“Literature is no one’s private ground, literature is common ground; let us trespass freely and fearlessly and find our own way for ourselves.” -Virginia Woolf
Books are meant to entertain, question, and teach; however, the ideas used to teach, question, and entertain may very well contain explicit and inappropriate content. In To Kill a Mockingbird, language, such as the use of the word n*****, and the ideas of such powerful hate, are not appropriate for young minds. In using these ideas and words, it is understandable if a teacher or adult disapproves of a young child reading such profanity. To Kill a Mockingbird is centered around learning about a culture filled with racism and hate, yet when young adults are finding themselves, it is important to be shown, and experience such things, so that they may be shaped in a different way. As a general guideline, decisions have to be made about a certain age group, and whether that piece of literature is appropriate for them. The student should be old enough to recognize the worth of the author's opinion, and having read the book, come away with their own opinion. As Virginia Woolf wisely said in her quote (posted above), literature is used to help one find themselves. Who are we to challenge the way literature shapes us, especially if it is used to teach valuable lessons, morals, and the truth?
Parents are one of the main groups of people who challenge a book's content. They may be trying to protect their student from hate, language, or questionable ideas. It is important to keep a student innocent, but only to a certain point. Ignorance is not always bliss. Is the student really better off not knowing? In life, one encounters many different obstacles, and what if one of the obstacles is one taught in a book that a student was banned from reading? It is important for the student to be introduced to sensitive topics, and become educated about certain content. The world can be a difficult, hateful place, where stereotypes and racism run strong throughout society. Considering this, who wouldn't want to be taught about such issues in a safe, caring environment where the student's well- being is a priority.
Books in school are used to teach a lesson, not destroy a student's innocence and dreams. Reading a book on a subject to which the student has not previously been negatively influenced, allows the student to be impacted differently. If given the opportunity, the student is empowered to react differently in a situation involving stereotypes.
Books were written to shatter boundaries and teach. Although the teachings may be harsh, it is the harsh things that stick in one's mind the most. Books are meant to be read, understood, debated, and applied to personal lives, all while opening one's mind. Jean Rhys said, " Reading makes immigrants of all of us. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere."
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