The politicalization of classic novels that have been taught for decades in society is becoming more and more prevalent. Just like millions of other high school students in America, I remember the first time I read Fahrenheit 451. Its irony at the time was almost comical—reading a book warning us about the dangers of censorship as we freely discussed books portraying much more difficult topics such as racism through To Kill a Mockingbird or disability visibility through Of Mice and Men. Throughout high school I was always exposed to literature that questioned authority, provoking thought, yet now, these books and topics I was obligated to read are being threatened by being pulled off the shelves. As classic titles taught across the nation continue to be challenged and removed from various settings, the warnings on the pages I once found comical now become a frightening reality.
Throughout my life I have been exposed to books such as 1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood; both seminal works that explore themes of societal censorship and power exploitation. Although these books are used as ironic warnings to the population of extreme situations, both of these narratives themselves have be threatened by actual bans, with powerful individuals attempting to eliminate their power through terminating their existence. Witnessing the paradox of these eradication attempts exemplifies the strengthening of book’s relevance and enforces the necessity of strong literature.
The paradoxical effect occurring throughout the nation with book banning is highlighted through a term psychologists have coined as the “Streisand Effect”. The phenomenon occurs when an attempt to suppress information backfires, drawing even more attention to it. This concept is directly applicable to the case of book banning, as efforts to restrict certain books often increase public interest and readership rather than silencing them. Rather than eliminating books and topics authorities disagree with, publicizing the desired riddance of them ignites curiosity in the population therefore leading to an increased interest as whispers of the work being prohibited spikes. A study by Carnegie Mellon University and George Mason University identified the correlation between book banning and its consequent popularization through observing a 11% to 12% increase in circulation of banned books in states where the book was still available (Scripps News, 2023).
The target of censorship has been primarily seen in education settings. The hindrance of literature through the limitation of topics available to students infringes greatly on individuals ability to develop critical thinking skills. The restriction of access to diverse perspectives causes narrow thinking, depriving a population of ideology exposure to important ideas. With such restrictions placed on education, America’s quality of education would diminish, undermining the foundations of a democratic society; a society that encourages diverse thinking.
Mobilization from communities all over the nation have advocated for causes that negate the rise of censorship. It is evident through the various organizations and communities commiting to defending the freedom to read that the censorship of libraries, booksellers, and publishers will not be a quiet fight. Literature diversity is pivotal in shaping the mind; both wise and naive, allowing each individual to formulate their own opinion of the world through being provided various lens applicable to their point of view
Although authorities believe that through banning books they will safeguard young minds from topics they deem as sensitive, such restriction do the exact opposite—amplifying the very themes and messages they seeked to suppress. Their attempted suppression leads to increased public interest and debate. Enforcing such convictions, especially through nationwide restrictions, does not safeguard society; it diminishes intellectual freedom through stifling diversity of thought which is the foundation of American democracy.