The Children’s Book Council website recently published a Harris Poll survey that suggests that parents’ attitudes about banning certain books from school libraries are changing.http://www.cbcbooks.org/poll-shows-growing-support-for-book-banning-and-rating-system/ – .VcePmBbmxlI
In 2011, 18% of parents wanted inappropriate books removed from school libraries. In 2015, 28% desired a ban. In the meantime, 71% of parents favor books for children be rated in a way similar to movie ratings. Although experts caution against drawing conclusions about the survey, the article points out an interesting perception. School librarians are considered gatekeepers.
When a child checks out a book from a public library, the parent is responsible for what he/she takes home. Should teachers and librarians make sure a child has age-appropriate reading in school?
The article also points out that the impetus for the change in attitude concerning book banning may be the influx of electronic books. Is it easier for kids to find inappropriate books in the Internet age? Is it more difficult for parents and teachers/librarians to monitor a child’s choices?
This raises another question. Who chooses what to ban, and what standards are used to remove books from library shelves? Do we ban Huckleberry Finn for using the “N” word? Would my novel, Dark Enough to See the Stars, be deemed too harsh for treating the subject of slavery in a realistic way? Most would agree that erotica is not appropriate for children, but what about violence? The opinions concerning age-appropriate material are as diverse as our political affiliations, religious beliefs, and cultural standards.
Nobly, we desire to protect our children from harm. The question is, how do we accomplish that in a post-modern world? Let me know what you think.