Reaction on banning books
When I hear the word ‘school' I instantly make a connection towards reading and
writing.
The two, objectively, most important skills you learn in school.
Reading books is not only a fun hobby, it is also educational.
Books are the best teachers we have, as they teach us vocabulary and new ways of
thinking.
Furthermore they give us insight on historical events. Books written during major
historical events like ‘Anne Frank’s diary’ or ‘Twelve Years a Slave’ by Solomon
Northup remind us of the horror of the past. Times we never want to go back to.
These books help teach and understand the importance of human rights and
equality.
They help us see the events through the ‘victim’s’ eyes and these books don’t shy
away from the truth. These books are essential when educating people on subjects
like war, dictatorships, slavery, etc.
Books contain written words, these are more factual than folklores.
We need the past to better the future and therefore should not ban books
surrounding important historical events.
Banning books also goes against the First Amendment. A law which ensures
freedom of speech and press. The first Amendment is neither left- or right-winged. It
is a law for everyone.
Throughout history we have seen that banning books is rather impossible.
During the ancien régime in France, French kings tried to ban books that criticized
them, but this had the opposite effect, as there were(/are!) always people willing to
take the risks of getting arrested.
In short, banning books is not only taking away people’s basic rights, it is also quite
dangerous for our future. We need books to help remind us of the past and need
them to educate and identify with minorities and/or past victims.
When I hear the word ‘school' I instantly make a connection towards reading and
writing.
The two, objectively, most important skills you learn in school.
Reading books is not only a fun hobby, it is also educational.
Books are the best teachers we have, as they teach us vocabulary and new ways of
thinking.
Furthermore they give us insight on historical events. Books written during major
historical events like ‘Anne Frank’s diary’ or ‘Twelve Years a Slave’ by Solomon
Northup remind us of the horror of the past. Times we never want to go back to.
These books help teach and understand the importance of human rights and
equality.
They help us see the events through the ‘victim’s’ eyes and these books don’t shy
away from the truth. These books are essential when educating people on subjects
like war, dictatorships, slavery, etc.
Books contain written words, these are more factual than folklores.
We need the past to better the future and therefore should not ban books
surrounding important historical events.
Banning books also goes against the First Amendment. A law which ensures
freedom of speech and press. The first Amendment is neither left- or right-winged. It
is a law for everyone.
Throughout history we have seen that banning books is rather impossible.
During the ancien régime in France, French kings tried to ban books that criticized
them, but this had the opposite effect, as there were(/are!) always people willing to
take the risks of getting arrested.
In short, banning books is not only taking away people’s basic rights, it is also quite
dangerous for our future. We need books to help remind us of the past and need
them to educate and identify with minorities and/or past victims.
