Censorship Should Be Banned Essay

To Kill a Mocking Bird? Banned for exploring a racial theme (ALA.org). Lord of the Flies? Banned for its demoralizing theme and negativity (ALA.org). The Diary of Anne Frank? Banned for unfavorable and depressing content (ALA.org). The list of literary works of art that have been banned from schools and public libraries is endless. Majority of these books are banned in order to “protect” children from exposure to content deemed inappropriate and to shield children from the brutal realities of the world. However, instead of protecting children, limiting access and stripping books from schools and libraries undermines the youth’s intellect and more importantly hinders children’s educational and personal development. Many people, particularly …show more content…
Instead, children feel undervalued and disrespected. As 11th grade student, Kendall Anderson stated in her essay, “We should not underestimate our youth” (Adelstein, “Banned Book Week Essay Contest Winners”). Another student, eighth grader Brandon Redlinger, stated in his essay, “Reading is one of our greatest freedoms. Censorship leads to conformity. This limits the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our culture depends” (Adelstein, “Banned Book Week Essay Contest Winners”). Students clearly do not feel protected but rather insulted that they are being robbed of their right to read and to receive an adequate education. Additionally, they do not appreciate being grouped together regarding their maturity level. Brandon Redlinger explained in his essay, “A person less mature might misinterpret the meaning of certain subject matter and others more mature will comprehend the message that is implied” and that “Parents’ supervision is reasonable but not banning” (Adelstein, “Banned Book Week Essay Contest Winners”). Students want to have unlimited access to the resources that will provide them with the most suitable education. After all, books are some of the finest