Banned Books discussion

The Wentzville School District has banned Toni Morrison’s THE BLUEST EYE from all school libraries. Wentzville is a predominantly white school district in rural Missouri. The article didn’t mention any other books being banned, but given the political climate (censorship and racism) in Missouri, there are likely to be more books being banned. It’s a shame; this novel was used as a teaching tool (and still is) in many schools in the state. Here is the link:

https://www.kmov.com/news/wentzville-...

wow that's upsetting!! I just heard on the news about governments getting involved in states to ban certain books that may be "uncomfortable" for the reader... that's messed up!!!

How about sneaking in multiple copies?

A small group is deciding what a larger group is allowed to know and think.

Fundamentalism tends to do that. And totalitarian regimes.

We will need to look for new country to be the poster child of freedom.

Emma wrote: "A small group is deciding what a larger group is allowed to know and think.

Fundamentalism tends to do that. And totalitarian regimes.

We will need to look for new country to be the poster child..."

At the very least we need to make sure that the Fascism (Naziism) of states like Florida, Missouri, Texas etc. does not transfer to the federal level.

Manybooks wrote: "How about sneaking in multiple copies?"

I don’t live in that school district, but when my son was in middle school, I don’t remember me or any other parents having access to the MG library. I presume that only teachers, staff, and students have access. At any rate, I wouldn’t advocate sneaking around. Concerned residents need to vote in local school board elections to change the political direction of their school boards. Or, even better, run for elections themselves.

Tatiana wrote: "wow that's upsetting!! I just heard on the news about governments getting involved in states to ban certain books that may be "uncomfortable" for the reader... that's messed up!!!"

Yes, but what those same people don’t realize is that the door swings both ways. For example, people in that growing movement want certain books banned because of the ‘uncomfortable’ content, but they’re not going to like it when an atheist complains how having a Bible and other religious texts in the school library makes their child ‘uncomfortable’ and demands that it be removed from the shelves. I’m not a lawyer, but I think that if the board refuses that parents’ request, that parent could sue for discrimination. People who are asking schools and school boards to ban books don’t realize that the can of worms that they’re opening may not be a dish of their liking.

Parents should ONLY ever have the right to control their own children's reading and only in the home.

Manybooks wrote: "Emma wrote: "A small group is deciding what a larger group is allowed to know and think.

Fundamentalism tends to do that. And totalitarian regimes.

We will need to look for new country to be the..."

Hatred can be found everywhere, and fascist politics are found not just in Missouri, Texas, and Florida, but sadly, rears its head in all 50 states. In order for people to protect our liberties and prevent book bannings, we have to organize and vote.

Matal wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Emma wrote: "A small group is deciding what a larger group is allowed to know and think.

Fundamentalism tends to do that. And totalitarian regimes.

We will need to look for new..."

I always found it both strange and horrible that while when I was being bullied at school for being a Nazi just because I was born in Germany, it was ONLY the bullies who kept flashing the Nazi salute and screaming Nazi rants.

Manybooks wrote: "Matal wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Emma wrote: "A small group is deciding what a larger group is allowed to know and think.

Fundamentalism tends to do that. And totalitarian regimes.

We will need t..."

I COMPLETELY understand you. My grandma was an Austrian war bride. Grandma was born in Vienna and emigrated to the US in 1947. I’ve had people call me a Nazi just because she was born in Vienna and for no other reason (I’m an anti-fascist and as liberal as you can get). Then, when I would tell them that she was ethnically Jewish, Czech, and Hungarian, they actually had the gall to tell me that I’m not an American (I was born here and am most definitely an American) and that my grandma wasn’t Austrian (she was and my family members in Europe still are). Hateful people, and especially racists and fascists, try to DEFLECT how horrible they are so that other people don’t question their behavior. Fascists especially hate Germans and Austrians (and their descendants) who are anti-Nazi and don’t “fall in line” with their rhetoric. Just remember that you are not alone and that we will NEVER let those people triumph. NEVER.

Matal wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Matal wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Emma wrote: "A small group is deciding what a larger group is allowed to know and think.

Fundamentalism tends to do that. And totalitarian regime..."

Oh wow! I guess that Americans are the descendants of immigrants and of refugees is too advanced for the bigots.

I now just tell anyone who calls me a Nazi just because of my background that this generalising and stereotyping was exactly how the Nazis acted.

At some point, I do want to get this book. I have Beloved but I keep seeing this one around and the controversy surrounding it so I'll definitely be adding it to my list.

I just picked up a copy of this one, it's a shame schools have started to ban it

basil wrote: "I just picked up a copy of this one, it's a shame schools have started to ban it"

It sure is. I had to read it in college and I thought it was beautiful. It's a tough read but necessary.

QNPoohBear wrote: "basil wrote: "I just picked up a copy of this one, it's a shame schools have started to ban it"

It sure is. I had to read it in college and I thought it was beautiful. It's a tough read but necess..."

for sure. haven't finished yet but glad I bought it.

I think the two most important books I read in college, as a girl from a New England suburb, are The Bluest Eye and The Color Purple.

QNPoohBear wrote: "I think the two most important books I read in college, as a girl from a New England suburb, are The Bluest Eye and The Color Purple."

funny they're both banned. those seem to be the books I've read that have left the most impact on me. Picking up Speak next.

This book, as well as the color purple are fabulous and eye-opening books. I haven't read Speak.