Banned The 20 books they didn't want you to read
a day ago
- #censorship
- #free-speech
- #book-banning
- Book banning is not just a historical relic but persists today, especially in the U.S., where school censorship has become more organized.
- Recent years have seen a surge in book challenges, with pressure groups initiating 72% of censorship demands in 2024.
- Political movements, like Trump's anti-DEI crusade, have led to proactive book removals in states like Texas and Florida.
- Books are banned for various reasons, including themes of gender fluidity, sexual assault, and racial issues.
- Notable banned books include 'Oryx and Crake,' 'Harry Potter,' 'The Kite Runner,' and '1984,' often for controversial content.
- Censorship extends beyond schools, with public burnings and restrictions in authoritarian regimes like China and Iran.
- Even classics like 'Lolita' and 'Lady Chatterley’s Lover' faced bans for obscenity, though some were later overturned.
- Modern YA novels, such as 'The Hate U Give,' are frequently challenged for profanity and racial themes.
- Bans often backfire, drawing more attention to the books and their themes, as seen with 'Thirteen Reasons Why.'
- Authors like Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie appear multiple times on banned lists, highlighting their provocative works.