Banned Books Week: Morrison, Chbosky, and the Fight to Be Seen and Heard

Happy Banned Books Week! That's right folks, our intellectual freedoms are still in danger!

Banned Books Week was created in 1982 by library activist Judith Krug and was a response to the era's increasing efforts to challenge books that were considered too violent, sexual, or simply too sexual real. Like SAs usual, history repeats itself and in recent years talks of a book ban have resurfaced. Books that I read in middle and high school now grace the ever-growing list. “The Kite Runner,” “1984,” “The Poet

As discussions about banning books continue, I have begun to question the kind of authority that would deprive individuals of the ability to expand their intellectual curiosity.

This is no longer about books, but about how important it is to be able to engage with literature and media. Throughout history they have been used as tools of exclusion, with gatekeeping practices limiting access to certain voices and ideas. It becomes even clearer when you take a look at the details of the banned list. These practices are closely linked to anti-intellectualism, an attitude that rejects complex ideas and critical thinking. It seeks to control and limit the scope of intellectual discourse, not only keeping marginalized voices on the sidelines but discrediting them altogether. This oppression perpetuates a cycle in which certain viewpoints are affirmed and others rejected.

To be clear: a bad book is a bad book.

What is NOT a bad book is a book that explores themes and perspectives of black experiences and is told from the perspective of a young girl who longs for the blue eyes that society has made the standard while also dealing with abuse in a place that should be a home.

What is NOT a bad book is a book that deals with the sensitive issues of mental health and is presented through the teenage experience of a boy who feels great guilt while trying to understand his sexuality, trauma, and depression.

Toni Morrison's “The Bluest Eye” and Stephen Chbosky's “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” were both on the list of the top 10 challenged books of 2023.

Should age restrictions apply to books? Absolutely! Should parents have a say in what their minor children are exposed to? 100 percent! But banning books could cause irreparable harm to children, teenagers and even adults struggling to find their place in the world. When readers see themselves in stories, there is comfort and reassurance that their feelings and experiences are valid and shared by others. When creative works are suppressed, we lose crucial opportunities for dialogue, connection, and reflection on our own self-acceptance. It is imperative that we cultivate a culture where critical thinking is valued and diverse voices and experiences are embraced rather than left on the shelf of shame.

So how can you help?

1. Read! Buy and apply Books who are threatened with a ban. Support authors who write about marginalized and diverse experiences
2. Join us! Volunteer with organizations that defend intellectual freedom Banned Books Week, the American Library Association or the National Coalition Against Censorship. Share information about the importance of intellectual freedom and the impact of the book ban on social media, at community meetings, and on local library committees.
3. For educators: Encourage diverse reading lists This includes books that represent different cultures, identities and experiences. Foster a classroom environment in which students feel safe discussing diverse perspectives and challenging topics. Teach students to have respectful and constructive conversations about sensitive and controversial topics.
4. For all: Vote!

In the words of Charlie Kelmeckis: “Let everyone see it – the one moment when they know it’s not a sad story.” That they’re alive. That they can stand up and see the lights on the buildings and everything that makes them wonder. When they read a book and see themselves in the characters, they realize in that moment that they can be infinite.”

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