Argument Essay on Banned Books

Fransheska Sermeno                                                                                       12/17/14          812                                                                                                                  ELA

Essay

            We have the capability to learn and understand what goes on not just in the world but in books too. Books shouldn’t be banned from us teenagers and kids; we should be able to have access to books with mature context so teens can be better educated on these topics. Banning books have been a solemn and immense topic for students and teachers. Some people say it is necessary to ban books like Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi so that kids don’t have to be exposed to certain topics while some argue that it doesn’t allow kids to express themselves and to learn more about these topics in the book like war and violence. Even though the text Persepolis includes scenes of people being sliced up and bombing in neighborhoods, middle school students should have access to it and stay in the 8^th grade curriculum because it shows the reality of the world we live in.

            Persepolis should not be removed and students should have access to it because it can give the opportunity for them to learn about advanced or mature topics. In fact, the article “Darkness too Visible” Gurdon argues that the young adult books ‘Scars’ by Cheryl Rainfield, which contain context about cutting and rape have questionable context but have  “…Provided teachable moments for family”(3).  Even though parents don’t take the time to teach their kids on topics like these, teenagers should be able to access these books to learn about certain topics they might want to know about. Parents believe that teenagers are too young and aren’t ready for these types of topics; The article “Can Book Censorship Save Our Children and Their Innocence?” .Rich indicates that “Rather than banning the book for its sexual content, a better solution would be for parents to put such subjects into perspective for the children who may want to read the book. However, even if parents feel that their children are simply too young for such information then a guardian’s permission would be far better solution.” (1) Parents shouldn’t forbid their kids to read the book but should find a solution where both parties are happy.

            Others debate, learning about mature topics can make kids do harmful things when it actually teaches and makes them feel better. The article “Darkness too Visible” Gurdon describes the book by the famous teen author called Judy Blume who wrote then-daring books like Are You There God its Me Margret? And Then Again Maybe I Won’t which, according to parents had ‘questionable material…’ (3) These books have made other teens know its ok to learn about these new things occurring in your life as a teen. Some argue that books like Go Ask Alice and Rage contain gruesome material that can make kids scared or cause self harm to them; They would even go as far as to say it can endanger young people. However, in the article “Banned Books” Finan argues, “Books don’t turn kids into murderers, or rapists, or alcoholics. Books open hearts and minds, and help teenagers make sense of a dark and confusing world,”(2) and “I write for teens because I vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen, facing everyday and epic dangers. I write to give them weapons-in the form of words-that will help them fight their monsters.”(2) The author suggests that they mean no harm and just wish to write books to open their eyes.

            By banning Persepolis, teens and kids won’t be able to understand what really happens in the world and about what people have to go through to survive and can relate to such topics in theses books. The article “High School Students on the CPS Banning of Persepolis” discuses the issue of banning the book Persepolis from schools” High school students demonstrate their opinion on banning the book, this is what they said:

"Persepolis is not inappropriate, it may have violence, but violence is in the everyday life of a seventh grader." (2) and "Teachers know what their students are capable of handling, so if they feel their students couldn't take the book -- they wouldn't let them read it.” (2) and "This book shows a lot of emotions such as love, hate and struggle. It is important to know the true events surrounding the life of this girl.” (2)  and "Teachers should be able to decide at what age to teach this book, because teachers know if their students are mature enough for the book” “Students shouldn't be disrupted of their education because CPS thinks they are not mature enough. The teachers know what the kids can and cannot handle." This reveals students opinion towards banning important books like Persepolis.

            Even though books contain mature context and can include gruesome material, they provide a chance for teens to be informed on topics like war, violence, abuse, etc. which are in some teen books. The book Persepolis should not be one of the books that are banned because it can show important real life problems that people have to go through.

Works Cited

Finan, Christopher M., Joan E. Bertin. “Banned Books.” Courier-Journal. 23 Sep. 2012:    H.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web.20 Nov. 2014

Gourdon, Meghan Cox. “Darkness Too Visible.” The Wall Street Journal. 04 June. 2011: WSJ. Web. 02 Oct. 2014

Rich, Jake. “Can Book Censorship Save Our Children and Their Innocence?” University   Wire. 07 Oct. 2014: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.