“In honor of Banned Books Week, what is your favorite “banned or frequently challenged book”?”
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. According to the ALA website: A parent had complained that the book has a “high volume of racially offensive derogatory language and misinformation on Native Americans. In addition to the inaccurate imagery, and stereotype views, the text lacks literary value which is relevant to today’s contemporary multicultural society."
Does it contain racial slurs? Yes, and the book was originally published in the thirties; racial slurs and comments in books that are deplorable today were perfectly normal in an older era, though that is no reason to ban a book. Any teens reading this, assuming that they are mature enough to read the book, should recognize that much.
Also, what is this about lacking value in today's society? I'm pretty sure that the person who made the complaint has never read one page of any edition of Brave New World ever published, ever. Between test-tube babies, a disregard for those who reject technology/ live "off the grid", recreational drug use, and little to no concern within society regarding one-night stands, Brave New World is an eerie portrait of the twenty-first century (at least, the Western world), and definitely a book that changed my life when I read it.
I haven't read A Brave New World. There are so many challenged/banned books. Unbelievable. Here’s Mine at FABR
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that book but I kind of want to read them all on the list. They look interesting
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that one yet. It's on my tbr list. I've heard great things about it. Coming over from the hop!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't pick a favorite from the ALA list. So I listed the ones I've read. Brave New World is on my list. Please come see what they are.
ReplyDeleteI have never read Brave New World, though I will have to look into it.
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My hop: Mom Reads My Books
I haven't read this one yet. I'm hoping to read it at some point. Thanks for including why it was banned. -Old Follower.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Brave New World in forever, but that's a good choice!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Amber
The Musings of ALMYBNENR
I totally agree with you there. Brave New World was my choice too. People who say it isn't relevant must have no idea what the books is about.
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