If you watch any amount of news, you’ve likely come across headlines stating how more states are jumping on the banned book wagon. You may also come across a section in your local bookstore with caution tape and a sign that says “Read the books they don’t want you to read!”
Why is this happening?
What is causing the government to get so involved in what is available at libraries and schools and should we, as citizens and readers, be concerned?
I would say yes, we should. And here’s why.
First, to answer the question as to why more books are being banned. A simple answer, at least in the state of Idaho, is explicit content. The more explicit content a book has, the higher the chance it has of being banned in schools and sectioned off in libraries.
But what is explicit content?
Things that fall into this category would be strong language, intense violence, open-door romance scenes, etc. This content has been deemed inappropriate for minors. You can read more about parental advisories and this topic on Boost Collective’s website.
Under the new law in Idaho, House Bill 710, if a book is found in a public or school library to contain content inappropriate for minors, libraries have to re-shelve the books into a specific restricted “adults only” section where minors can’t access them. The problem is that several libraries in rural areas only have one room to house all their books.
Because of this, these small libraries had to put out signs in front of the building stating that no minors may enter. Or if they do, an adult must accompany them, or have a signed waiver from their legal guardian on file.
This is the part of the new law I struggle with the most. As a child who grew up spending each week taking part in library activities and bringing my own children each week, the library is supposed to be a safe and fun place to go. For anyone.
The problem is, I can see the other side of this coin. As I’ve perused the Teen and Young Adult sections at various libraries, I can often find books with open door scenes or extremely graphic battle sequences. (I can’t tell you how often I’ve picked a book up off the shelf only to shut it three chapters in, wondering how it ended up on a shelf intended for young readers?
Unfortunately, popular books, the ones everybody talks about, generally have that type of content in it because sex sells, even in the teen age group.
PORNOGRAPHY sells.
And if those types of books get requested at the libraries, and the librarians are not screening books to make sure they are appropriate for the age range they will be shelved on, minors will end up with those books in hand and be exposed to pornography.
Now, before you go on a rant and shout that everyone is free to read what they want, I will agree. However, pornography, in all its forms, is one of the most addictive substances known. It changes the chemical make-up of your brain (see this article by NeuroscienceNews.com), and fuels the exploitation of women and children in the human trafficking sector.
So what do we do?
One suggestion I have to combat this issue is for more authors and publishers to put a rating system in place for books. The use of a rating system would allow a more transparent view of the books readers are picking up, and it could help librarians as they sort and shelve their books.
This rating system could include recommended reading ages, trigger warnings, parental advisory labels, etc. just like you see with movies. By doing this, authors can better inform readers and hopefully prevent future book bans. Because a world without books and writing would mean the downfall of free society.
So while I don’t agree with the government getting involved and specifically banning books, I do agree that more transparency is needed in the book industry.
Where do you stand on banned books?
