I decided that I would check out a list of books that have
in the past been banned by governments. I was quite surprised to find that a
few of those on the list I had read. A lot of these titles I have also included
on my Top Ten books that have had an impact upon me; make of that what you
will.
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| Damn those anthropomorphic animals |
It was banned in China in 1931 for its portray
of intelligent animals. I myself can’t quite see why this was deemed harmful
for the reader. Surely the fact that it can be seen as a advertisement for
drugs is more concerning.
I wasn’t surprised this one was banned; it
was, after all, a clear attack on the USSR political system. What did shock me
was that it is still banned, and censored, in some Asian countries. Once again
the problem seems to be for its intelligent critters.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The book was banned in Ireland for its
portrayal of sexuality. However, as anyone who has read it will agree, the
promiscuous activities aren’t looked on favourably in the novel.
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chauncer
It was banned in the U.S for its ‘filthy’
language. I must say The Miller’s Tale
does indeed make me blush.
The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank
It was banned in Lebanon for its
sympathetic portrayal of Jews.
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
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| Not sure if I fancy it myself. |
China banned this beloved childrens’ book
for its Marxist ideas. To be honest the Marxism isn’t that obvious, especially
to a child, but I agree that persuasive political ideologies should stay out of
childrens’ literature.
1984 by George Orwell
Like Animal
Farm, this anti-soviet novel was banned. But this time for its political
satire, not talking animals.
Overall, I have to say I applaud an event like Banned Book Week that seeks to highlight the dangers of censorship. Thankfully most of these bans have been lifted and we theoretically live in an age where censorship is harder to hide (in this country at least).
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland image from illustrators lounge, Eggs and ham from yeunglei
Overall, I have to say I applaud an event like Banned Book Week that seeks to highlight the dangers of censorship. Thankfully most of these bans have been lifted and we theoretically live in an age where censorship is harder to hide (in this country at least).
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland image from illustrators lounge, Eggs and ham from yeunglei
