Thursday Thirteen #805

Book banning, or the idea of it, anyway, has found its way to my community. In the last few months, one person, then five, turned out at the Board of Supervisors meeting to argue that certain books shouldn't be allowed in the public library.

Most, if not all, of the books they have so far questioned involve LBGTQ+ issues. It's the new bigotry and bias.

My little heart warmed this week when 10 people spoke before the Board to tell them to leave the libraries alone and let people read what they want to read.

I am completely against banning books. If one doesn't want to read a book, then don't check it out of the library. It really is that simple. I don't like porn, so I don't read porn. I don't like horror, so I don't read horror. Easy peasy.

Anyway, here are 13 reasons why books should not be banned:

1. Books offer diverse perspectives and allow readers to explore new ideas and ways of thinking. Banning books limits intellectual curiosity and narrows minds.

2. Freedom of speech and expression are fundamental human rights. Banning books violates these rights and undermines the principles of democracy. (See the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.)

3. Censorship restricts access to information and can lead to ignorance and intolerance. Books provide a window into different cultures, experiences, and viewpoints, which helps readers develop empathy and understanding.

4. Banning books sets a dangerous precedent. If one book is banned, what’s to stop others from being banned too? It can lead to a slippery slope where free expression and creativity are stifled.

5. Education is crucial to personal growth and development. Books are an essential part of the learning process and banning them hinders students’ ability to learn and grow intellectually.

6. Literature has the power to inspire and uplift people. Banning books deprives readers of the opportunity to discover new ideas and explore the depths of human experience.

7. Books help readers confront difficult and complex issues. Banning books on controversial topics such as race, sexuality, and politics, only serves to sweep these issues under the rug.

8. The right to read is a basic human right. No one should be denied the opportunity to access information or to form their own opinions.

9. Banning books limits creativity and stifles innovation. Literature is an essential part of the human experience, and banning books denies people the chance to explore and create new ideas.

10. Reading is a vital skill for success in life. Banning books not only limits people’s access to information but also their ability to develop critical thinking and literacy skills.

11. Banning books is often motivated by fear and intolerance. It is important to confront difficult and uncomfortable ideas and to learn from them, rather than to shy away from them.

12. Banning books limits artistic expression and stifles creativity. Literature is a form of art, and banning books denies people the opportunity to engage with and appreciate this art form.

13. Finally, books are an important part of our cultural heritage. Banning books erases our history and denies future generations the opportunity to understand and learn from it.

(ChatGPT helped compile the list.)

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 805th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.