Adolescent Literature and Censorship Education Essay (Essay Sample)

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Adolescent Literature and Censorship
In the antiquity, when human beings started using literature as a way of disseminating information about their societies, there existed pieces of art which were considered obscene and unfit for a juvenile audience. As such, it is right to say that censorship, especially in adolescent literature, is something which is as old as literature itself (Beach et al.). Over the past, heated debates have erupted between opposing sides which believe that they hold the best interest of adolescents –whose voices are muted in the discussion –at heart. Censorship, in children’s literature, is a perennial traditional flashpoint based on personal conviction. It is only fair to agree with the proponents of censorship who pursue it to prevent children from accessing books, media files, or any publication that can corrupt their minds. From 1990 to 2000, the American Library Association (ALA) received about 6364 challenges to books in public libraries and schools. While the freedom of expression and getting information through reading can be considered fundamental human rights, the potentiality of some publications corrupting the minds children cannot be downplayed. Consequently, books that promote racial discrimination, promiscuity, domestic violence, bullying, blasphemy, drug abuse, pre-marital sex, and vulgar language among adolescents should face an outright ban (Grace Akers 386).