Banning Books

Knowledge is power, and that power is taken away from humanity every time a book is banned. Although those who ban the books may have good intentions, the action results in more harm than good. Books are banned due to consideration of the words inside being offensive on moral, religious, and political grounds. The book may be sexually explicit, challenge religion or politics, or considered a threat to public welfare. In the United States, the government cannot ban books due to the first amendment prohibiting it (the founding fathers). However, public areas such as libraries or schools may remove them after challenge occurs. For example, a local priest caused the removal of “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer, a bestselling book about vampires, werewolves, …show more content…
Student’s educations are especially victims of this, with many books being banned or removed from a school’s curriculum or library in the United States. For example, a school in Pennsylvania has removed “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain, due to the racism prevalent in the novel (telegraph). Other books are banned because of sexism or sexually explicit scenes or language (ala). Although the intentions may be good, the banning of books actually hurts others by leaving them ignorant. It would more beneficial to use the books to help teach why certain behaviors or ideals are repugnant. Instead of removing “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” because of the racism present, students should learn why the racism is unacceptable, along with the racism that was present in the society in which the novel was set. This will leave them further educated in both a literary sense and about society and the discrimination in it. One cannot ignore problems and hope that they will end, that only lets them continue to grow, not diminish. Instead of producing a body that is ignorant, it would better serve both themselves and society to be aware of the topics, themes, and ideas found inside the banned …show more content…
Book banning leaves others ignorant on the topics and themes found inside the books; it would be better for others to become educated on the topics, not left blind and ready to repeat mankind's past mistakes. Book banning, as it leaves ignorance in it wake, also forces mankind to stop its development, with it not being aware of both new and old ideas that challenge and grow society. Lastly, it takes away the freedom of speech and choice. No group can decide for any individual what they can believe and think, and no person should not be allowed to speak what they wish to. 93 percent of high school students out of a pool of 30 contended that they were against book banning, showing that a future where banning books has ended has a high chance of existing (Ontario High School). Education, progression, and freedom are the future of mankind, and with book banning continuing to occur, all futures are