Censorship of Books

Censorship of books has been around since the early Roman times. It progressed into many religious and political issues, dictating certain books which were unacceptable to read. Censorship in the last century concerned itself less with religious and political matters and more with personal morals and obscenity. Perhaps, after constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and democratic elections were established, the one remaining area for controversy and control was that of personal morality. When examining personal morality, it is difficult because through the controversy one must remember that it is personal, not communal. When a school board, library, and group decide on whether or not a certain book is acceptable they are infringing on a person's rights. In regards to children's books it is even more difficult because the child is not a legal voting citizen. Therefore, school boards are creatures of the state, responsible for the education of the nation's youth. They have the power to control the formal educational process and the responsibility to consider the welfare of the student under their care.

Most school boards are granted authority over book selection. If society begins to remove books from the shelves, because of a disagreement with the material, fewer and fewer books will be available to readers. One of the major issues for these groups is sex education found in children's literature. Judy Blume is an author of books based on her feelings and concerns she had when she was young, therefor her books deal with female adolescence including masturbation, menstruation, and sex. (Spencer 24) Her mentality when writing these books was to write the most honest way possible. It is through her honesty where controversy has arisen. It first began in 1980 when censors wanted to decide what not only their children could read but all children. Within months, challenges to her books were accumulating. One method of censorship used to avoid controversy, was seen when teachers, librarians, and principles removed her books form the shelves without acknowledging public opinion. The problem that surfaced was due to the thought that these authorities did not have the right to be moral guardians over all children. In 1993, a case arose in a United States school district banned Judy Blume's book Forever. "They (those contestors) called the book "filth" and "pornography". One of the many critics of this decision was teacher Mike Dishnow, and as a result of his open criticism he was fired. (Spencer 28)

After many years in court, he was compensated many thousands of dollars for what was noted as a violation of his civil right, freedom of speech. This shows the problems with censoring children's books. By taking a book off of a shelve you are taking away a person's free will. Is it fair to remove a book because some do not agree with the moral issues presented in the book? There are so many different beliefs in regards to morality that it is unfair to ban certain books because of a particular group. When books are examined, and then banned it is usually out of fear; fear that children will learn from these books. Fear is contagious and parents, teachers, principles, librarians, and school board members are easily swayed by the unfounded hope that if children do not read about it, they will not know it happened. It also eases their uncomfortable feelings toward their children asking questions regarding the information read.

The majority of Blume's controversial books are written for the age group of nine to twelve. Are You There God it's me Margaret is a story about the trials and tribulations of a sixth grader. Margaret confides in God and expresses her concerns about her life. "Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. I can't wait until two o'clock God. That's when our dance starts. Do you think I'll get Philip Leroy for a partner? It's not so much that I like him as a person God, but as a boy he's very handsome. And I'd love to dance with him... just once or twice. Thank you God." (Spencer 29) This excerpt shows how in tune Blume's book is with the life of a sixth grader. What seems like little problems to an adult, the issue of dating and being accepted is of high importance to an adolescent.

The high popularity of her books is highly due to connection with the reader. Judy uses first person narration in order to identify with the reader. On a more risquй level, Judy Blume touches on more personal and intimate aspects of adolescence. Physical maturity is a fact of life. Ms. Blume has been criticized for writing about the effects of puberty in an honest and open manner. "Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. Gretchen, my friend, got her period. I'm so jealous God. I hate myself for being so jealous, but I am. I wish you'd help me just a little. Nancy's sure she's going to get it soon, too. And if I'm the last I don't know what I'll do. Oh please God, I just want to be normal." (Spencer 31) This desire to be normal is a common theme in Blume's books. And that is one reason her characters are so universal (her books have been translated into sixteen languages) and controversial. Essentially every young woman wants to fit in, wants to be liked.

Maturing into a young woman in any culture does not often advocate the discussion of the female body. Sexuality is another experience that both girls and boys share. As seen in Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Margaret feels confused and different because she hasn't gotten her period, and she is also overwhelmed by the desire to grow breasts. Sue Townsend's book, Adrian Mole; From Major to Minor is the account of a boy going through puberty. Also told from a first person narration, the book relates to the child reader. As seen in many of Judy Blume's books, sex, masturbation, and physical maturity are common themes of the two. Adrian Mole is a boy who suffers through a dysfunctional family, a body full of hormones, and a strong dislike towards the changes his body is going through. Adrian is very honest, due to the fact that the book is written through the literary tool of diary excerpts. Like Margaret, Adrian suffers from insecurities. It is through these insecurities, that children readers' connect with the book. "Pandora my love, Due to an unfortunate physical disability I am unable to see you in person, but every fibre of my being cries out for immediate physical proximity. Be patient my love, soon we will laugh again." (Spencer 34)

Adrian is writing a letter to his girlfriend about his pimples. Everyone has insecurities about themselves, especial puberty stricken teenagers. When reading these novels, children are reassured that they are not the only one's feeling bad about themselves. This theme is common in both Blume's book and Townsend's. Another common theme in these popular, yet controversial children's book is sexual desire. Adrian has conflicting issues about sex because his craving for it is far less than his girlfriend. "We have been very happy until recently when I have started to become obsessed with sex. I have fallen to self-manipulation quite a lot lately, and its OK for a bit but it soon wears off. I don't know the proper bout of lovemaking would do me good. It would improve my skin and help my mind concentrate on 'O' level studies. I have tried all sorts of erotic things, but my girlfriend refuses to go the whole hog. She says we are not ready. I am quite aware of the awesome things about bringing a baby into the world and I would wear a protective dildo." (Spencer 34) This exposes the readers to many controversial issues.

Many argue that this is not appropriate for children. However, is this not argued because adults are scared to discuss these issues with their children? Without such discussions, we might actually diminish our control over children rather than increase it. Children with a quite natural interest in the functioning of their own bodies but whose parents refuse to let them look at books containing naked human bodies have no choice but to turn to the playground for information about and discussion of human sexuality. Human sexuality is something that society should not be afraid of, for it is a part of every human. The banning of these books is sending a message to youth that their feelings and action are wrong, which is much more severe of a problem than having literature on the shelves of a library or bookstore. Another common theme of these highly controversial children's books is rebellion of authority. When the narrator is a child, there is often disagreement with authoritative figures. A very disputed children's book is Robert Cromier's, The Chocolate War. This book is the story of a boy who refuses to participate in the school's fund-raising event. This novel has scared adults because of its strong emphasis of being an individual, and the corruption of power. Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War was removed from the Grosse Pointe (Michigan) School District library shelves in 195 because it deals with 'gangs, peer pressure and learning to make your own decisions.' "Renault doesn't have to go around putting up posters. He's been saying screw The Vigils and the chocolates for weeks now. But this shows what's happening. The word is spreading. If Renault can get away with defying us, other people are gonna try." (Spencer 35) Archie Costello, and his Vigils could certainly be considered a gang. Through the initiation of the new student and main character Jerry Renault, it becomes evident to the reader that challenging the gang results it alienation "Finally, he turned to Archie, 'Okay, Archie. You're the brains of the outfit. And you also got us into this mess. Where do we go from here?' He knew what he must do to-regain his previous status, wipe away the memory of Rollo's defiance and prove that he. Archie Costello, was still in command. He has to show them that he could take care of both Renault and the chocolates. And he was ready for them." (Spencer 37) There actions in response to his nonconformity is not peaceful or acceptable. Critics fail to realize that the book shows promise towards young adult readers who are being bullied at school. It shows the small mindedness of the bullies. In addition, it allows the bullied reader to acknowledge that they are not the only one in the world who feels alienated.