Two classic novels that explored racism and were written in an era now long-gone, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and To Kill A Mockingbird, have been temporarily banned from Accomack County, Virginia Public Schools. This was as a result of a complaint from a parent with an African American student, a child who said they felt uncomfortable reading the use of the “n-word” in passages of the book. Since the ban is only temporary, it may be rescinded through further red tape action with the school board. But the question here is… why was the seemingly knee-jerk reaction to ban it if even just for the time-being?
Answers to that question would really only amount to speculation without more answers from Accomack County School Board. But it’s safe to assume that the decision and complaint were both fueled by the current climate of the country. Large parts of America seem to be overly-sensitive about race to the point where nearly every conflict that makes national news between individuals of different races seems to invoke race. Whether that invocation be direct or indirect. It’s like an omnipresent dark spectre.
Another question to ask here would be… what’s next? If these two classic novels are “temporarily” banned so easily for such a small reason, what other books will fall to the same fate? Much of this action comes from the left, who ironically accuse the right of being akin to Nazism. When in reality, Nazis are famous for book burning. To delete anything contrary to their view of the world. To counter ideology that they found damaging. The total opposite of freedom.
Freedom should be the ability to be uncomfortable and upset. Especially in a school environment which is supposed to produce well rounded children that grow into responsible adults that contribute to society. When there is no proper schooling at school, or at home, the end result is what we see aimlessly roaming the streets shouting “Black Lives Matter!” A bunch of overgrown children unprepared for the world due to be coddled away from it.
Answers to that question would really only amount to speculation without more answers from Accomack County School Board. But it’s safe to assume that the decision and complaint were both fueled by the current climate of the country. Large parts of America seem to be overly-sensitive about race to the point where nearly every conflict that makes national news between individuals of different races seems to invoke race. Whether that invocation be direct or indirect. It’s like an omnipresent dark spectre.
Another question to ask here would be… what’s next? If these two classic novels are “temporarily” banned so easily for such a small reason, what other books will fall to the same fate? Much of this action comes from the left, who ironically accuse the right of being akin to Nazism. When in reality, Nazis are famous for book burning. To delete anything contrary to their view of the world. To counter ideology that they found damaging. The total opposite of freedom.
Freedom should be the ability to be uncomfortable and upset. Especially in a school environment which is supposed to produce well rounded children that grow into responsible adults that contribute to society. When there is no proper schooling at school, or at home, the end result is what we see aimlessly roaming the streets shouting “Black Lives Matter!” A bunch of overgrown children unprepared for the world due to be coddled away from it.
