Challenged and Banned Books: Exploring the Controversy 

Books have the incredible power to inspire, educate, and ignite imaginations. Yet, throughout history, some of the most celebrated and influential literary works have been at the center of controversy, facing bans and challenges for various reasons. In the United States, a nation that values free expression, it might be a surprise that many iconic literary works have faced bans and challenges in schools, libraries, and communities across the country.

Here are some intriguing stories behind some of these books and why they’ve been at the center of censorship controversies.

“1984″ by George Orwell

This dystopian classic has been banned in several countries for its criticism of totalitarianism and government control, which some authorities found subversive. 

“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Challenges to “The Great Gatsby” have arisen due to its use of profanity and references to alcohol consumption and extramarital affairs. Some objectors find the book’s content inappropriate for young readers and believe the characters’ morally questionable behavior might negatively influence them.

“The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath has been banned and burned in some communities for its depictions of labor strikes, economic inequality, and references to sexuality. This novel’s candid portrayal of social and economic injustices led to challenges, particularly during its publication amid the Great Depression.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Challenges to this American classic often stem from its use of racial slurs, racial themes, and frank depictions of racism in American society. Despite being a powerful anti-racist novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” has been banned in some schools due to concerns about its language and subject matter.

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini

Challenges to “The Kite Runner” have arisen due to its depiction of controversial themes, including violence and sexual assault. While the novel addresses essential issues like redemption and friendship, some readers and educators have expressed concerns about the mature content.

“The Hunger Games Trilogy” by Suzanne Collins

The books were banned because they were anti-ethnic, anti-family, and violent and had offensive language, occult/satanic references, and references to overt sexuality. 

“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson

The reason why it was banned is because the novel includes rape and profanity. It also claimed to be biased against male students.  

“Harry Potter series” by J.K. Rowling

At first, critics only banned the Sorcerer’s Stone. Still, for some other reasons, they banned the whole series. They forbade the discussion for referring to magic and witchcraft, for containing actual curses and spells, and for characters that use “nefarious means” to attain goals. 

And for 2022-2023, ALA’s top book on the list is “Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe. It was challenged 151 times because of LGBTQIA+ content and claimed to be sexually explicit. 

Despite their literary merit and contributions to social discourse, these books have faced bans and challenges due to their content. The controversies surrounding them highlight the ongoing debate in the United States about what suits readers, particularly young ones. While these challenges may limit access to these works in some contexts, they also underscore the enduring power of literature to challenge prevailing norms and stimulate meaningful discussions. If you want to check the full list of banned books, you can check The American Library Association archive, which lists banned and challenged books from 2000. 

Some books have not been widely banned or challenged here in the Philippines. However, it’s essential to note that the banning or challenging of books can vary from one location or institution to another, and opinions on the content of books can differ significantly.

For example, due to their revolutionary content, the Spanish colonial government initially banned books like “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” by Jose Rizal. Still, they are now celebrated as foundational works in Philippine literature.

While most books are widely accepted and celebrated in the Philippines and beyond, occasional challenges or controversies may arise, often related to themes or content. These challenges are typically localized and not representative of a widespread ban on these works. It’s essential to recognize that literature, mainly works that tackle significant societal issues, may provoke discussions and differing opinions, but this only sometimes results in widespread bans.

How are books included in banned and challenged lists?

Books typically get banned and included in banned lists through a process that involves various individuals, organizations, and institutions. Here’s how it generally happens:

1. Complaints or Concerns: The process often begins when individuals or groups raise concerns or complaints about a particular book’s content. These concerns can come from parents, community members, religious organizations, or other interested parties.
2. Review Committees: In many cases, schools, libraries, or institutions have review committees responsible for assessing challenged materials. These committees may include educators, librarians, administrators, parents, and community members.
3. Review of Content: The committee reviews the book’s content to evaluate whether it aligns with the institution’s policies, curriculum, and guidelines. They consider language, explicit content, violence, political or religious themes, and age-appropriateness.
4. Public Hearings: Some challenges lead to public hearings or meetings where concerned parties can express their opinions and concerns. These hearings allow for a broader discussion of the book’s content and educational or cultural value.
5. Decision-Making: After thoroughly reviewing and considering all viewpoints, the review committee decides the book’s status. This decision can range from keeping the book in circulation to restricting its access or removing it from shelves altogether.
6. Appeals: In some cases, those who challenged the book or other stakeholders may appeal the review committee’s decision. Appeals processes vary depending on the institution.
7. Outcome: The outcome can vary widely. Some books may remain accessible without restrictions, while others may be restricted to specific age groups or removed from libraries or curricula.
8. Banned Book Lists: Books successfully challenged or restricted in one or more locations may end up on banned books. Advocacy groups, libraries, or organizations often maintain these lists, promoting freedom to read. For example, the American Library Association (ALA) in the United States maintains the annual “Top Ten Most Challenged Books” list.

It’s important to note that banning books is a complex and contentious issue, as it involves balancing the principles of free expression and intellectual freedom with concerns about age-appropriateness and community values. Different countries and regions have laws and guidelines regarding book censorship. What is considered controversial or offensive can vary widely among individuals and cultures. The process of banning a book is subject to legal and ethical considerations, and challenges to books should be based on a careful assessment of their content and context.