Banned Books in the U.S.: A Modern-Day Reality
America Discontinues Iconic Works
By Sabine Oelmann More Info Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link
Today, we live in the United States of America, where books are under attack. In some states, books are being removed from school curriculums, banned from textbooks, and even expunged from public libraries. But why, in 2023, are we returning to practices that mirror the 1950s, suppressing reading material and limiting the minds of our youth?
As with any controversial issue, opinions differ. As soon as someone feels "disturbed" by a book or deems it inappropriate for children, that book is made inaccessible to them. Fines of up to six figures have been imposed for such infractions. This is the reality we face in America today, under the leadership of President Joe Biden in 2023. These are books that enlighten, challenge minds, make the invisible visible, and ask uncomfortable questions. PEN America has recorded over 3,000 book banning instances in 28 states and 200 public school districts, with Florida and Iowa leading the charge.
Words matter
In an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," best-selling author Daniel Kehlmann expressed unease about the state of affairs in America: "The word 'fascism' for the United States under Biden no longer seems exaggerated. It has always been the case that life in America was asymmetrical: If you were black, you lived in a police state where you were constantly afraid of being shot if the police pulled you over in your car. If you were white, you didn't have this problem." And now, Kehlmann, who resides in Berlin and New York, observes a "hunting with a deep, racist hatred energy" aimed at communities from South America.
Censorship has a long history in America, with books like the work of George Orwell often targeted. In 1995, "Animal Farm" was challenged or banned in 42 separate instances according to the American Library Association (ALA) "List of the Top 100 Most Challenged Book of the Last 10 Years." The book was initially banned or challenged in America because of its supposed criticism of the theocratic and totalitarian Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. These attempts continued well into the late 20th century, with the book falling under scrutiny for its alleged promotion of atheism.
Orwell's "1984" also drew criticism due to fears that it would incite anti-American sentiments. Published in 1949, it shares similar themes with "Animal Farm," demonstrating a totalitarian system of thought control and surveillance. Recently, concern has grown regarding social media companies' expanding influence and the potential for mass surveillance, stoking debates about privacy and the role of the government.
Revolution and resistance
At the heart of the controversy over book bans lies a power struggle. Organizations like PEN America and the ALA actively track and combat book bans, sometimes succeeding in getting titles reinstated. Despite these efforts, several books currently find themselves on the banned list, including the following:
- "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood – A dystopian novel from 1985 that plays in the near future of the United States after a coup by fundamentalist Christian groups leads to a totalitarian state with strict regulations for women. The book, now a popular series, explores the role of women in a patriarchal society and the struggle for freedom.
- "Animal Farm" by George Orwell – Originally published in 1945, this fable tells the story of farm animals rising up against their human owners and the subsequent establishment of a dictatorship. It is often interpreted as an allegory of the Soviet Union but serves as a warning about the dangers of totalitarian regimes in general.
- "1984" by George Orwell – Published just four years after "Animal Farm," this novel takes readers to a totalitarian surveillance state with the power to control thoughts, history, and the population. The themes of censorship, propaganda, and the importance of individual thought continue to resonate today.
- "The Diary of Anne Frank" – This memoir tells the story of a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust as she and her family hide from the Nazis in an annex. The work serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of prejudice, intolerance, and the erosion of civil liberties.
- "To Kill a Mockingbird" – Written during the Civil Rights era, Harper Lee's novel confronts the oppressive system of racism in the deep South of the 1930s. By shining a light on injustice and prejudice, the book remains a powerful critique of societal systems that suppress marginalized groups.
- "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult – A novel that explores the aftermath of a high school shooting, this book raises questions about the nature of guilt, justice, and societal responsibility. The timely themes address ongoing debates about gun control, mental health, and the responsibility of individuals in times of crisis.
- "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green – Told from the perspective of a teenager battling cancer, this book delves into themes of love, loss, and the human condition. The emotional intensity might be difficult for some, but the importance of exploring difficult topics is crucial for personal growth and societal understanding.
- "Merz Gets a Lot Right" – A book that compiles letters from German immigrants to their families back home, this title encourages empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diversity of human experiences. Given the current political climate, it serves as a reminder of the importance of welcoming and embracing diversity.
While the displays of censorship may appear shocking, they also indicate a societal resistance to change and the persistence of regressive ideologies. In these times, it is crucial to remain vigilant, to question authority, and to protect the freedom to read. After all, the books that challenge us are often the ones that change us.
- In our contemporary American society, international classics and books from various genres like education-and-self-development, science, finance, lifestyle, technology, entertainment, and politics are being targeted and banned, limiting the exposure of young minds to diverse ideas.
- Science, literature, and general-news books, such as George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' and '1984', have been consistently challenged or banned over the years, due to their perceived critical stance against totalitarian regimes and theocratic systems.
- Additionally, books like Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale', Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird', and Jodi Picoult's 'Nineteen Minutes' have been banned or challenged for addressing difficult yet essential topics like racism,Prejudice, loss, and gun control.
- Even works of entertainment, like John Green's 'The Fault in Our Stars' and books focusing on lifestyle, like the letters compiled in 'Merz Gets a Lot Right', are falling victim to these book bans, limiting their potential impact on promoting empathy, understanding, and diversity in our society.
- As we struggle to progress in 2023, it is crucial to support organizations like PEN America and the American Library Association in their efforts to combat book bans and preserve the fundamental right to read and learn from diverse perspectives.
