Comments on: On Reading: Do you Censor Yourself? http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/ 5 Minutes for Books.com We're Reading Into Everything Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:46:58 -0400 hourly 1 By: Carrie, Reading to Know (5M4B) http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4404 Carrie, Reading to Know (5M4B) Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:32:29 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4404 I've enjoyed reading through everyone's comments. I only ban myself against subject matter I can't handle - and that can vary. I DO agree that parents should decide what books their kids should or should not read. Most parents are smart enough to know what their kids can handle and should be reading about. I think we (parents) can cope, thanks! Of course, knowing what is out there and being educated about it (i.e. reading widely) helps in knowing what is good for your own kids and what isn't. Great post (and comments)! I've enjoyed reading through everyone's comments. I only ban myself against subject matter I can't handle – and that can vary.

I DO agree that parents should decide what books their kids should or should not read. Most parents are smart enough to know what their kids can handle and should be reading about. I think we (parents) can cope, thanks!

Of course, knowing what is out there and being educated about it (i.e. reading widely) helps in knowing what is good for your own kids and what isn't.

Great post (and comments)!

]]> By: Mayke Beckmann Briggs http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4369 Mayke Beckmann Briggs Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:34:55 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4369 Maybe rating systems and lists would work so parents can make more informed decisions. Also nowadays it is nice how you can look up any book's content on line. Even if your child reads books that would harm them, you can figure out which ones you have to read so you can talk with them about it, to put things into perspective and discuss the writers, teachers, friends... motivations. It certainly is a full time job to turn all the lead that is out there into gold - but that is a loving and wise parent's power in the face of all the junk out there - even when it reaches our children - which has become pretty unavoidable. I am not for censorship but not because I believe in unlimited freedom without responsibility, but because I think not censoring will clearly expose what is out there. Open discussions like these will create "good lists" of books, or movies, or foods, etc that will get a lot of power. Then the ACLU will hopefully protect that freedom of speech as well. You can't slip a kid a book in school anymore without parents googling it in ten minutes to find out what it is about and writing on line about it. I love freedom! May what's good for our children win out over the bad by discussing it freely and openly. Maybe rating systems and lists would work so parents can make more informed decisions. Also nowadays it is nice how you can look up any book's content on line. Even if your child reads books that would harm them, you can figure out which ones you have to read so you can talk with them about it, to put things into perspective and discuss the writers, teachers, friends… motivations.

It certainly is a full time job to turn all the lead that is out there into gold – but that is a loving and wise parent's power in the face of all the junk out there – even when it reaches our children – which has become pretty unavoidable.

I am not for censorship but not because I believe in unlimited freedom without responsibility, but because I think not censoring will clearly expose what is out there. Open discussions like these will create "good lists" of books, or movies, or foods, etc that will get a lot of power. Then the ACLU will hopefully protect that freedom of speech as well.

You can't slip a kid a book in school anymore without parents googling it in ten minutes to find out what it is about and writing on line about it. I love freedom! May what's good for our children win out over the bad by discussing it freely and openly.

]]> By: kelleysfamilyjewels http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4363 kelleysfamilyjewels Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:22:27 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4363 Mamacita above summed up what I was thinking as I read through these posts. " ...We really ought to make lists of books we WANT our kids to read and tell them these are banned..... Censorship? Absolutely not. Common sense? Definitely. " It is our responsiblity as parents to watch and teach our children good values. Even if they were to choose to read a book that we think questionable- that is our time to step in and teach. Mamacita above summed up what I was thinking as I read through these posts.

" …We really ought to make lists of books we WANT our kids to read and tell them these are banned….. Censorship? Absolutely not. Common sense? Definitely. "

It is our responsiblity as parents to watch and teach our children good values. Even if they were to choose to read a book that we think questionable- that is our time to step in and teach.

]]> By: Banned books and censorship « Stray Thoughts http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4350 Banned books and censorship « Stray Thoughts Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:03:59 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4350 [...] books and censorship I saw at 5 Minutes For Books yesterday that September 27 - October 4 is National Banned Book Awareness week as deemed by the American [...] [...] books and censorship I saw at 5 Minutes For Books yesterday that September 27 – October 4 is National Banned Book Awareness week as deemed by the American [...]

]]> By: Mamacita http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4320 Mamacita Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:47:26 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4320 A sure-fire way to get a kid to read a book is to tell him/her that it's forbidden. We really ought to make lists of books we WANT our kids to read and tell them these are banned. Censorship? Absolutely not. Common sense? Definitely. Unfortunately, people who lack sense often rely on lists made by censors, and too many parents who don't read, themselves, use such lists instead of picking up the book and checking it out for themselves. Bad, bad parents. A sure-fire way to get a kid to read a book is to tell him/her that it's forbidden. We really ought to make lists of books we WANT our kids to read and tell them these are banned.

Censorship? Absolutely not. Common sense? Definitely. Unfortunately, people who lack sense often rely on lists made by censors, and too many parents who don't read, themselves, use such lists instead of picking up the book and checking it out for themselves. Bad, bad parents.

]]> By: Tiffany http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4281 Tiffany Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:55:03 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4281 I am not for banning books. If parents don't want their kids to read certain books they can see to that. They cannot expect government or other institutions to do their job for them and it takes away CHOICE for other people. If Christians feel it is their "duty" to save people from themselves I think they need to get a life. Books are a matter of opinion and choice and we have no rights IMO to be limiting the choices of others...save our own children, until they are 18. I do not censor myself either...I cannot think of any genre I wouldn't at least try to read. If I quit reading I would attribute I am not for banning books. If parents don't want their kids to read certain books they can see to that. They cannot expect government or other institutions to do their job for them and it takes away CHOICE for other people. If Christians feel it is their "duty" to save people from themselves I think they need to get a life. Books are a matter of opinion and choice and we have no rights IMO to be limiting the choices of others…save our own children, until they are 18.

I do not censor myself either…I cannot think of any genre I wouldn't at least try to read. If I quit reading I would attribute

]]> By: Tirzah http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4275 Tirzah Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:42:08 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4275 One problem with banning books is that generally makes kids (and adults) want to read them more out of rebellion or just out of curiosity. Another problem I see is some people have different standards than I do...some higher and some lower. I would much rather censor the books I read myself than have someone I find fanatical censor the books I can read. One problem with banning books is that generally makes kids (and adults) want to read them more out of rebellion or just out of curiosity. Another problem I see is some people have different standards than I do…some higher and some lower. I would much rather censor the books I read myself than have someone I find fanatical censor the books I can read.

]]> By: Amy N. http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4265 Amy N. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:36:20 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4265 I think that regardless of one's profession, as someone who is a parent or/and someone working with children, one has the responsibility to protect children. If there is a rating system, people of age can discern whether they take it to heart, or take it lightly, a rating given a book. But for those who do want to look at a book before their child does, it will do the public good, more than harm. We're not asking to take it out of the library; we're asking to take the book into a certain part of the library. I think it's more scary for kids to get ideas they shouldn't quite be having than it is for a rating system to be 'inflicted' on adults who don't ask for it. IMO, most children don't asked to be given explicit material they can't even understand; and even if they do ask for it/want it, it doesn't mean they should have it. :) JMO, of course, and with all do-respect of those who don't agree. :) I think that regardless of one's profession, as someone who is a parent or/and someone working with children, one has the responsibility to protect children. If there is a rating system, people of age can discern whether they take it to heart, or take it lightly, a rating given a book. But for those who do want to look at a book before their child does, it will do the public good, more than harm. We're not asking to take it out of the library; we're asking to take the book into a certain part of the library. I think it's more scary for kids to get ideas they shouldn't quite be having than it is for a rating system to be 'inflicted' on adults who don't ask for it. IMO, most children don't asked to be given explicit material they can't even understand; and even if they do ask for it/want it, it doesn't mean they should have it. :)

JMO, of course, and with all do-respect of those who don't agree. :)

]]> By: Barbara H. http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4259 Barbara H. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:57:18 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4259 I don't think book banning at all replaces or is passing off parental responsibility. I think it supplements parental responsibility. When I was in a Christian high school, we had a bookmobile come by periodically. Once one student picked up a book (whether by accident or on purpose, I don't remember) the school administration would not have approved, and the person overseeing the bookmobile told him if he wanted that book, he'd check it out for him and keep it secret from the school. With people like that working against family and Christian values, yes, I support keeping certain books out of availability for certain ages. Then a parent can take the initiative in whether to go over that book with her own children rather than having to deal with it after they saw it somewhere else. We have to remember that the world's idea is "anything goes," but a Christian should filter everything through Philippians 4:8. I don't think that means we only read Pollyanna-ish books. But I do think it means we avoid gratuitous violence and sexuality. Even the Bible has violent and sexual scenes, but they are handled in a completely different way from most modern writers. I wished someone had banned Pl*yboy and its ilk when it first started. It is not doing any good for anyone except the people who are making money off of it. But it is probably too deeply ingrained in society now. But if there was ever a case for banning, that's it. I grew up in a non-Christian home, and there were "dirty" books around which I picked up with a child's curiosity. I am sad to say that some of the scenes from those books enter my thoughts even now 40 years later. We do need to be careful what we put into our minds. I did read <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i> before I had any idea that it was banned. I would not want a child who was too young to understand it to read it, but a mature older teen or young person could understand filter through it. While parts of it are wonderful, it does have language in it I don'[t normally read, and I do wrestle with where to draw the line. More thoughts on this book are <a href="http://barbarah.wordpress.com/2008/08/26/book-review-to-kill-a-mockingbird/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. One problem with banning is that not everyone has the same yardstick whereby they make evaluations. But I would support a rating system of some kind for books. For Christians, though I do believe in self-censorship via Phil. 4:8, and I support the banning of some books from children, ultimately what people need are hearts changed by the gospel of Christ. We're never going to be able to cage in every avenue of temptation, but as we present the gospel and some believe, as they go on to read the Word and grow, they will develop discernment. I don't think book banning at all replaces or is passing off parental responsibility. I think it supplements parental responsibility. When I was in a Christian high school, we had a bookmobile come by periodically. Once one student picked up a book (whether by accident or on purpose, I don't remember) the school administration would not have approved, and the person overseeing the bookmobile told him if he wanted that book, he'd check it out for him and keep it secret from the school. With people like that working against family and Christian values, yes, I support keeping certain books out of availability for certain ages. Then a parent can take the initiative in whether to go over that book with her own children rather than having to deal with it after they saw it somewhere else.

We have to remember that the world's idea is "anything goes," but a Christian should filter everything through Philippians 4:8. I don't think that means we only read Pollyanna-ish books. But I do think it means we avoid gratuitous violence and sexuality. Even the Bible has violent and sexual scenes, but they are handled in a completely different way from most modern writers.

I wished someone had banned Pl*yboy and its ilk when it first started. It is not doing any good for anyone except the people who are making money off of it. But it is probably too deeply ingrained in society now. But if there was ever a case for banning, that's it.

I grew up in a non-Christian home, and there were "dirty" books around which I picked up with a child's curiosity. I am sad to say that some of the scenes from those books enter my thoughts even now 40 years later. We do need to be careful what we put into our minds.

I did read To Kill a Mockingbird before I had any idea that it was banned. I would not want a child who was too young to understand it to read it, but a mature older teen or young person could understand filter through it. While parts of it are wonderful, it does have language in it I don'[t normally read, and I do wrestle with where to draw the line. More thoughts on this book are here.

One problem with banning is that not everyone has the same yardstick whereby they make evaluations. But I would support a rating system of some kind for books.

For Christians, though I do believe in self-censorship via Phil. 4:8, and I support the banning of some books from children, ultimately what people need are hearts changed by the gospel of Christ. We're never going to be able to cage in every avenue of temptation, but as we present the gospel and some believe, as they go on to read the Word and grow, they will develop discernment.

]]> By: Michelle http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4253 Michelle Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:23:08 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4253 Great post. As a librarian this is near and dear to my heart. I just wanted to respond to those who believe that there should be a rating system for books just as there is a rating system for movies. The problem with that is, who does the rating? The MPAA is a PRIVATE organization who rate based on what a few people have to say about movies. It is also biased on what they believe should be given a certain rating. It feels like censorship to me when an X rated is given to a movie because it has as woman mastrubating (Boys Don't cry) vs. an R rated for a male masturbating in American Pie. I use that example because it really scares me that people think warning labels should be put on books. The other thing to think about is, if you label something dangerous, it is going to be much more enticing than otherwise. Great post. As a librarian this is near and dear to my heart. I just wanted to respond to those who believe that there should be a rating system for books just as there is a rating system for movies. The problem with that is, who does the rating? The MPAA is a PRIVATE organization who rate based on what a few people have to say about movies. It is also biased on what they believe should be given a certain rating. It feels like censorship to me when an X rated is given to a movie because it has as woman mastrubating (Boys Don't cry) vs. an R rated for a male masturbating in American Pie.

I use that example because it really scares me that people think warning labels should be put on books. The other thing to think about is, if you label something dangerous, it is going to be much more enticing than otherwise.

]]> By: Blessed http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4243 Blessed Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:41:03 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4243 I'm not in favor of "banning" books from public libraries, book stores and etc... I do think books should be rated - I love to read a wide variety of genre's and am always looking for new-to-me author's. I do a "book scan" checking for the things that turn me off - excessive foul language, excessive explicit sexual scenes, excessive violence, gore, horror, etc... it would be nice if there was a "rating" system to let us know what is in a book... As my daughter gets older, I will censor her reading and as she gets older I'll let her read books that might promote values, lifestyles and etc... that we disagree with - but that will be a launching point for discussion and a way for her to decide what her values and lifestyle are going to be. That's how my Dad did it with us and it worked :) I'm not in favor of "banning" books from public libraries, book stores and etc… I do think books should be rated – I love to read a wide variety of genre's and am always looking for new-to-me author's. I do a "book scan" checking for the things that turn me off – excessive foul language, excessive explicit sexual scenes, excessive violence, gore, horror, etc… it would be nice if there was a "rating" system to let us know what is in a book…

As my daughter gets older, I will censor her reading and as she gets older I'll let her read books that might promote values, lifestyles and etc… that we disagree with – but that will be a launching point for discussion and a way for her to decide what her values and lifestyle are going to be. That's how my Dad did it with us and it worked :)

]]> By: joanne at frutto della passione http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4236 joanne at frutto della passione Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:24:49 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4236 I should first say that I am an avid reader. I love books and I have passed that love on to my 8 year old son. I take him to the library and book store. We choose what he reads together. I only interfere if I feel his choice is too difficult or inappropriate for his age or his personality. You see I know my son. I know that a book (or movie) about dinosaurs, no matter how detailed in nature, will never frighten him, but a book about ghosts, no matter how juvenile, will keep him awake for weeks. The first time he watched Jurassic Park (and sequels) he was cheering on the dinosaurs and I was cowering in a corner but Jack'o'lanterns terrified him at the same age. Someone else can't decide for my son because they don't know him, I do. So it is my responsibility as a loving parent to help him make those choices until he is old enough to make them himself. Now that he is getting older, I explain why I think a book or film is not appropriate for him and he accepts my explanation. I should first say that I am an avid reader. I love books and I have passed that love on to my 8 year old son. I take him to the library and book store. We choose what he reads together. I only interfere if I feel his choice is too difficult or inappropriate for his age or his personality. You see I know my son. I know that a book (or movie) about dinosaurs, no matter how detailed in nature, will never frighten him, but a book about ghosts, no matter how juvenile, will keep him awake for weeks. The first time he watched Jurassic Park (and sequels) he was cheering on the dinosaurs and I was cowering in a corner but Jack'o'lanterns terrified him at the same age. Someone else can't decide for my son because they don't know him, I do. So it is my responsibility as a loving parent to help him make those choices until he is old enough to make them himself. Now that he is getting older, I explain why I think a book or film is not appropriate for him and he accepts my explanation.

]]> By: What Do You Think of Banning Books? http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4233 What Do You Think of Banning Books? Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:29:27 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4233 [...] Jennifer and others are talking about it at 5 Minutes for Books. [...] [...] Jennifer and others are talking about it at 5 Minutes for Books. [...]

]]> By: Censorship, books and Banned Book Week « Mommy Madness http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4223 Censorship, books and Banned Book Week « Mommy Madness Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:22:21 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4223 [...] 29, 2008 at 1:22 am (Uncategorized) So, I was over at 5 Minutes for Books, and came across a wonderful post about censorship in selection of books - both that you read for yourself and books that you [...] [...] 29, 2008 at 1:22 am (Uncategorized) So, I was over at 5 Minutes for Books, and came across a wonderful post about censorship in selection of books – both that you read for yourself and books that you [...]

]]> By: Sandra http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/332/do-you-censor-yourself/#comment-4216 Sandra Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:26:23 +0000 http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/?p=332#comment-4216 Do I censor myself? Absolutely. I know which subjects turn me off, upset me, give me mightmares, or I'm just not interested in. Like food choices, I like to make my own. Do I think parents have full rights when it comes to what their children read. Absolutely, they know the child best and are responsible for what shapes their minds. After that, what someone else reads is none of mine or anyone else's business. I've posted a banned book survey on my blog if anyone is interested. I haven't figured out yet where to find the source for the origin questions in these circles. Glad you wrote this. Do I censor myself? Absolutely. I know which subjects turn me off, upset me, give me mightmares, or I'm just not interested in. Like food choices, I like to make my own. Do I think parents have full rights when it comes to what their children read. Absolutely, they know the child best and are responsible for what shapes their minds. After that, what someone else reads is none of mine or anyone else's business.
I've posted a banned book survey on my blog if anyone is interested. I haven't figured out yet where to find the source for the origin questions in these circles. Glad you wrote this.

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