Virginia School Considers Banning Two Classic American Books

[c.d.]

Speaking of Lenny Bruce made me remember a scene from his autobiography "How to Talk Dirty and Influence People" (which is hilarious). It is the court transcript from when he was arrested for saying a particularly offensive word in his nightclub act. It reads something like this:

Judge: He said *****?

Prosecuting Attorney: Yes, your Honor he said *****

Judge: You can't say ***** in public.

Prosecuting Attorney: Well, your honor, he said *****

Judge: and people heard him say *****?

Prosecuting attorney: yes, your honor they did hear him say *****

Judge: Well it is against the law to say *****

....and so on. Very funny. Poor Lenny. He just kept saying it and they just kept arresting him till he couldn't work any more.

c.d.

[Robert]

TONY HANCOCK (Reading 'Lady Don't Fall Backwards') : This is red hot stuff, Sid. As soon as I've finished it I'll recommend they ban it.

[c.d.]

There is a story about Samuel Johnson and his dictionary --

Mr. Johnson, we are glad that you have omitted the indelicate and objectionable words from your new dictionary.”

“What, my dears! Have you been searching for them?”

c.d.

[John G]

This is a completely mad decision!

"if this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all-except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty." (John Fitzgerald Kennedy, October 29, 1960).

[Pcdunn]

Libraries still support Intelluctual freedom

This is a completely mad decision!

"if this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all-except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty." (John Fitzgerald Kennedy, October 29, 1960).

AGREED. The American Library Association issued the Library Bill of Rights, which guarantees each citizen the right to choose his or her own reading matetial. We support intelluctual freedom, educate the public about censorship, and celebrate one week every September as Banned Books Week.

There is no censorship in the United States at the federal level, that I know of, barring secret documents and pornography.

But challenges to books in school and public libraries occur at the local level regularly, with most challenged items being children's books. Librarians and school officals may respond in avariety of ways to a challenge, from removing the book completely, putting it in another area, or leaving the book in place. Many challenges are made on the basis of a social or political statement, such as objections raised against books featuring gays or transgendered characters.