Like most of us, during high school I spent most of my time resenting my teachers and acted like a thorn in their side when I thought it would get a few cheap laughs from my friends. But I had one teacher that I had so much respect for that I couldn’t get myself to act out or disinterested even if I tried. Mr. Florence taught my contemporary literature class during my sophomore year and I looked up to him like father figure.
That could very well be the reason that when he introduced William Golding’s novel “Lord of The Flies” it quickly became one of my favorite books. Each week we read a chapter or two about well mannered British boys stranded on a island who quickly lapsed into savage and barbaric behavior and would discuss as a class. Soon enough the protagonists Ralph, Simon and Piggy became my hero’s. I felt myself jump inside when reason and common sense prevailed and sunk when Jack convinced the group that survival was only for those who climbed the ladder of power by any means necessary. And I mean ANY means necessary.
Those golden memories are placed in retrospect when in order to write this article I find that “Lord of the Flies” has either been brought before school boards to consider banning it or has been banned by many school boards throughout the country. It’s completely cliche but being a political science major myself I thank my lucky stars that the first amendment of the United States constitution was written and ratified.
The American Library Association celebrates “Banned Book Week” from September 23rd to 27th every year in order to appreciate everyone’s freedom to read. While it’s understandable why some would want to limit the exposure of extreme or explicit ideas to young minds its much more important to understand that reading a book is not endorsing its themes.
For example, I mentioned that I study political science. During the course of my college life I’ve purchased and read books from the likes of Pablo Neruda and Chairman Mao Tse Tung both well known communists. While I don’t agree with their views reading about them has expanded my mind and allowed me to challenge my own beliefs. That’s something I appreciate as much as having friends and family.
Benjamin Franklin writing under his famous pen man Silence Dogood once said “Without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.” the takeaway being that freedom of speech allows equality to be spread through society. If all have the right to speak and write as they feel then everyone can have a say in public discourse. Banning others from reading those thoughts only places them on an uneven playing field.
While Banned Book Week has passed this year I challenge you to find a book that has been banned and read it. Appreciate what the author is trying to paint for you with their words whether or not you agree with them. Ponder, grow, think critically and speak your mind. Because, after all, Our intellect is one of the few things we can hold on to.
And unlike the savage boys of “Lord of the Flies”, when it comes to allowing others to think critically for themselves choose reason before instinct. In the words borrowed by Steve Jobs..
Stay Hungry Stay Foolish Aggies.
