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Originally Posted by punkmusicfan21
I don't think I agree Ustwo. I think the front put forward by parents/leaders in communities who defend banning art/books/plays/music etc, is that they are "protecting their children" but the real reason is "sheltering their child" from an idea or thought that they themselves may disagree with, or are often afraid of; such as racism.
What's worse, is not only are they denying their children the breadth of incredible literature at our fingertips, but they are often creating a single train of thought by denying all others.
Ignorance, which I think almost all of these cases are based upon, is the complete opposite to education. It's ironic really. Banning books to teach children a "better" lesson. It's bullshit if you ask me; I've read Catcher in The Rye probably ten times and I've never felt obligated to murder anyone. I've listened to Helter Skelter and have never had a violent episode. I don't want to kill anyone for Jodie Foster nor do I condone drug use or shooting cops because I play Grand Theft Auto. Bullshit.
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Read 'Native Son' and then imagine your typical teacher trying to discuss it with a class.
Black boy's abusive father leaves home, grows up poor, becomes a thief, gets a job as a driver for a rich white family, sexually assaults drunk daughter and accidentally strangles her so her parents don't find him fondling her, murders his girlfriend, and is then defended in court by the American communist party.
Its been a long time since I read the book but it might be a bit out of order.
What age should this book be read?
What type of teacher could lead a discussion?
Could you see where parents might be concerned?
Most of the time I think removing a book from the curriculum is pointless, but I think its perhaps the most minor issue we have to deal with in our education system.