Preserving our voices in the fight for intellectual freedom

Preserving our voices in the fight for intellectual freedom

By Azeemah Sadiq, Houston, TX

In today's rapidly changing world, the freedom to continue learning is more important than ever. It shapes our ability to understand, empathize and connect with the diverse human experiences. As a Nigerian Muslim girl, representation in literature is very important to me. Recognizing characters and stories that reflect my experiences and struggles is not only affirming, but also essential to my sense of identity and belonging.

Growing up, I often felt invisible in the stories I read. Mainstream literature sporadically featured characters who resembled me, shared my cultural background, or even practiced my religion. This absence was more than a mere oversight; There was a void that suggested my experiences were not worth telling. When I finally came across books that featured characters from different cultures, religions, and identities, it was like a revelation. These stories did more than just entertain me; They validated my existence and helped me realize my place in the world.

Representation in literature is of great importance. It goes beyond seeing a person's reflection in the pages of a book. It's about recognizing that our stories, struggles and triumphs are part of the human experience. When literature incorporates diverse perspectives, it promotes a more inclusive environment by breaking down stereotypes, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting understanding. Some argue that certain books should be banned because they contain content that is considered inappropriate or controversial. They believe that shielding young readers from these topics is a form of protection. Conversely, I argue that protecting ourselves from such narratives does not protect us; it leaves us unprepared for the harsh realities of the world.

Books are extremely powerful tools for education. They go beyond facts and figures and engage us in developing critical thinking, empathy and a deeper understanding of our complicated world. Through literature we are able to immerse ourselves in the experiences of others and see the world through their eyes. This ability to connect with others and understand their perspectives and feelings is critical to youth development and a more inclusive society. Reading stories about people from different backgrounds allows us to learn about their struggles and triumphs, as well as their fears and dreams. This core knowledge promotes empathy and removes the barriers that separate us.

Additionally, diverse literature inspires us to question the status quo and advocate for change. When I see characters face injustice, I am inspired to stand up for my own beliefs and overcome adversity – I am inspired to do the same in my own life. These stories give me the strength to believe that I too can make a difference and that my voice matters. Freedom to read is a fundamental principle of democracy. It gives us access to a wealth of knowledge and perspectives. When books are banned or censored, it's not just an attack on freedom of expression; It is an attack on our ability to think critically and independently. It undermines the foundations of our democratic society.

There is currently a worrying increase in attempts to ban books, particularly those that deal with race, gender, sexuality and other aspects of identity. These efforts are often made under the guise of protecting youth, but at their core they are about control – about deciding which stories to tell and which to silence. This censorship denies us the opportunity to see ourselves in literature, learn about others, and develop the critical thinking skills we need to navigate the world. It is imperative that we resist efforts to restrict our ability and freedom to read. We must protect diverse literature and ensure that all voices are heard. This isn’t just about defending books; It's about defending our right to learn, grow and understand the world around us. It's about affirming that every story matters and that every voice deserves to be heard.

Save the Books is a youth-led project organized by the Austin Public Library and funded by the Library Foundation that focuses on increasing student discussions about intellectual freedoms. This year, the Austin Public Library launched its first Op-Ed competition, inviting students ages 14 to 18 to submit entries on the theme “What the Freedom to Read Means to Me.” Children's Defense Fund and Children's Defense Fund-Texas will publish the top three comments on our website as part of our efforts to #ProtectTheFreedomToRead.

Our winner, Azeemah Sadiq from Houston, TX, contributed compelling insights on this important topic. Thank you to all Save the Books members and partners who made this possible!