Banning Books Censorship Essay

Censorship is a controversial issue that involves the suppression of information, ideas, or artistic expression. One form of censorship is the banning of books, which can have a discriminatory impact on certain groups. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, "Banning books silences voices and divides our communities" (American Civil Liberties Union, n.d.). Banned books are often deemed inappropriate or offensive by specific individuals or groups, removing access to these materials. Such censorship sends the message that specific ideas or viewpoints are unacceptable, which can lead to discrimination toward those with such beliefs. In this sense, the act of banning books can be considered discriminatory. The banning of books can contribute

In their book "Banned Books: Defending Our Freedom to Read," authors Robert P. Doyle and Judith F. Krug argue that the censorship of books often reflects a fear of difference and a desire to maintain the status quo. They write, "Banning books is a form of censorship, and it is often the most vulnerable members of society who are affected - those whose voices are already underrepresented, those whose experiences and beliefs are different from those in power" (Doyle & Krug, 2014, p. 4). Banned books are often the subject of censorship, which can contribute to the perpetuation of prejudice and discrimination while silencing marginalized voices (Doyle, 2017). The American Library Association notes that many books are challenged due to their diverse content, the most frequently questioned books tend to be those that contain different points of view including racial and ethnic diversity, disabilities, and LGBTQ+ themes and characters, For example, Alex Gino's "George," a book about transgender children (American Library Association,