https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn en-us 2023-05-03 17:11:25 UTC 2023-05-08 21:36:49 UTC hello@padlet.com kmbuda https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2577100700 All across the United States, book bans have been enacted to try and get rid of books on the basis of "pornographic material" aka anything related to the queer community. Many of these claims are rooted in extremely homophobic values. This interests me as I have been the kid in the library looking for books I can relate to. I understand how important it is to feel normal and feel like I'm not dirty or wrong for being who I am. It is such an isolating feeling, seeing people around you start to date and never knowing if you would experience the same. Or even if you do, having to live with the fear of what others think. All of these feelings can start so young, sometimes books and media are the only way to feel safe in yourself.]]> 2023-05-03 17:39:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2577100700 kmbuda https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2577111992 This article outlines the different ways books are being targeted by the government/communities and the respective backlash or support they are receiving. Both sides are argued for through comments from concerned citizens. This article doesn't seem to argue one way or another, mostly just conveys facts and shares the opinions of others.

This source is useful as it explains how these books are being banned and lists the legislation in effect. It also offers a wide variety of perspectives on the topic. This source seems to be generally unbiased, but the website is left-leaning.

This source was helpful to me as it explained the different bills in charge of the bans and explained the given reasoning behind them. This can help people care about my issue as it provides first-hand accounts of how people are being negatively affected by the new laws. It can pull on people's emotions and further convince them to support protests against the issue.]]> 2023-05-03 17:48:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2577111992 kmbuda https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2577126562 This article lists the statistics of the amount/types of books banned since 2001 and shows that 2022 has had the largest amount ever. The author, Maia Kobabe, of one of these books, "Gender Queer" also speaks from their own experience, sharing how disheartening it is to hear their story isn't appropriate for children. 

This source is useful as it gives data on the number of book bans happening. It also gives a unique look into the perspective of those people who are writing these "malicious" books. This article is biased as it only speaks from the perspective of people against the bans, but is still able to provide unbiased facts. 

This source is once again helpful as it provides firsthand accounts from an author of these banned books. It also provides solid facts providing the targeting of LGBT books, giving the article credibility. This can help people support my issue by giving them real proof of the disproportionate treatment of queer books and pulling on their emotions to encourage them to support their community.]]> 2023-05-03 17:59:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2577126562 kmbuda https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2577132584 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/war-of-words-the-fight-over-banning-books/

This article discusses the fight between political groups and schools. It also introduces a new website named "Books Unbanned" which gives kids access the books that have been deemed "inappropriate" by the state. Viewpoints are offered from the "Moms of Liberty" group as well as librarians and public school teachers affected by this new policy.

This article is helpful to my research as it provides a firsthand account from a teacher, someone who is directly affected by these bans, and shows how she was fired for providing kids access to banned books. This source isn't hugely biased but seems to have a left lean as it spends more time discussing the repercussions of the ban.

Once again, this article is useful as it gives the perspective of a teacher. As teachers are the ones we entrust to watch our children, they hold credibility in the eyes of others. This makes people more likely to listen to them, therefore they would want to help advocate for our teachers.


]]> 2023-05-03 18:04:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2577132584 kmbuda https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2582669514 After my research, I still believe the same perils will prevail if nothing is done to aid in this issue. Rates of suicide and depression will climb along with rates of discrimination and hatred. We won't see any positive change if people's rights to freedom of speech continue to be cut back. These bans could open the door to a wider range of issues, the idea of Obergefell v. Hodges being overturned isn't far off. People everywhere could lose their right to marriage, to live freely, and to exist, with it all starting as small as restricting the books people are able to read. 

In my eyes, the only possible solution is to refrain from restricting the books people are able to read. At least in public, a select minority shouldn't be able to decide for the public, especially if the decision made isn't beneficial. I believe it is up to parents on which book they would like for their children to read, but that's the full extent of it. Anyone outside of that is out of their jurisdiction, and should not be affected by their beliefs. Allowing children to access books and media that display LGBTQ+ characters will prove to be beneficial for them and our society as a whole.]]> 2023-05-08 20:54:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2582669514 kmbuda https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2582699813 2023-05-08 21:36:49 UTC https://padlet.com/kmbuda/xajnnjkpwpceokn/wish/2582699813