Artwork by Jennifer Ding
Hunter Gilday ‘28
REPORTER
Recently, I thought a lot about the importance of the books stacked on our school library’s shelves. When we walk into the library of our school, we often don’t take into account the fact that we walk into a realm of self-expression. It is essentially a realm of freedom, where different perspectives are valued and can be challenged and changed. Most importantly, the library serves as a place where exposure to different ideas can feed into our intellectual growth. Limiting the books students can view takes away all of the benefits of having a library. We lose another side, another voice, and another perspective when certain books get banned. With banning of books, students will not be able to broaden their horizons and learn how to engage in civil discourse. It results in limited perspectives, leading to promoted conformity and lack of independent thought. This takes away people’s ability to change and promote diversity. Essentially, book banning prevents new, radical thoughts from forming and rejects modernity, inhibiting students from growing up with diverse ideas.
There is a strong argument for those who advocate book banning; supporters want to censor what they believe is harmful content for their children. 1984 by George Orwell has been challenged for its controversial social and political themes. However, does the potential harm outweigh the risk of not giving children exposure to diverse ideas? Is it worth choosing restrictions over freedom? Rather than simply eliminating a point of view, why can’t we address the challenging material through open dialogue, guidance, and education? With proper guidance, parents and teachers can discuss book content with students and engage in meaningful discourse that can introduce them to new perspectives. While there should be limited restrictions on books, some restrictions should be made depending on the maturity of the book content, which can be discussed between the student and their parents. All books have power. They have the power to be essential tools for our learning and personal development. Books help us foster a sense of empathy and can teach us how to connect with others. Through books, we understand the triumphs and struggles of all types of people. So with all these incredible things that books can provide, why limit them?
