Should Challenged Books Be Banned?

Should Challenged Books Be Banned? 

   Across the world, school boards are debating whether to ban certain books. The banning of certain 

books is called censorship. “Censorship is the removal, suppression or restricted circulation of 

literature” writes Henry  Reichman. Many to all of the deal with what parents say “mature topics”. 

Some topics include rape, romance/sexuality, drugs, addiction, religion, children challenging 

parent(s)/ authorities, etc. One example of a book trying to be censored is 13 Reasons Why by Jay 

Asher. This particular book deals with rape, underage drinking, bullying and suicide. Some people 

say the book should be banned, however it can teach valuable things to readers such a cause-and-

effect; therefore, it shouldn’t be banned.

     Some parents have been saying that book makes “the reader feel nakedly uncomfortable” because 

it deals with rape. “The harsh reality is that many students... act on those feelings of despair.” after 

being raped. A person just can’t take the feeling anymore. Although suicide, which Hannah 

committed may not be the right choice, it can teach kids or just people in general to get help. Overall, 

the book may deal with a mature topic, but it can help people cope and be “comforting” to know 

others are going through what you may be going through. 

    When someone bullies someone, the victim will typically put on an I don’t care face. But their 

hurting inside, because they can’t seem to get what the bully said out of his/her mind. In the book the 

main character commits suicide, because all of the actions people thought didn’t effect her really did. 

“People [need] to realize that every action-or-inaction has consequences.” This is very true, although 

this may just be a fiction book things like suicide happens every day. One recent example is a 14-

year old student, David Q. Phan. Phan committed suicide in front of his school and classmates. He 

“condemned the bullying...” 

    Lastly censorship of books goes against the U.S constitution. The constitutions first amendment is 

about “Freedom of expression”. Literature is a form of expression, and if people take that away, it’s 

saying you shouldn’t express yourself. Totally wrong! People need a voice, to be heard. Books are 

banned because people “disagreed with the ideas contained in the book.” Honestly this isn’t fair to 

all the people who want to read the book. It’s your choice. 

    In conclusion, although the censorship of books is taking place, banning books won’t help. In fact 

books like 13 Reasons Why can help, and teach lessons. Small things you don’t think effect people 

may. You don’t know their personal life. It’s just a matter of time before the actions people make set 

the person of. There are many things we can’t change, but if everyone works together the censorship 

of books will be one less thing to worry about. 

Bibliography 

Asher, Jay. Thirteen Reasons Why: A Novel. New York: Razorbill, 2007. Print.

"Banned Books Awareness:." Banned Books Awareness. Banned Books World, 26 Jan. 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014.

 Fillichio, Carl. "Banned Books Awareness:." Banned Books Awareness. Huffington Post, 26 Sept. 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014.

 "First Amendment." First Amendment. Cornell University Law School, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.

"First Amendment Site." First Amendment Site. Lehigh University, n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.