banned books

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banned books
By Cathy-Dee

I can't comment on the Harry Potter series as I haven't read them yet. From what I have seen of the books, excerpts, highlights from the movie, etc., the magic and sorcery in the books is quite different for the most part
of those in fairy tales. And fairy tales are supposed to be make-believe whereas Harry Potter has a bit more of a realistic feel to it. And parents do have the right regardless of how we feel to not have their children exposed to things they feel are inappropriate. I do not agree with banning of books that are suitable (language, content), but I do believe parents can ask that the books

not be used by teachers for reading out-loud, novel studies, etc., This way the children do have a choice to not read the books even if they are available. There are other books that fall into this category too, books like the Goosebump series or other horror novels. I personally would not want my children reading these books or listening to them in class.

Now as far as saying it is NO ONE's right to ban a book, I would have to disagree with this. Schools, teachers, librarians do have the right to censor what is in the school library and classrooms. There are many books and materials that are simply not appropriate for younger children. This is not the same as banning the book from being published or sold. Again it really does depend on the book. If it was a book that promoted hatred and the killing of a particular race of people I can guarantee it would be banned from schools, and very few if any educators would argue that it shouldn't be. I know this is different from books like the Harry Potter series, but the fine line is not always easy to see either.

As far as the meeting that is going to take place. Going into the meeting with a calm and professional manner will give you more points than if you try to fight or convince the parents they are wrong. Already having a number of compromises to offer would be a good route to go too. And having parents who support the books to also talk out wouldn't hurt. I know we don't like to look at education from this point of view, but it is a business in many aspects. School Boards tend to favour parents if they can because it means keeping them happy, keeping their students in the school system and thus keeping the funding. So if one can offer good alternatives or compromises, the school board will tend to look at them.