Free Expression and Censorship
Well-known author, Laurie Halse Anderson talks to the American Booksellers Foundation for Free
Expression (ABFFE) on censorship.
Expression (ABFFE) on censorship.
Who does censorship affect and how?
Readers
Unfortunately, the reader receives the greatest effect when people and organizations ban or censor books. This is unfortunate because everyone should have the choice to read the books they choose. I think it is extremely important that literature is made available to any age group because children in particular need to gain an education about cultural differences and important life lessons in order to make a positive change in this world. Many of the books banned or censored contain important themes that are seen in the real world, banning and censoring these books hide the important lessons and diverse vocabulary, which I don't believe is the answer when trying to "protect" others from such material.
Writers
The act of censoring or banning books can also affect authors a great deal as well. After all, the author takes a vast amount of time in order to make a piece they love and are proud of. Like every artist, I believe authors put apart of themselves into their work, so it saddens me when there are many people that become upset about the content and try to remove it from existence. Similar from what we derive from the First Amendment, writers have the freedom to speak however they wish. Censorship not only limits the artist's work it also takes away their opinion and beliefs.
Publishers
Publishing companies are affected by censorship as well. They make their money off of publishing books that will sell. They are the ones that make the decision of whether censorship matters or not. What I mean by this, is that when an author wants to publish his novel, which may contain controversial material, it is the publisher's choice whether to listen to the group of people who want it banned or to publish it. Their ultimate decision can affect writers, librarians, educators, and readers. Unfortunately, most of the time, publishing companies agree not publish a novel due to it being perceived as inappropriate to an individual. This effect causes a pattern and could ultimately shape a society.
Librarians
The act of banning and censoring material can leave librarians in a difficult position when it comes to choosing what books to put on the shelves. Librarians have a duty to serve the public and school systems, which can lead to conflict with what authorities want, by protecting readers and writers (especially future generations) from censorship. According to the Library Bill of Rights, "Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment." However, librarians also have to abide by the wants of the school administrators and the parents of students, in order to avoid consequences such as not having enough funding and unemployment. Unfortunately, most of the time, authorities dominate the situation causing classics to be taken off the shelves.
Educators
Just like librarians, educators also have a huge responsibility to please society while making sure that children receive the best education possible. Educators are often blamed when books that have controversial subjects are introduced into homework assignments. Many parents believe that their children will be in danger and try to mimic what is read in the book. Unfortunately, teachers have to abide by regulations that are set by parent's desires and the school system because of certain consequences that can affect them personally. Educators that are restricted from discussing controversial issues affect their student's educational process.
Organizations that are Against Censorship:
"intellectual freedom," which "defends the right of the
Library users to read, seek information, and speak freely
as guaranteed by the First Amendment" ("About ALA" 1).
- American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE)- www.abffe.com
- American Library Association (ALA)- www.ala.org
"intellectual freedom," which "defends the right of the
Library users to read, seek information, and speak freely
as guaranteed by the First Amendment" ("About ALA" 1).
- International Reading Association- www.reading.org
- National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)- www.ncac.org
- National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)- www.nclc.org
- National Education Association (NEA)- www.nea.org
Organizations that are For Censorship:
- www.safelibraries.org
- Parents Against Bad Books in School- www.pabbis.com
- Facts on Fiction- www.factsonfiction.org
- WPAAG- www.wpaag.org