Intellectual Freedom - Is An Erosion Taking Place?
Intellectual Freedom.
A right frequently taken for granted, and not much thought about. However, looking to our neighbours to the south of us, we see very disturbing trends. Throughout the US, various public and school libraries have removed books from their shelves under pressure from parents and community groups. Some are the classics, such as Catcher in the Rye, James and the Giant Peach, Of Mice and Men, etc. But others, more recently, have included the Harry Potter series, and The Golden Compass. Frequently, these actions occur quietly, without general knowledge within the community. And yet, the implications are so very frightening.
I was shocked, when recently, a local Catholic school board decided to have The Golden Compass removed from its school library shelves. This occurred despite the recommendation of the Board's own subcommittee, whose member had read the book and suggested that it be made available in young adult fiction only. The Board had the actual book removed, and there was little or no reaction from the community. Here in Canada? The incident reinforced, for me, just how essential public libraries are. No matter who you are, you can still find that book on the public library shelves.
I find it interesting also, following the political race going on in the U.S. One of the issues that has been uncovered about the Republican VP nominee, Sarah Palin, was that as Mayor of an Alaskan town, she once asked the Director of the Library how to go about banning a book. Nothing is more frightening and 1984'ish than a politician attempting to dictate what citizens can and can't read.
The American Library Association has responded to these developments by holding a special annual event, called Banned Books Week - Celebrating the Freedom to Read - September 27-October 4, 2008.
Never take it for granted!
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