Yesterday kicked off the start of Banned Books Week here in the U.S. It’s an annual event held by the American Library Association (ALA) as a way to bring attention to book censorship. I’ve written about it in the past as I feel it’s an important topic. Not only because I’m a writer and avid reader, but also because I believe censorship of the written word is just another way to stifle critical thinking and the spread of new ideas.
For those who don’t know the history, Banned Books Week began back in 1982. It was founded by freedom of speech proponent and library activist Judith Krug at the request of the Association of American Publishers. Krug then partnered with the American Library Association and the annual event was born.
This year, Banned Books Week takes place between September 22nd and 28th. As always, the ALA is providing all sorts of materials people can use to spread the word. They also have several in-person events taking place around the country, a voter registration drive, and an outline of things everyone can do to fight back against book censorship. This includes actions you can take, from calling and writing decision-makers to advocacy groups you can join and volunteer opportunities.
As I’ve written previously, book censorship is about control and fear. There are people who want to control what written material you have access to. Why? Because reading, especially about topics like slavery, gender identity, and sexual abuse, can make people think and question the status quo. Some folks don’t want people, particularly children and young adults, to ask questions or think differently. They want obedient little drones.
The other reason behind censorship, fear, is a powerful motivator for some people. They fear what they don’t understand and things that make them uncomfortable.
I don’t think I’ll ever understand why some people feel the need to dictate what others can read. One of the wonderful things about the written word is how it can educate us. Even fiction can teach us things about ourselves and the world around us. It can introduce us to different cultures, new ideas, and take us on journeys we’d never expect.
Please consider doing something this week to support the cause. As noted above, you can write a legislator, volunteer at a library, or go so far as to purchase and read a banned book.
You never know. You might learn something.
RB
Thank you for raising awareness, Richard. I didn’t think I’d see banned books in my lifetime, but here we are, regressing at a rapid rate.
That we are, my friend. But that just means we have to push back harder against the darkness.
Thanks for commenting.
Every day a new horror. Two party system isn’t working. Both are failing us.
Richard, wonderful suggestions and history on the Banned Book movement, Thanks for continuing to share this important week.
Thank you and my pleasure. Hopefully, bringing more attention to it will get more people involved.