'Most challenged' books to be banned

When the individual feels, the community reels' ... Aldoux Huxley's Brave New World came third on the ALA's list of 'most challenged' books.


The American Library Association (ALA) has just release its list of 10 books that should be banned from America due to the contents in the book.


Brave New World, the book by Aldous Huxley is one of the selected on the list. This book has already been banned in Ireland when it was first published in 1932. "The novel of a dystopian future was one of the most complained about books in America last year, with readers protesting over its sexually explicit scenes, offensive language and insensitivity."


I feel that someone is always going to be offended by something, somehow, little or big. There are many topics that infuriates, cause sensitivity, or even disturb a group of people. Example, religion, politics, homosexuality, animal cruelty, abortion and so much more have been topics that a lot of people are not bold enough to talk about or hear about. In this case, should all of these topics be banned from society in general? Should it be banned from even generally speaking of? A book is a book. The reader can choose not to read it. The author deserves respect for his boldness in even deciding to write the book at all. He is not afraid to make his statement and thoughts through publishing such explicitness. Maybe not everyone in society is going to be able to appreciate his writing but I am pretty sure that there has to be a minority group out there, somewhere who will appreciate his guts in writing such a novel.


I have never read the book, nor will I probably ever read it. But I am judging this occcurence based on ethics and my values in giving respect to authors, writers, and the whole idea of self-expression. I am choosing to look at this news article from another perspective. I wonder how the author would feel? I do not believe that novels should be "COMPLETELY" banned. If the novel and other books are found so offensive and disturbing to the average general public, I believe those books should just not be easily accesible in a public library. However, higher teachings or teachers should be able to grab a hold of the novel upon special request. I believe an action along those lines would make more sense than to completely banned the entire novel because I feel that regardless of what is is, someone will always become offended by something, somehow, little or big. Perhaps the book isn't something to enjoy but something to rather study or challenge one to understand.


Of course I find it in the reader to decided whether or not he/she wants to continue to read the full book and digest it. We can not throw all of the blame upon the author. He is being bold as it is, publishing and writing such book. But then again, this is my sole opinion on such actions by the ALA. I have no doubt that someone will disagree with me. Maybe someone would even agree with me.


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