Book banning is a growing problem in our modern world. Many argue that banning books is a good thing because it prevents children from viewing books that are considered “harmful”. I, however, disagree with this view for a few reasons: this limits people’s accessibility to books and harms minorities. While it’s understandable that parents might want to manage what their kids may be reading, banning books from schools and libraries takes away the freedom for others to choose.
One of the harmful effects of book banning is how it limits accessibility. If you didn’t already know, when books are banned it doesn’t mean you can’t read them, it means that they are removed from school curriculums and public libraries. This makes it significantly harder for people, especially children and those with lower-income, to access these stories. Some of the most frequently challenged or banned books are books that include “inappropriate content,” offensive language, or challenging ideas. Books like The Hunger Games, The Giver, The Outsiders, and Fahrenheit 451 are all examples of these challenged books, regardless of the valuable lessons they provide. While these books may not be “age appropriate” for younger audiences, libraries and schools have many different communities that would benefit from these books.
Following this, another harmful effect of book banning is its erasure of diverse perspectives. Many of these books that are challenged or removed entirely from schools and libraries focus on minority groups. Studies by PEN America show that about 40% of banned books feature important characters of color, 21% include themes of race and racism, and 4% are stories with religious minorities. As a result of this, students that are part of these communities separated by race, background, and personal experiences, won’t be able to see themselves represented in the media. Taking away these books doesn’t only limit accessibility; but also sends a message that these groups aren’t welcome. Everyone deserves to read a story that reflects their experiences and teaches others about them too.
Finally, the opposition will likely point out that parents have the right to limit what their own children read. While many may agree with this, it’s important to understand that parents don’t have the right to dictate what other children read. The National Coalition against Censorship affirms that, “even books or materials that many find ‘objectionable’ may have educational value, and the decision about what to use in the classroom should be based on professional judgments and standards, not individual preferences.” In 1982, Justice William Brennan stated that taking books off of library shelves could infringe on students first amendment rights. This goes to show the importance of making decisions based on official standards and not personal beliefs. After all, a book that one parent finds inappropriate can be completely acceptable to another. While a good deal of people believe that limiting books is the solution, evidence shows that it often does more harm than good.
In conclusion, book banning is a harmful practice that restricts access to important stories, and silences diverse voices. Although some may argue that it protects children, it often ends up excluding those that need representation and understanding the most. As students, educators, and parents, we should first question whether removing these books helps or hurts our communities, and work to create spaces where all stories have the chance to be heard.
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