Banned Books list, which we must read to understand how the written marvels affect our civilization. History is replete with examples of freedom of the press been suppressed. There are nations which have banned some thought-provoking works of literature revolutionizing the masses. Most of these come under challenging or banned books list. Even the Bible was once banned by the government.
Most of these books have been banned by certain schools and removed from their libraries. For parental complaints about racial slur, obscenity and sexuality. They are deemed unfit for younger children and proposed to be banned. I have read them and realized some of them are unfit for teens and younger, but necessarily not worth the ban
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Some Picks From Banned Books List Include
1Gone with the wind
The civil war epic, one of the most beloved novels was once banned by California School district. For the sheer portrayal of slums in the south. Also highlighting the depraved behavior of its protagonist. A Pulitzer prize winning novel is the life of a blemished girl from the south. Daughter of a plantation owner, the entire sequence is thought-provoking and realistic. The use of prohibited racist words like nigger and darkies have also affected the book aspects. Though the book still makes to the classic must reads list.
2The Great Gatsby
Because of the language and sexual references in the book, it came under fire. Though it still is the most popular American novels of all time. But the socialite setting and booze infused lives of its characters; it was banned by a school in the US. Though now it is more part of a cult discussion about cultural and social life of Americans.
3To Kill a Mockingbird
A legendary piece of literature. That catapults the small town life. Racism and how a little girl perceives it. From the little girls views, how the social stigma affects and how prejudice rules the society. They were banned by the Virginia schools as the racial slur used in the write up affected a few. There have been excellent readership for the book and critically acclaimed but banned for the areas in VA.
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4The autobiography of Malcolm X
Most influential African American work of art, it was banned because of the ideologies promoted by the book. In the era of civil rights this book emphasized black equality and power of violence. The fairer skinned did not like the idea. Malcolm was a believer of Islam and his autobiography is largely looked as a crime help manual. The book is also presumed to highlight anti white statements
5Invisible man
Award winning book with its inclusion of Black Nationalism and Marxism. It was objected for its first person emphasis and his experiences though the life. It captured grim realities of racial discrimination. It also exposes the hypocrisies and stereotypes to the level that parents objected its free availability in the library.
6Our bodies, Ourselves
The subject of homosexuality and female anatomy is been dealt with in this book. It focuses women’s health and sexuality aspects. This also covers the real issues of pregnancy, abortion, sexual orientation, gender identity, birth control, childbirth, menopause and the many more controversial aspects involved into being a woman. This is a revolutionary write up focusing female desires and sexual interests. In an all men’s encounter, the female centric write up was discarded for myths of women being a symbol of innocence and docile. It began a feminist movement.
7Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Another racial discrimination oriented write up. Suffered at the hands of fairer legislators. The accurate depiction of black slaves and the revolution it brought.
8Native Son
African American subject again. A teenager in utter poverty living around Chicago gangs. The subject is extremely affecting and the content was blamed be graphic and sexual. How a small time criminal changes job and ends up accidentally murdering a white girl. He is caught, tried and sentences death. It has vulgar and profane language that wasn’t considered suitable so was banned.
9The Scarlett Letter
It is considered sinful and affecting community values. The sexual content and pornography makes it an adult only read. The story shows adultery and child out of affair. Moral values depicted in the book are outrageous for some parents.
Banned Books list, which we must read are based on my own readings and understanding of their status being banned. These are my opinions and are not affiliated to any person or ideology. I have read and understood the aspects involved in the above write ups. They have and will be influencing generations to come. With the coming of age and more open cultural dimensions, these pieces are sure to be understood now. Don’t follow every ideology given in the book, but for knowing how things have changed and were at some point.
Minu Manisha
