Did you know that Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes recently joined the eighth-grade curriculum after decades of banning? Challenging books has become a popular act; although one may not see the reason to do so in several of those books, there are hidden things that a simple eye cannot understand. In order to understand the meaning of banning and challenging books, one must identify the differences. Challenging is the act of expressing a point of view or simply a critic, usually with the goal to remove a book; while banning means the complete removal of the texts challenged. These removal methods happen mostly with good intentions, as to protect weaker audiences from offensive content. For instance Flowers for Algernon received banning all …show more content…
His inspiration for writing the book arose from a previous discussion with his parents, about dropping out from med-school, in order to achieve his dream of becoming an author; to which his parents did not agree. Keyes strong arguments toward this book and against his parents claimed that his “education [was] driving a wedge between [him] and the people [he] loved” (Keyes, Interview). The intrigues of the book’s topic began with a single question: “What would happen if it were possible to increase a person’s intelligence?” (Keyes 1999, 16). Subsequently, ideas took off from there, using his medical school professors taking roles on the book as Professor Strauss and Nemur. Keyes had created a splendid story, even though before the publishing, Galaxy Magazine- his editor- asked him to change the ending so that Charlie remained intelligent and married Alice- Charlie’s former teacher- to which Keyes did not agree. Later selling the story to The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction and winning the Nebula Award in
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz takes a look at the banning of books through the lens of elementary schooler Amy Anne. It details what it means to ban a book and what implications it can have on society. It covers additional themes such as child-adult hierarchy, fact vs. opinion, family dynamics, and finding your confidence: all of which contribute to Amy Anne’s fight to get books unbanned at her elementary school. Overall, I liked this book.
but the book has also sparked wild discussions about its content and if it should be taught in schools across the country. Although The Catcher In The Rye presents strong sexual themes and vulgar language, these aspects showcase the characters ' deepest emotions while staying true to the human experience and the power of language. The very same issues that cause the catcher in the rye to climb the banned book list, sexual themes and vulgar language, are exactly the things that make this piece worth teaching in high school curriculums, as they show readers the truest
One of the key principles that make the country great is our freedom to say, write, and read whatever we want. Despite this, countless public figures and schools have chosen to restrict access to certain books, whether it’s in order to protect political correctness or explicit sexual content and violence. Rarely do these people stop and consider the dire effects book banning might have on both students and society as a whole. An author does not write because they are looking to offend someone, they right because they have a story to share. The First Amendment of the Constitution not only works to protect this right to the fullest extent possible, but also serves to protect the rights of the people that choose to be offended by these stories.
In the 21st century, many books are challenged and banned for their content, some of these include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Animal Farm, and Fahrenheit 451. Many of the reasons given for banning are the same. The reasons include violence, language, symbols, and religion. This makes it very difficult for educational professionals; which books should be taught and which ones should be banned, when does protection become unnecessary censorship? Although Fahrenheit 451 shows some dark themes such as banning books, disregard for human life, and suicide, it should be included in the school curriculum because it shows the dystopian future that awaits the world if the events in the book become a reality.
The Pros and Cons of Banning Books There are two sides to the book banning: those for it and those against it. These sources will show why books get banned. First, there is the author Macey France she makes her point of saying why books should be banned by showing the bad parts of banned books. The next author, Jenni White has a similar approach and even uses a quote from France. This next author, Emma Greguska writes her point about how we should not ban books, saying these books prepare the students for the future and teaches them how to deal with real-life problems in a safe space.
Books can create portals to different life experiences and encourage reading. A few schools and libraries have challenged the educational value of some books, however, therefore leading them to eventually be prohibited in a particular place. Each reason may be different depending on the book and the location of the exclusions. Books are icons of literature and their value should outshine the occasionally offensive topic. Be that as it may, there are multiple reasons why books should be taught and included in a curriculum.
Books are an essential way to gain knowledge whether they are controversial or not. Thousands of books have been banned from public libraries and schools due to being deemed ‘inappropriate’ by parents, administrators, or religious leaders. Whether Americans should ban books in public libraries and schools is an often debated topic. This censorship of books is dangerous, as it restricts the American people's’ ability to access information, leaving Americans ignorant. Historically, banning books is not a new practice.
At one point in time, over 7,220 books have been challenged to be banned. Though these books have been removed for the safety of children, not all books should be banned for many reasons. These include the fact that banning books is infringing on the First Amendment, keeping children from understanding the real world, and, even though there are many reasons for book banning, not banning books could help a student’s education and can even work against itself. Banning a book from a school or public library could go against a person’s First Amendment of the freedom of press.
Flowers for Algernon explores themes of ethical dilemmas in scientific research. Charlie Gordon is the first human to undergo an experimental operation to triple his IQ from 68 to 204. His mental capacities dramatically increase, but the consequences are drastic when the operation fails and he regresses. Under Charlie’s circumstances, the operation was unethical. Charlie, mentally disabled, cannot give informed consent.
Different types of literature open new doors through which students’ can explore the unknown and expand their knowledge of controversial topics. The great examples found in literature have been the subject of much debate, as school boards wrestle with whether children should be allowed to read such difficult, harsh topics, as said in the article “How Banning Books Marginalizes Children” (Source F). There are so many brilliant works of literature spanning a wide variety of genres and topics, and a single school board should not determine what students learn. No one is proposing that second graders read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, but rather that we intentionally choose literature that will expand, rather than limit, children’s options and minds. Not only do these great works lay the groundwork for our future generation, but they also serve to diversify students’ writing and analysis skills.
“American citizens who care about the improvement of education are urged to join students, teachers, librarians, administrators, boards of education, and professional and scholarly organizations in support of the students’ right to read” (The Students Right to Read). Citizens should be allowed to stand up if they believe books should not be banned. It is important that writers should be able to have their books out to the public without getting banned. “Challengers often employ a definition that maintains that banning materials is the only true form of censorship,”(Knox 740). Censorship of books is common and a real problem.
Every child deserves a proper education. Banned books are depriving students of a well rounded, culturally aware, literary education because of the culture that is discarded, the history that is being withheld, and the education that young people could get through these banned books. The point of history is to learn from it and learn from others mistakes, but how can we do that if we are not allowed to learn it. As teachers shouldn’t you be teaching us how to make judgment calls like understanding that Mark Twain was a racist, but a man of his time and that doesn’t change him being an amazing writer. We cannot learn things such as that if we cannot even read most of Mark Twain’s books.
It denies individuals of finding out about their general surroundings. Books should not be banned because of what they appear to be. For instance, restricting books are unlawful and not valuable for schools. '' I don't think a school board can wrap its political concerns in the cloak of educational suitability,'' Mr. Levine said (“Book-Banning Arguments are heard ”). The statement is vital in light of the fact that it gives
“American citizens who care about the improvement of education are urged to join students, teachers, librarians, administrators, boards of education, and professional and scholarly organizations in support of the students’ right to read” (The Students Right to Read). Citizens should be allowed to stand up if they believe books should not be banned. It is important that writers should be able to have their books out to the public without getting banned. “Challengers often employ a definition that maintains that banning materials is the only true form of censorship,”(Knox 740). Censorship of books is common and a real problem.
The novel Flowers for Algernon written by Daniel Keyes effectively explores the complex human experiences of disability and the impact that it has on individuals and society through its three major themes; Self-realisation , Alienation and loneliness and treatment of the mentally disabled by society. Through these themes this response will highlight the difficulties experienced by people with disabilities and the people in their lives. The first theme in Flowers for Algernon is self-realisation. Charlie’s new found knowledge has allowed him to have the ability to voice his needs and wants for understanding, acceptance, and love.