Please read American Libraries article Fighting Fire with Free Speech: ALA Will Protest Book Burning with 9/11 Qur'an Reading | American Libraries Magazine
As a reader and an educator, I am appalled that there are still people who think that burning a book is the right way to get rid of an opposing view point. I'm 100% behind the American Library Association on this one.
Banned Books week is a favorite of mine. It is totally fine to dislike or disagree with a book, but it is never ok to get rid of it entirely. Freedom of Speech means there will be people who say things you don't like. They have that right. You have the right to not read it. You do not have the right to stop others from reading it.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on these issues, the article, banned books, burning books. Would you like posts about favorite "Banned Books" for Banned Books week? Septembe 25-October 2 Please Comment!
I can't really say I can't believe how stupid people are, but they always manage to surprise me, sadly. To be honest I have never paid much attention to what books are banned. However two do come to mind. The first would be Catcher in the Rye and the second, although I'm not sure if it was ever officially banned or just discouraged, would be The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli. Both have been considered dangerous and subversive. Another book that I know has been banned in some regions in the south is Charles Darwin's Origin of the Species. Heaven forbid anyone think for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that hate can replace love in a religion. And what do they think that burning a sacred book of the religion they feel are responsible for 9/11 (when it wasn't the entire religion, just the extemists) was going to do? Its sad that when we look at culture in the middle east most people just see "terrorists". I can guarentee that when cultures in the middle east look at us they just see the crazies that want to burn the Qur'an. Its really quite sad!
ReplyDeleteAnd i can't think of a better way to combat a book burning than reading said book! Thankfully it didn't have to happen but high five to the ALA!
I should clarify that SOME look at the middle east and see "terrorists". NOT ALL!
ReplyDeletei totally agree. i really hate that entire groups of people get judged for the actions of a few. this goes for everyone. The door swings both ways. Thanks for commenting Lauren!
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