Being exposed to books that have been censored can be a good way to discover ideas and opinions that may be different from what you are used to. It can allow you to broaden your perspective and consider new possibilities that may have otherwise been overlooked. Banned books can spark important conversations and debates about issues, illuminate meaningful themes, and challenge the status quo. One could say it’s definitely a better habit than online betting on sports.
Finding and reading banned books can be a rewarding activity. Knowing that you are stepping outside the boundaries and labeling the mainstream can make it even more enjoyable. You can take a bold stance and freely explore ideas, emotions, and narratives that may have been silenced or hidden in the past.
It can help you discover new ideas and perspectives, explore topics and themes that have been censored, and create meaningful conversations. By taking the time to read and understand books that have been banned, you can learn a lot about yourself, other people, and the culture around you.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Beloved, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Toni Morrison, is a powerful and controversial piece of literature that is frequently challenged and banned in schools due to its explicit and graphic language. Beloved is an intense, emotionally charged narrative about a woman, Sethe, and her struggles with a past of enslavement, abuse, and violence.
In the United States, Beloved is most often banned and challenged due to its use of strong languages, such as racism and slurs, that may be considered inappropriate for young readers. Additionally, the novel often contains painful subject matter such as death, suicide, and slavery. As a result, it has been labeled by some as a book “not suitable for young minds.”
However, many argue that banning books is counterproductive, as banning a book does not mean that young readers are not exposed to or aware of its themes and content. In opposition to the censorship of Beloved, many individuals have voiced their support of the novel, citing its strong themes of female empowerment and resilience. They argue that readers should be taught to cope with and understand the controversial content in the book rather than be exposed to it and not be able to comprehend its implications.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide for themselves what is appropriate for consumption. Beloved is a dynamic and important piece of literature that should be utilized as a tool to catalyze meaningful conversations and promote understanding and empathy.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Color Purple by Alice Walker has been banned in some countries due to its controversial themes and language. Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of a young African-American girl named Celie, who struggles against the oppression of a patriarchal society. Despite its compelling story, many view The Color Purple as a challenging text, due to its graphic descriptions of domestic abuse, incest, and racism.
The Color Purple has been censored and banned in various locations for its explicit content. In 1994, a school board in Biloxi, Mississippi banned the novel from the school curriculum and library shelves due to its “accusations of incest and violence.” A similar situation happened in 2000 when a school district in Georgia decided to ban the book from its high school libraries, referring to its language as being “offensive and obscene.”
The Color Purple is a powerful story that dives deep into complex and oftentimes uncomfortable topics, like racial discrimination and sexism. Even with its status as a banned book, the novel has continued to be a source of inspiration. Through its powerful words, it has opened up conversations around racism, sexism, and abuse. Despite its censorship, The Color Purple will always remain a powerful and relevant piece of literature that should not be forgotten.
