I’ve seen both sides of the argument.
Censorship isn’t a popular topic among writers, but I understand why some people feel justified in trying to protect their children, their families, and their communities from ideas that are not their own.
Ideas are very powerful things. And when ideas conflict with our personal beliefs, our instinct is to fight back.
After all, ideas can change people. Yes, as much as we like to deny personal responsibility, when we allow ideas to be shared we run the risk of changing minds. People introduced to new ideas begin to think in new ways.
And if that happened, it could create all sorts of problems:
- Women could vote
- Children could receive an education
- The disabled could find jobs
- All races could be treated as equals
- Anyone could fall in love and marry
- Individuals could become more important than institutions
- We could put an end to pollution, save endangered species and ecosystems, and become conservators of our planet
- We could live in peace
So, the next time someone says to you they don’t want you to read a book, remember this. They are probably saving you from ideas that could make you see things in a different way.
Thank them. Put down your book. Go back to work.
It’s probably safer that way.