Makalia Clark

English 10B
3-14-19
Ms.Wright
Should books be banned ?

“In the US 600,000 to 1,000,000 books are being published each year” (Nick Morgan of
forbes magazine). Therefore it is impossible for one person to read every single book and decide
if it should be banned or not. Most of the time banned books are the ones that have been
advertised well, and that has had a significant amount of views attached to comments. Schools
go by a curriculum of books that they can or have to teach their students. Most of the time the
books chosen by the school board aren't as interesting as what we as children would want to
read. This is because the board wants to shelter our brains from what we read based on
controversial topics. Adolescents should be able to read about various content, and content that
makes them think about how they want to treat others without banning books.
Children picking their own books to read should be normal. The ones that know how to
read should know how certain books make them feel. According to “How Banning Books
Marginalizes children” by Paul Ringel, “books that were banned in the last 10 years explore
issues such as race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental illness, and so on”. By
taking various topics away from young adults and even so children; isn't preparing them for
reality. Also, not talking about things, and blocking them out such as controversial issues with
young people can lead to insecurities, closed minds, and misfortunes. Furthermore, certain books
that are being taken away could actually help with bullying and kids knowing how to treat others
with respect. According to the text, “ Jazz Jennings book I Am Jazz was banned about a
transgender girl” (Ringel). By taking this book away maybe some children even adults could
have felt better about how they see themselves as a person if the book had stayed on shelves.
People don’t always know what the best is for people and because of that, all books should be
available to read.
Although some books that are hateful to others should possibly be banned, I feel as
though that would be taking away our right to freedom of speech. Ignorant people are always
going to be in the world like it or not, but that doesn't necessarily mean we should cut them off
from what they have to say. I’m not saying spreading hate is a good thing, but it also isn't
beneficial either. Therefore people should choose wisely what to read and what to believe.
Diverse topics can be good to let children read. A Lot of banned topics can further their
minds and not be stuck in the box society wants them to be in. especially now this generation is
coming out about what they believe in about themselves, therefore books can help them get
through difficult situations, and find that sense of relation in people. Not banning books can
make the world more open minded and even more mature.