Censorship vs. Freedom: Analyzing Recent Attempts to Ban Books

Censorship and freedom of expression have been at odds with each other for centuries. The ability to freely express oneself is a fundamental right that is protected by law in most modern societies. However, there have been numerous attempts to censor books and other forms of media that do not align with certain beliefs or ideals.

Censorship has become a significant issue in recent years, particularly in attempts to ban books. According to a study, “LGBTIQ+ identity development” and “critical race theory” have been used as “battering rams” in efforts to ban books that do not align with certain beliefs [1]. Literary censorship has been defined as an attempt to prohibit the free expression of ideas and thoughts that are deemed offensive or inappropriate [2]. In many cases, religious groups have been involved in attempts to ban books from schools or libraries [3]. This thesis argues for the inclusion of censored books in educational curriculums to promote critical thinking and diverse perspectives.

Censorship has a significant impact on freedom of expression. Tensions in the free speech and hate speech debate have been examined in previous works [4]. Censorship can have negative impacts on society, including limiting the ability to express oneself freely [5]. The demand of writers to self-censor themselves and their work can also be detrimental to creative expression [5]. Furthermore, censorship can become a tool for political and social control, limiting the diversity of opinions and ideas [6]. It is essential to protect freedom of expression as it is a reflection of our public self-identity.

Strategies for addressing censorship and promoting freedom of expression can include stimulating critical thinking among individuals [7]. The Internet has become a battleground for free speech versus security, with censorship being a significant concern [8]. Respect, empathy, and tolerance are essential principles for achieving freedom of expression [7]. Advocacy and distributing flyers can be effective tactics to fight censorship [8]. Additionally, social media censorship and fake news can be managed through increasing media literacy and critical thinking [9]. Promoting diverse perspectives and creating safe spaces for expression can also help address censorship.

Censorship and freedom of expression are two opposing forces that have been at odds with each other for centuries. Recent attempts to ban books have highlighted the need to protect freedom of expression and promote diverse perspectives. Censorship can have a significant impact on society, limiting the ability to express oneself freely and becoming a tool for political and social control. Strategies for addressing censorship and promoting freedom of expression can include stimulating critical thinking, increasing media literacy, and creating safe spaces for expression. It is essential to protect freedom of expression as it is a reflection of our public self-identity.

1. Orsborn, C. A Golden Age of Censorship: LGBTQ Young Adult Literature in High School Libraries. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from rave.ohiolink.edu
2. Lugo, J. “And Tango Makes Three” and “tyyl”: A study of Censorship and Banned Books in Twenty-First Century America. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from search.proquest.com
3. DelFattore, J. [BOOK][B] What Johnny shouldn’t read: Textbook censorship in America. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from books.google.com
4. Goldman-Hasbun, J. The Moral Discourse of Free Speech: A Virtual Ethnographic Study. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08912416221129880
5. Patterson, A. [BOOK][B] Censorship and interpretation: The conditions of writing and reading in early modern England. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from books.google.com
6. Braun, S. [BOOK][B] Democracy off balance: Freedom of expression and hate propaganda law in Canada. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from books.google.com
7. Jagger, S. Affective learning and the classroom debate. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14703297.2012.746515
8. Jackson, B. Censorship and Freedom of Expression in the Age of Facebook. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from heinonline.org
9. Vese, D. Governing fake news: the regulation of social media and the right to freedom of expression in the era of emergency. (n.d.) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from www.cambridge.org