When books spark controversy, citizens can take a stand to get the book banned. Banning a book means prohibiting members of a certain community or religious group from reading specific books. While book banning is frequent in the US, it’s often considered a social issue and a restriction of speech.
How do books get banned?
To start, someone must challenge a book. According to the American Library Association, “A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group.” If someone objects to a book, they can challenge it in attempt to get it banned. The person must read the entire book and explain why it’s offensive. Once a book is challenged, a hearing will then be held to determine whether or not the book will be banned from the institution in which it was found. After the hearing, the book is either retained, moved to another section of the building, or removed. If removed, the book is banned and isn’t allowed in the institution.
Why is book banning an issue?
One main reason book banning is an issue is because it censors freedom of speech. The First Amendment protects people from censorship by the government, but not organizations or citizens. While it technically isn’t a violation of the Constitution, it still restricts people’s ability to express themselves. In doing so, it also discourages students and others affected by the bans from speaking and thinking for themselves. Without models to follow, young people may have reservations about truly expressing themselves. Additionally, banning books can often lead to isolation of marginalized communities. Many of the books currently being banned have LGBTQ+ characters or themes, and parents are attempting to ban them from the standpoint that they indoctrinate children. Without these books, the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t get the positive representation it needs to share itself with the world. Minorities are often already underrepresented in the media, and banning books about them can disconnect those groups from the rest of the world.
How can you help?
While it might not seem like you can help underrepresented authors, there are many things you can do to support them and their banned books. You can keep up to date on these books and the news surrounding them; you can support the authors, either through social media or by writing a letter; you can use your voice and speak up for those books, even reporting any challenges you’re aware of to the Office for Intellectual Freedom; and you can read a banned book. Without those books making an impact on shelves, you can give the authors a voice by reading their books and learning about their communities.
Book bans are common. Beginning with a challenge and sometimes ending in a full-on ban, authors and communities can be censored and underrepresented. By staying educated and informed, you can help these authors use their true voice.
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