Banned Books
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October 03, 2023
Banned Book Week, which originated in 1982, emphasizes the value of free access to information and helps unify all readers in the “shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas”. Throughout the week, teachers, educators, librarians, and other supporters of literature help expose the dangers of censorship and restrictions to books. When we observe Banned Book Week, it’s important that we think critically about the motivations behind banning particular literature . Although book censorship appears on the surface as a simple act of removal, it is deeply rooted in the human psyche .
Understanding the psychology behind wanting to ban books can help address censorship issues more effectively. Let’s unpack some of these motivations.
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Fear of the Unknown: We, as humans, inherently fear what we don't understand. The new, unfamiliar, or challenging ideas presented in books can provoke anxiety or a sense of uneasiness, leading to calls for bans. This is especially true for topics that are...
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