Sunday, January 11, 2015

Argument Essay: Should Books Be Banned?

     Everyday student's rights are infringed upon. These rights are being restricted by school administrations banning books based on their content. Books should not be banned because the exposure to unfamiliar content matures readers.

      During the teenage years teens discover their sexuality, a topic many banned books deal with. This physical and emotional transformation can be very challenging for teens who are uninformed and confused. Books that discuss this sexuality can help teens cope with and understand the changes occurring during this transformative period. However many of these books that discuss this sexuality have been banned or challenged from many schools  due to their sexual content. For example, the book "Looking For Alaska" by John Green, talks about teen's sexual urges. Books shouldn't be banned because they teach teens about how they sexually mature.

    Another way that the exposure to unfamiliar content can help children, is by helping them cope and understand social issues within their lives. For example, the article, "Yes, Teen Fiction Can Be Dark- But It Shows Teenagers That They Aren't Alone" by Maureen Johnson says, " On Twitter people share their stories about how YA(Young adult fiction) has changed their lives using the #YASAVES." This shows how YA fiction, has benefited many people's lives.

    However many opponents say that some books content is too disturbing and students shouldn't be exposed to it. However this exposure is necessary for the emotional development of a child. Teens who are exposed to "disturbing content will be more prepared should a similar situation arise in their own lives.

     Books shouldn't be banned in any context because the exposure from a books content teaches and potentially matures the reader. I believe that the restriction, regulation or censorship of any medium of media is wrong. The way that people learn and grow is through experience and to have school administrations decide that for you restricts your personal freedom. People also learn from mistakes. If a person were to read a book they weren't mature enough for they would learn and grow from that experience, but if people are catching kids before they fall they are hurting rather than benefiting students lives.