Story by Guadalupe Robles
Staff Writer
When students walk into the Brutocao Library, they can’t help but give their attention to the shelf holding some of their favorite books covered with red jackets declaring them banned.
Each book on the display has a reason for their banning. Sexual content. Profanity. Racism.
No, “The Great Gatsby,” “Catcher in the Rye” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” are not banned at Bishop Amat, but many school districts and libraries across the nation prohibit students from reading the books.
The display is meant to raise awareness for the American Library Association’s Banned Book Week which is celebrated during the last week of September in libraries, bookstores, and schools all over the nation.
Bishop Amat librarian Mrs. Isabelle Selak said she is very excited to have the display in the library for all the students and staff to see, believing that it is not only interesting but also beneficial.
“Students are surprised to know the books they read are banned, but it teaches them to be grateful for their freedoms,” said Mrs. Selak. “They learn to take advantage of their right to choose the books they read.”
The display encourages students to learn more of all the books banned and challenged around the nation.
Many students are grateful for the variety of books they have access to here in Amat.
“Now that I know the books are banned, I appreciate our school more because it shows it believes in variety of thought, even if it exposes us to things like racism and violence,” said senior Alyssa Mireles.
Senior Thomas Rivera believes the ban of books violates the freedoms of expression and keeps students from experiencing different views on society.
“I don’t agree with the bans because we need to realize there was a reason the author wrote what he wrote, we shouldn’t only focus on the words and not their meaning,” said Rivera. “There’s also freedom of expression, if someone doesn’t want to read something they don’t have to.”
Teachers agree a ban on certain books might inhibit students’ exposure to different points-of-view.
“I think Banned Book Week is good because it stimulates discussion,” said English teacher Mrs. Wendy Nugent. “If students start talking about the books banned and theres discussions on the bans and the reasons for the bans then the awareness brought is good.”
Banned Books Week does incite conversation and curiosity among students, especially those who had no idea bans on books existed.
“I didn’t know they banned books,” said senior Jackie Meza. “I don’t pay much attention to the books, but since we’ve read them in class I was really surprised to find out.”
Still, the reactions from students vary.
Some, like freshman Andrew Alonzo, believe the bans are good for the students and should be extended to Amat.
“I think the books should be banned for certain age groups,” said Alonzo. “For example, ‘Of Mice and Men,’ I thought it was racist so I don’t think freshmen should be reading it, it should be for upperclassmen.”
The ALA has many ways for people to get involved in Banned Book Week, they offer plenty of information on banned and challenged books, and hold their annual Virtual Read-Out for all who want to join the awareness movement.
—
Visit http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek for more information
