I don’t know about you writers reading this, but I invite you to ruminate about what you would do if someone didn’t like you or your lifestyle and found a way to try to destroy your writing livelihood because they claimed your work offended them. I have been writing for over five decades now. In spite of the length of time and experience I have in writing, I still try to continue honing in on my gift by learning more and looking for inspiration to create more. Our creative efforts through our writing are just as viable to the arts and humanities world as art, photography, crafting, sculpting, and culinary arts.
I previously discussed the threat ChatGPT has on the writing community, but this increase in book bans is more dangerously destructive than we may realize. Recently I talked about the domino effect of the writer’s strike, where writers are fighting to make a fair living wage, yet the stalemate in negotiations is affecting other positions in tv and cinematic productions too. When will the powers that be realize the value of good writers?
Yet, I ask, what is this increased book ban really about? If people are so offended by the content, and that’s “if” they are reading all of these books at all, then doggone it, don’t freaking read it. If the book is a threat to national security, if it blatantly is a racist attack against individuals and cultures that will endanger a race, creed, or color, then yes, let’s have a conversation. But because a handful of folks have villainized targeted authors, I think they may have overplayed their sanctimonious cards, and it just may backfire on them. But tell me, what “qualifications” and on what guidelines are these people who are leading this scathing charge on banning certain books basing such ridiculous claims? It amazes me how these people have the nerve to censor books when according to The Literacy Project, the average American reads at the 7th-8th grade level. Like it or not, illiteracy, aliteracy, and functional illiteracy rates are at alarming rates. Where is their push to get people to simply read a book?
I remember when movie rental stores like Blockbuster were all the rage. They carried hundreds of titles from different genres for people to choose from. If you weren’t interested in something you simply put it back on the shelf and moved on to something you were interested in. There was no massive destruction of property, no unwarranted blatant attacks on employees, and no laws prohibiting people from their right and freedom of choice to see, rent or buy what they chose to watch in the privacy of their own homes. Besides, there were XXX movie rental businesses that were just as popular as Blockbuster. While some folks protested these adult video establishments, no one waged a national ban or burned them down because frankly, they were quite profitable, and probably frequented by members of their own families. There have been reports of religious leaders and government officials who were spotted sneaking into these XXX stores and patronizing these places. But that is a topic I really don’t care to discuss.
My point is, parents/guardians have the right to read books to see whether they are content appropriate for their kids, and I have no problem with that. When I combed through some of the titles of those books being banned, many of them I have read, loved, and been inspired by. I again ask, what is this “holier-than-thou” smear campaign really about, and just how far will this extremism be allowed to go?
Let me say to the writing community, do not be intimidated by these reported and increased attacks on certain targeted books. I have never seen such scathing attacks on writers, poets, and novelists whose books are on this list as ridiculously as I am seeing now. And don’t think that because you may not be on the New York Times Best Sellers list, you are immune to such ludicrous attacks. How would you feel if your creativity and livelihood were targeted simply because someone didn’t like what you published, or because of what you looked like, or what pedigree you came from? You have the right to read whatever you want to read. I have read hundreds of books that I reviewed, and even if I really wasn’t enthralled by the content, I have no need to run a smear campaign on it. I have the right to read what I want, not dictated by someone else.
You know, growing up we were told not to do certain things that we snuck and did anyway. Like a kid getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar, when they were told not to go in it because they would ruin their appetite to eat dinner, they/we snuck and did it anyway. But the cookies though…sorry, I digressed. Now depending on the severity of the infraction, we had to deal with the consequences of our disobedience. When these so-called “book banners” continue to launch such attacks that they don’t want their kids to read, their children’s curiosity will probably get the best of them and somewhere one day, they will find a copy of that banned book, and more than likely it may come from their peers. They will want to find out what the big deal is all about. I know, because the first adult magazine someone shared with me was when I was in 9th grade. Although it grossed me out at the time, I still looked through it.
To all of my writing friends out there, you know what this process of composition is like and we know that a lot of folks already look at our profession as dim-witty and not a real job. That’s a lie. I know what it’s like to be rejected by book publishing houses and other publications time and time again. But other people’s expectations do not necessarily align with mine, that’s why I am still writing. Like you, I have something significant to say. For all of you who have worked hard to hone your writing skills, and published books or plan to publish a book, traditionally or independently, continue to press forward and stay encouraged.
Thank you for taking the time to read my soapbox sermon. This editorial is strictly my opinion and while you may not agree with the content within this post, that’s ok, because that is your right. That’s the beauty of the diversity on a platform like this. If there is a blog or website that you don’t follow because you feel their content is not to your liking, guess what? You don’t have to follow them if you are offended by the nature of their content. You have the right to write. You have the right to read what you don’t write. Be grateful, because some regions do not allow certain citizens the freedom to learn to read or write. Words matter and I honestly believe true, responsible, and dedicated writers already know that.
-Due to the lengthy nature of this editorial, the comment section is respectfully closed.-
From Behind the Pen 