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There are many amazing books worldwide that open our minds and expand our knowledge. However, there are times, often too many, when certain books are banned due to their content. While some argue that banning books protects individuals from harmful or inappropriate material, the truth is that censorship limits intellectual freedom and stops people from exploring diverse ideas. Especially in a world that thrives on creativity, book banning should have no place in society.
First off, there is no such thing as a “bad book,” only different ways individuals interpret it. Frequently, book bans are issued by parents in response to their children reading topics they believe are sensitive or inappropriate. According to a Washington Post analysis of 1,065 complaints filed in 2021 and 2022, more than 20% were parents, accounting for 60% of the total accusations. If the parent’s child is a minor, then it is entirely acceptable for the parent to keep their child from reading a book. However, people’s backgrounds, experiences and values shape how they perceive a book. Just because a book does not align with one person’s beliefs does not mean it should be off-limits for everyone.
Another example is how book banning has been a tool used by fascist regimes to control the general population throughout history. The act of banning books has often been used in the past to limit access to knowledge and prevent others from challenging the government’s authority. In Germany, beginning in 1933, members of the Hitler Youth regularly burned books written by prominent Jewish, liberal and leftist writers, thus limiting the knowledge of the people living in Germany. By removing literature that questions the status quo or introduces new ideas, these regimes ensure that their power goes unchallenged. In a democratic society, book banning has similar dangers—it prevents citizens from accessing the information they need to make informed decisions and protect their freedoms.
Finally, banning books that present diverse perspectives and experiences greatly diminishes the importance of cultural education. Research indicates that challenged books are nearly five times more likely to be authored by people of color, highlighting a trend toward suppressing diverse stories. One study actually found that reading J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, which is frequently challenged for religious concerns about witchcraft, “improved attitudes” about immigrants, homosexuals and refugees. This selective censorship not only limits access to varied viewpoints but also sends harmful messages to families from diverse backgrounds, hinting that their stories are less valuable than others.
Some argue that book banning is necessary to protect children from harmful or inappropriate content, believing that certain books, especially those that include explicit language or disturbing themes, could harm minds and should never be read. However, while it is important to protect children from harmful content, banning books is not the solution. Parents may control what their own children read, but they do not have a right to restrict what books are available to other people. Furthermore, keeping books out of libraries protects kids but does not stop people from reading those books or prevent authors from writing them.
In conclusion, banning books restricts the freedom of thought and expression, keeps others from different opinions on reading the book and limits access to diverse perspectives and ideas. Instead of banning, we should learn to respect diverse viewpoints, allowing people to make their own choices on whether a book aligns with their interests or not.
