Censorship: How Far Is Too Far?

In the publishing industry, there is a serious issue of censorship: just what is acceptable, and where should the line be drawn? The First Amendment clearly prohibits the government from making any law that restricts free speech. As Americans, we are entitled to our right to speak, our right to our own opinions, and our right to express these opinions however we feel fit. Censorship is in direct violation to The First Amendment, and yet it is something that takes place every day. So what do we do? How do we stand up? And better yet, what is book banning, really?

When I was in high school, I was required to read The Great Gatsby as part of my British Literature class. Unbeknownst to me, The Great Gatsby has been banned in some states (Campbell, 308)! So why ban a classic book like The Great Gatsby? Book banning usually results from the offending of another party due to your opinion or presentation of a particular topic in the literature. If I don't like what you have to say, so I'm going to try and ban your book. Unfortunately, everyone has their own opinion, and it is extremely difficult (I would say impossible) to try and please everyone. Somewhere along the way, it is very possible that you are going to offend someone; that is just a part of life.

So what's the big deal? You may think censorship only applies to some crazy mom in Utah who doesn't want her child to read the Harry Potter series because it "clearly alludes to witchcraft and the occult," but censorship stretches much further than just your average stay-at-home mom. I hate to be the one to have to tell you, but that is not true; not even in the least. In 1624, Martin Luther's Germanic translation of the Bible was burned by order of the pope. How many of you were taken aback by that? The Bible. Surely there is nothing offensive in the Bible, right? What could possibly be worth censoring from the Holy Scripture? Yet again, it didn't sit right with someone, and they just wouldn't have it.

Throughout history, there have been thousands of book bans. From 2001 to 2008, there were 3,736 challenges against American libraries. The list of the 10 most frequently challenged books of 2010 includes one of my favorite author's book Crank. This book contains a large amount of graphic, drug-related material, but what most people don't realize is that this book serves as an education for the harsh effects of drugs. This book does not focus on the joys of partying and getting high, it centers around the bad effects of drugs and it serves to educate readers on why they should not participate in such illicit behavior.

Overall, the clear issue here is freedom of speech. We are legally entitled to our own opinions and our freedom to express them however we feel is necessary. Regardless of how seemingly offensive or unnecessary material may seem, we have the right to free speech and expression. Don't be silenced.