Still Banning Books

 

It still shocks me to see that books are still being banned, mostly books regarding sexuality, especially books written about the gay, lesbian and queer community. One book on the banned list is, 'Last Night at the Telegraph Club,' written by Malinda Lo. It's set in the 1950's in San Francisco, where a young woman explores her own sexuality while also dealing with her Chinese heritage, culture and immigrant parents. It was the winner in the National Book Award and has the badge of honor for stirring up the homophobes. 

An oldie, but still rankles the bowdlerizer is, 'A Clockwork Orange,' which was published in the early 60's. It's about a group of violent teenagers living in a dystopian future trying to survive, usually by extreme violence and drugs. Oddly, the last chapter of the story where the mc finally seeks redemption was eliminated from the American version by the publishers who wanted the book to end on a dark note. It's a hard read, but it's also very much worth reading. 

'Looking for Alaska,' by John Green is a favored book by the bluenoses on their list of books to ban. They don't want teenagers to know about oral sex and other real life moments. They must have forgotten about their teenage years or are so traumatized they want to forget these these happen. They want the Sandy and Danny scenario. (Grease)

And Judy Blue amongst a list of banned books. 'Starring Sally J Freedman as Herself,' was a shocking book to read and I was an adult at the time I read it. The mc, Sally is a ten year old girl who becomes aware of the discrimination between black and white people. She also does something so cruel it's truly hard to be sympathetic towards her, but, Blume doesn't take the easy way. It's harsh and it's real. Her other book, 'Are you there, God, It's me, Margaret,' is her most banned book because it deals with a girl becoming a woman and menstruation is mentioned. Jeez, get a grip, people. 

Our differences are what makes life amazing. Life can be harsh, especially when we are becoming aware of the world around us. I will never understand the mindset of people who want to stifle, ignore and banish the uniqueness of others. It's especially baffling when whatever life others lead, they have zero effect on another person. How sad to live in a box built with their own hands. With the exception of books written which promote violence, nothing should be censored- even the crap the crazy right wingers spew. 

In honor of Pride month I plan to buy Malinda Lo's book. And because it sounds interesting. Read a banned book. You'll be shocked at how absolutely not so shocking they are. Love, puberty, sex, coming of age, self awareness, violence, racism, sexism... it's all been around since Fred and Wilma Flintstone.