Hot take: The library lady in Memphis made me realize I was banning books myself

I used to think I was all about free speech, but last year I caught myself hiding a copy of "The Hate U Give" from my kid's school book fair. I told myself it was too mature for 5th graders, but really I was just uncomfortable with the topics. Then the school librarian in Memphis straight up told me that picking what kids can't read based on my own feelings is the same as book banning. She showed me a list of 30 books removed from local schools over the last 2 years, and I saw my own name on a petition I signed. That moment made me realize I was part of the problem the whole time. Has anyone else had that gut-check where you saw your own censorship habits up close?

2 comments

2 Comments

amy_foster5622d ago

Is it really that deep though? I feel like keeping a book with some heavy topics away from a 10-year-old is just basic parenting, not a political statement. Your mileage may vary but I don't think one book fair hiding session makes you a censor.

spencer_moore3922d agoTop Commenter

I started asking myself "who does this really protect" before buying books now.