Free Speech is one of the most (if not the most) complex amendments in the United States Constitution. The reason behind that is because of how ambiguous and arbitrary people view it – and how much they will extend its intention. Freedom of Speech is pretty abundant after all, since many aspects of our world are enabled or shunned because of it. Throughout our country’s history, the First Amendment has been evaluated and challenged too many times to count. Some people end up arguing before the Supreme Court. Some people get ostracized for their speech, while others are praised and admired. It’s a spectrum that is wide and diverse. In this article, though, I intend to dissect articles that regard one manifestation of the First Amendment – book bans. Literature, like the media, is another powerful instrument in our society. It’s a creative outlet that renders perspectives which have the ability to compel or provoke people – and that is precisely why I decided to focus on this emphasis of the First Amendment.
Since the beginning of 2023, Florida and other Southern states have implemented bans/restrictions on books – books primarily by queer and colored authors. Over 300 books have been omitted from school districts and libraries, constituted as inappropriate and unfit for the minds of kids and teenagers.
As anticipated, these bans have rightfully experienced more criticism than support and coverage.
The prime reasoning behind this is because these bans are literal and explicit manifestations of the First Amendment being violated. It’s honestly shocking a Supreme Court case hasn’t been presented – because banning books is technically a gag on somebody, hindering their ability to express themselves freely. In addition, most of these banned authors descend from oppressed communities, and that just expands the shame in these bans. It exemplifies the internal racism that still persists today, limiting and silencing the voices of underrepresented authors.
However, people are beginning to work together to cease these bans. Teachers, parents, and librarians have begun protesting and adopting other ways to liberate themselves from these bans.
With all of that said, the first article I examined explores the stories of libraries and librarians that are actively trying to preserve a space for underrepresented voices to be heard. The article also emphasizes the risks these people are taking, because if they are discovered possessing banned material, they can be jailed or worse.
The second article I read dug more into the political and systemic effect of these book bans. There were testimonies from counsel members that represent different objectives, directors of different programs, etc. In short, it regarded people who were discussing how these bans have hindered education from flourishing the 14th amendment was even broached.
Essentially, these two articles solidified the entire picture. Book bans are not only a violation of Free Speech and the First Amendment, but inherently damaging to the education of young children. It is important to ensure children are exposed to different perspectives in the classroom and these book bans are not adhering to that expectation and standard.
This issue is often one that is overlooked in the Freedom of Speech department, but I chose it for a good reason.
I’m a writer and my objective is to tell stories of the oppressed and outcasted. With that said, I find the book bans outraging. No law should have the merit or authority to silence a voice that is simply trying to show another perspective of the world. It’s absurd and abusive of the First Amendment – Freedom of Speech.
In short, book bans are a prolific issue that seem to be neglected. I can only hope for better, but I sincerely doubt that will happen soon. However, I can keep my faith locked into those who are trying to fight back against these bans. These articles opened my eyes about the unsung heroes – the librarians, the teachers, the alleys, the parents, etc. It also enlightened me on the systemic effect of these book bans and how perhaps we can reverse the damage and turn it into something positive.
Work Cited
Martin, Emily St. “From Iowa to Florida, National Lawsuits against Local Book Bans Begin to Gain Traction.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2024, www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2024-01-11/from-iowa-to-florida-lawsuits-against-book-bans-begin-to-gain-traction. Accessed 18 Feb 2024.
Williamson, Elizabeth. “Cast as Criminals, America’s Librarians Rally to Their Own Defense.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 3 www.nytimes.com/2024/02/03/us/book-bans-librarians.html. Accessed 18 Feb 2024
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