Banned Books by Nya Griffin

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 02:09:29 UTC

Why is it banned?

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 02:21:17 UTC

There has been an ongoing effort in heavy red states (i.e., Florida and Texas) to remove books that are seen to be too sexually or culturally inappropriate for children. A lot of the targeting books are often about racial injustice or social injustice faced by the LGBTQ+ communities. In 2022, Utah passed a ban on books to remove explicit reading materials. However, some parents believed this ban to leave behind one of the most vulgar and sexual books in history, The Holy Bible. Parents calling for the ban of the Bible said that it was pornographic under the new definition put in place by the state of Utah.

Analysis

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 02:49:35 UTC

The banning of the Bible in schools is a part of a greater trend happening in response to the pulling of several other books. However, after the initial pulling of books in other states (i.e., Texas, Florida, Missouri), the Bible was pressed to be pulled and reviewed. Parents calling for the review cited instances of incest, fellatio, dildos, and more as evidence that the Bible has no cultural significance for minors. The targeting of the Bible is an act of retaliation as other conservative committees try to dictate what children can and cannot read.

Interpretation

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 03:05:19 UTC

The original issue of censoring what children can read arose as an attempt to stop the spread of "racial rhetoric" and "LGBTQ+ ideologies". I think that this was an attempt to stop the social progression of POC and LGBTQ+ communities. Conservatives often paint them as communities aiming to lead children astray. When that is almost never the case. I think it is done out of personal offense and not truly in the best interest of children. In regard to how this coincides with the First Amendment, I think this is a censoring of the freedom of speech aspect. The whole point is that it protects you from government interference. However, banning any book, whether it is the Bible or something else, is a form of censorship. I think that it is entirely up to the parents to decide what books their children can or cannot read.

Evaluation

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 03:09:09 UTC

As for who is right or wrong, I think that the communities that initially pulled the books are in the wrong. I think that the communities pushing the Bible in response were simply fighting fire with fire. In most cases, two wrongs do not make a right; however, I think this is one situation that is an exception. I think that many self-righteous parents would not see the long-term effects or the broader picture of what they are doing. They are likely honing in on a few select books that do not explicitly align with their personal ideologies. The parents who targeted the Bible used the main book that holds their ideologies and vilified it. I think that is what caused many parents to open their eyes to the potential harm of censorship.

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 03:11:20 UTC

Why is it banned?

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 03:20:45 UTC

Lolita tells a story about a man named Humbert Humbert. He is labeled to be a kidnapper and pedophile. Humbert narrates the story as he talks about his obsession with a 12-year-old girl, Delores. The author, Vladimir Nabokov, could not find anyone to publish his story in English and therefore, turned to the French. Lolita was published in Paris in 1955, but it was only available to those over 18. The book would not even enter the United States until two years later. The idea of a man obsessed with his child and his twisted "love" for her caused this book to be banned in several countries, including New Zealand and Australia.

Analysis

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 03:36:17 UTC

The main reason that the book was banned is its disturbing nature. Endless people were disgusted and horrified by the idea that a man could view a girl the way Humbert did. The entire story is him retelling his lifelong sexual attraction to young girls. Many people found the plot of the story to be inappropriate and even criminal. However, many others argue that the book is a bestseller for a reason. They argue that the entire point of the book is to force the public to see the horrific nature of humankind. The entire point of the book is to remind society of the importance of facing disturbing elements like Lolita head-on.

Interpretation

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 03:46:59 UTC

I think that the actual reason for banning this book is just because the content is so disgusting. The subject of pedophilia is very taboo. It is not something people can freely talk about or discuss. Therefore, a book explicitly displaying acts and thoughts of pedophilia needs to be banned. I think that the banning comes from a place of genuinely wanting to protect people from exposure to this kind of book. However, I think that there is truth in the criticisms of Lolita's banning. This book could be used as an important tool to open the table of discussion. People who live through things that happened in the book often feel they cannot talk about it due to the taboo nature. If viewed in the way Nabokov intended, Lolita could serve as a gateway to survivors of its content.

Evaluation

simonegriffin401 — 2025-10-20 03:54:30 UTC

I think that both sides are in the right. I think that the surface level of Lolita is absolutely disgusting. However, I can recognize Nabokov's intent with this book. Pedophilia is 100% gross. Therefore, it is not a preferred topic by anyone. However, because it is gross, I think that makes it hard for victims to be able to speak up and defend themselves. It makes it harder to seek help and escape those situations. I think that opening the discussion on this topic would be a great way to help those who need help feel safe speaking up. However, I can understand the desire to shield people from Lolita. Its contents are horrific and uncomfortable. In the wrong hands, it could even inspire people to follow Humbert's example. I think this book creates a discussion via controversy and allows conversation that way. All-in-all, the book is still being printed and not banned in many countries. So, I think it is okay and understandable when banned. I think just by Lolita's existence, Nabokov achieved his goal of putting this topic in the public's face.