I was looking over the list of the top 10 most challenged books of 2024 (here in the U.S.) and was struck by the pattern. None of these books were challenged due to violence (except for sexual assault), but they were all challenged for sexual content, LGBTQ+ themes, and DEI (Diversity, Equality, Inclusion). That last one is quite telling of the intent behind the challenges.
You would think that a democratic nation, one that is predominantly Christian, would be promoting things like DEI. The Bible has long passages devoted to loving thy neighbor and helping strangers. So why are so many people here terrified of it? So much so that they try to ban any mention of it?
I really don’t know. I can speculate that it’s due to fear, insecurity, and maybe a touch of self-loathing. Some people need to have something to hate. Maybe their lives are so miserable they have to channel it elsewhere or they’ll have to face the ugly truth about what’s inside of them. Or maybe it’s part of a culture war fueled by our leaders to distract people from all the ways they are being screwed over.
Still, I find it depressing to see books pulled from shelves and thrown away simply because someone didn’t like the content. If you don’t like a book, don’t read it. That doesn’t mean you have to try to prevent other people from reading the book because you’re offended by it.
If you’re interested, here is an infographic courtesy of the American Library Association (as is the image above). Click for a larger view.
Let me know your thoughts about the topics being censored.
RB
This is why I could never live in US and maybe the French need to reclaim the statue of Liberty!
Living abroad is starting to sound appealing, Sheree.
And I agree, the Statue of Liberty no longer seems to mean anything any longer.
Richard, thanks very much for this thoughtful insightful post. I agree with your reasoning and conclusions.
I appreciate it, Pat. Thank you for the kind words.
So sad Richard. Thanks for highlighting. I agree, if you don’t like something, you don’t have to read it, why does everyone have to suffer?
Selfish people is my guess, Wayne. Thanks for stopping by!