a rather heated discussion with a fellow over To Kill a Mockingbird last year...she thought it was racist and should be banned...of course, she'd never read it.
I have to wonder how many parents who throw such fits actualy ever read the books they want banned so badly

[LadyDove]

What is on the list of banned books you posted? The picture was a bit too small to read for me. I could see the Harry Potter series, The Scarlet Letter and Grapes of Wrath...all of which I fail to see why they are banned. My kids can and will read all of these books (they are on my bookshelfs at home) when they are the right age to read them and understand them.

Where were these books banned and why? I think it is horrible to ban ANY book.

The American Library Association puts out a list every year.
ALA | Top ten most frequently challenged books list of 2009 This is the 2009 List. I usually get a list e-mailed to me each september by The ACLU. I haven't gotten this years list yet, but I believe it is on the website.

[faeryedark]

Oops. sorry. didn't read anything other than the Op before I posted.
The text is rather small.
I'll bet I've read most of what's on that list and so will my kids.

[rbunnymom]

check this website for more info:

Banned Books and Authors

[cintinative]

I think I had to read maybe 10 of these in school growing up!