Lombardi, Esther. ThoughtCo, Jan. 18, 2021, thoughtco.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird-banned-741685. The classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird received the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. Another main reason books are banned is due to racial issues (Common Reasons For Banning Books). By a young age many were taught that killing was very bad, and that the killing of the innocent is worst, but other than that this lesson can not be taught. To Kill a Mockingbird explores both aspects of humanity. After all, we want children to remain innocent, to be removed and protected from the injustices, unfairness, cruelty, and fear that so often prevails in this world. The debate remains whether the book should stay in history or if we should continue to read and learn from the mistakes of the characters. On the other hand, books like George Orwell’s Animal Farm have strong topics that may not suit some readers. A school in Biloxi Mississippi is taking ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ out of the curriculum. This book was published on July 11th, 1960. We need to ask … Some want to ban To Kill a Mockingbird because of the racism, but the book actually denounces racism and prejudice. Some books are banned in schools and libraries because they contain uncomfortable topics or offensive language; however, some people believe banned books are worth reading because they incorporate life lessons that students can learn from. Esther Lombardi, M.A., is a journalist who has covered books and literature for over twenty years. For some parents, teachers and other gateways to reading, the topic of violation (even in an abstract sense) is unacceptable for school-age children. It was meant to make the reader uncomfortable. I understand this instinct — this fear that some might have towards being open about an issue that lives deep in the heart. So, a confession: To Kill a Mockingbird is not my favorite book to teach. Public libraries could get a lot of complains if they do not ban certain books from their library. We may dislike what she's saying (and doing), we come to some acceptance of the psychology of the poor, abused girl; she would do or say anything (in her fearful and browbeaten state). Many parents believe that their children should not be unprotected from explicit content. There has been much controversy over whether or not the novel To Kill a Mockingbird should be banned or not. Copyright © 2020 IPL.org All rights reserved. Lee's novel contains domestic abuse, incest, mob … The question is: should To Kill a Mockingbird be taught in schools? There are many books with usage of profanity and slurs, and many people have accepted it as okay, but many find it as a disgrace. He is not deterred. This article will also be talking about the book series Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone it was written by J.K. Rowling, this book will be used to prove. Many authors such as Kelly Konrad and Ellen Ryan strongly believe that books should not be banned because they teach life lessons and limits freedom of speech. “To Kill a Mockingbird” was written in … To Kill a Mockingbird has widely been criticized for the themes and language used in the book, but many believe it should still be read. The book I chose for banned book week is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Although the lies that are told related to the "rape" are not explicit in nature, there's still the fact that Mayella Ewell put blame on Tom Robinson for a horrible violation. Why To Kill a Mockingbird Is Controversial. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a classic novel, receiving the 1961 Pulitzer Prize. Kill A Mockingbird Should Not Be Banned 2068 Words | 9 Pages. To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee in 1960 ,is one of the most controversial novels between society and school boards. Lastly, this novel is banned also for its racial content. Harper Lee was born on April 28, 1959 in Monroeville, Alabama. It has many important values imbedded in the story for us to learn, as well as a lot to teach us about our history. Lombardi, Esther. Banned in Lindale, Texas, for content that “conflicted with the values of the community.”. Lombardi, Esther. Even though it has been deemed classic literature, “To Kill a Mockingbird” still finds itself on the banned books list. A Mississippi school district in Biloxi has just pulled Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” from its middle school curriculum because “it makes people uncomfortable.” However, it should only be taught in schools if the teacher discusses the book’s controversy with their students. students.“Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy” (Orwell 53). The question is, why is this novel banned? Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird has a long history with censorship. Some parents, students, and school board members think books are constantly being banned in educational facilities and libraries because of their explicit content and profanity; however; many of those same books teach important life lessons and represent freedom of speech. That's the whole point. When Harper Lee set out to write “To Kill a Mockingbird,” she wasn’t trying to write an average story that taught its lessons through peaceful encounters. Though it has been called classic literature, the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, still remains on the banned booklist.The profanity, racial content, and rape references have led people to challenge this book and remove the novel from all classrooms and school libraries. One major reason books are banned is because they are not age appropriate (Common Reasons For Banning Books). It holds the seventh slot in the American Library Association’s top ten most challenged and banned books list for 2017, and it also appeared on the 2009 and 2011 lists. Banning Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' from middle schools is not totally wrong, just often undertaken for the wrong reasons. Some want to ban To Kill a Mockingbird because of the racism, but the book actually denounces racism and prejudice. To Kill a Mockingbird is an inspirational book that teaches valuable moral values, and should not be banned. Many people have come to realize that the Since its publication in 1960, the novel about a white lawyers defense of a black man against a false rape charge by a white woman has become one of … Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is an exceedingly controversial book that has caused debate in the academic community for decades. We want to … The book has been banned multiple times according to the American Library Association, and unfortunately, this will probably continue to be a recurrent issue … A school boards decision to remove To Kill a Mockingbird from eighth grade curriculums in Biloxi, Mississippi, is the latest in a long line of attempts to ban the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee. Why to kill a mockingbird should be banned essay. In the case of the Biloxi School District, the novel was banned due to its uncomfortable language. Indeed, to kill a mockingbird is a. Banning books will get students, schools, and libraries off the hook. Why Should To Kill A Mockingbird Be Banned. award winning To Kill a Mockingbird was banned and challenged countless times. To Kill a Mockingbird is commonly challenged due to its use of the n-word, its violent content, and its depiction of Depression-era racism. Another reason To Kill a Mockingbird is banned is for references to rape. It has been challenged for the depiction of violence, offensive language, and racism. "Why To Kill a Mockingbird Is Controversial." 'To Kill a Mockingbird' Themes, Symbols, and Literary Devices, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' Book Club Discussion Questions, Scout Finch Quotes from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Go Set a Watchman' Quotes, M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento, B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento. Why Schools Shouldn’t Stop Teaching ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ Because Of The N-Word A Mississippi school district is going after Harper Lee's classic work, contending that … The book To Kill a Mockingbird has been fought over for many years. One argument that book enthusiasts often bring up is that the very books that are being banned and challenged teach great lessons to children and even adults around the world. If not for these certain words as stated in the book, the novel would not be as recognized or celebrated. It was meant to be controversial. Imagine what the book would be like if they sanitized the novel. Her father was a lawyer as was Scout, who is the main character of the story. To Kill a Mockingbird has widely been criticized for the themes and language used in the book, but many believe it should still be read. Atticus is the only man who is brave enough to stand up against the mob-rule, in an effort to ensure that justice is served! To Kill a Mockingbird had its chance while it lasted. Why is To Kill a Mockingbird banned?.