Given that diverse books make up a relatively small amount of the total books available (in English, at least,) it should be eye-opening that the most challenged and banned books are those which allow diverse voices a platform.
A look at the 2015 list of the 10 most challenged books should show you the truth of this.
Except for The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, each of these books either has an author from a diverse community, and/or has diverse characters.
(Even Looking For Alaska, I'm told (by Wikipedia,) has a PoC character.)
This year's Banned Books Week from the American Library Association (yes, I know I'm not American - but dudes, when America sneezes, the world catches a cold,) is focussed on celebrating diversity.
And the banned-books-flag is starting to be flown over here in the UK too.
Diversity is not a threat. Diversity is under threat.
Diversity is vital. Diversity is wonderful. Diversity gives you the opportunity to hear other people's voices.
Why would you think hearing the voices of others is a bad thing?
And a little food for thought...
All graphics & infographics are from the ALA/Banned Books Week Coalition
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Definitely agree! A lot of diverse books are sometimes seen as unsuitable because they challenge societal norms. It's stupid.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! :)
DeleteI can't believe Looking for Alaska is being banned for that one scene!! So dumb :/
ReplyDeleteBook banning doesn't often make sense, in honesty! :)
Delete