Authors of top banned books discuss censorship | ABCNL

ABC News

5 Oct 202307:37

Summary

TLDRThe video transcript discusses the issue of book banning, particularly focusing on books with queer themes, which are among the top targets for censorship in schools and libraries across the US. Authors George M. Johnson and Mike Curado, whose books 'All Boys Aren't Blue' and 'Flamer' respectively are on the list of most banned books, join a conversation to address concerns about the appropriateness of these books for young adults. They argue that these books provide essential resources and narratives for teens navigating real-world issues, including sexual assault and identity. The authors share the positive impact their books have had on readers, emphasizing the importance of representation and providing a roadmap for queer youth. They also discuss the negative repercussions of censorship, such as erasing queer stories and sending harmful messages to LGBTQ+ teens. Strategies to combat book banning include participation in school board meetings, supporting book clubs, and using legal avenues like federal lawsuits. The authors hope that their books will instill hope and a sense of belonging in young readers, reinforcing the value of literature in shaping the next generation's understanding of a diverse and inclusive society.

Takeaways

📚 Band Books Week, initiated in 1982, aims to highlight book bands in the US and has recorded targeted censorship of 3,923 book titles in schools and libraries.
🚫 The American Library Association has noted an increase in book banning, with a focus on titles that are claimed to be sexually explicit.
🏳️‍🌈 George M. Johnson and Mike Curato are authors of two of the top five banned books, which are queer-themed and aimed at young adults.
📖 Johnson's book 'All Boys Aren't Blue' is a young adult non-fiction memoir that addresses growing up queer and black, including experiences of sexual assault.
🎨 Curato's 'Flamer' is a graphic novel for ages 14 and up, depicting a boy bullied for his appearance and challenging stereotypes about being gay.
🤔 Concerns raised by some parents suggest that these books are inappropriate for children and should not be in public libraries or classrooms.
🛡 Johnson argues that the books are not for children but for mature young adults and are necessary for them to navigate real-world issues.
🌐 Curato discusses the repercussions of book censorship, including the impact on queer teenagers' mental health and the message it sends about their worth.
💌 Both authors have received feedback from readers who feel validated and seen in their work, highlighting the importance of representation.
🤝 Johnson and Curato emphasize the universal impact of their books, helping not just queer youth but also adults and seniors who support them.
🛡 Strategies to fight book bans include legal action, public testimony, and empowering young people to organize and advocate for their right to access these books.

Q & A

What is Band Books Week and why was it started?
-Band Books Week, which started in 1982, is an initiative aimed at bringing attention to book bands in the United States. It highlights the issue of censorship and challenges to certain book titles, particularly those that are considered controversial or inappropriate by some groups.
What is the American Library Association's role in Band Books Week?
-The American Library Association records instances of targeted censorship during Band Books Week. In the year mentioned in the script, they have documented at least 3,923 book titles being challenged in over 200 schools and public libraries.
What are the top five banned books according to the American Library Association?
-The script does not provide a complete list of the top five banned books, but it mentions that 'All Boys Aren't Blue' by George M. Johnson and 'Flamer' by Mike Curato are among the most challenged books.
Why are 'All Boys Aren't Blue' and 'Flamer' considered controversial?
-'All Boys Aren't Blue' is a young adult non-fiction memoir that details the author's journey growing up queer and black, including experiences of sexual assault. 'Flamer' is a graphic novel for ages 14 and up that tells the story of a boy bullied for his appearance and challenges stereotypes of being gay. Both books are queer-themed and have been challenged for their content.
What is the argument against having these books in schools and public libraries?
-Some people, mostly parents, argue that these books are inappropriate for children and should not be in public libraries or classrooms due to their explicit content and themes.
How does George M. Johnson respond to the argument that his book is inappropriate for young readers?
-George M. Johnson argues that his book is not intended for children but for mature young adults, aged 16 to 18. He emphasizes that young adults need to read about heavier topics that affect their lives and that his book provides resources and guidance for navigating these issues.
What are the potential repercussions of banning these types of books, according to Mike Curato?
-Mike Curato suggests that book bans, especially those targeting queer stories, can send a harmful message to queer children that they are not wanted or valued. This can contribute to feelings of isolation and even increase the risk of suicide among queer teenagers.
How do authors George M. Johnson and Mike Curato receive feedback from readers of their books?
-Both authors receive feedback from readers of all ages, expressing how the books have validated their experiences and helped them see themselves represented in literature. They also receive hateful comments, but the positive impact on readers is what motivates them to continue their work.
What strategies does George M. Johnson recommend to fight against book bans?
-George M. Johnson advocates for a multi-pronged approach, including participating in federal lawsuits, attending school board meetings, providing resources and strategies to book clubs, and encouraging teenagers to use their voices and power to keep banned books on the shelves.
What message does Mike Curato hope readers, especially young readers, will take away from his book 'Flamer'?
-Mike Curato hopes that readers, particularly young ones, will feel hope and validation from his book. He wants them to know that they are normal, loved, and have a place in the world.

Outlines

00:00

🚫 Book Bans and Queer Representation

The video script discusses the issue of book banning, particularly focusing on titles that feature queer themes and are targeted for censorship in schools and libraries across the United States. The American Library Association has recorded at least 3,923 book titles being banned in over 200 schools and public libraries. Two authors, George M. Johnson and Mike Curado, whose books 'All Boys Aren't Blue' and 'Flamer' respectively are among the top five most banned, join the conversation. Johnson's book is a young adult memoir that addresses growing up as a queer, black individual and includes discussions of sexual assault, while Curado's graphic novel is aimed at teens and tackles bullying and stereotypes related to being gay. Both authors argue against the notion that their books are inappropriate for children, emphasizing that their work provides necessary resources and guidance for young adults navigating real-world challenges. They also discuss the broader implications of such censorship, including the impact on queer teenagers' mental health and the importance of representation.

05:01

🌟 Fighting Book Bans and Hope Through Literature

In the second paragraph, the conversation continues with strategies to combat book banning and the importance of hope in literature. George M. Johnson shares his personal experiences advocating for his book, which includes being part of a federal lawsuit in Florida against book bans and supporting teenagers in forming book clubs to fight for their right to access diverse literature. Mike Curado emphasizes the goal of his book 'Flamer' to provide hope and validation to young readers, especially those who may feel marginalized. Both authors stress the significance of their work in offering a blueprint for young people to navigate society and the potential repercussions of book bans, such as erasing the stories of those who need representation the most. The segment concludes with a reminder of the importance of mental health support and an invitation for viewers to engage with ABC News for more content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Book Bans

Book bans refer to the practice of removing or restricting access to books, often due to perceived inappropriate content. In the context of the video, book bans are a central issue, as they specifically target titles that feature queer themes or explicit content, which some parents and communities argue are unsuitable for young readers. The American Library Association has recorded censorship targeting thousands of book titles in schools and public libraries.

💡Censorship

Censorship is the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, or other forms of expression that are deemed objectionable by authorities or individuals. The video discusses how censorship, particularly of books with queer themes, can have a negative impact on young adults who need access to these resources for understanding their own identities and navigating societal challenges.

💡Queer Themes

Queer themes in literature refer to narratives or plot elements that involve LGBTQ+ characters, experiences, or issues. The video emphasizes the importance of queer-themed books for young adults who are navigating their own identities and for broader societal acceptance. The authors argue that these books provide necessary representation and resources for a community that is often marginalized.

💡Young Adult Literature

Young adult literature is a category of literature written for readers aged 12 to 18, addressing themes and issues relevant to their lives. The video features authors of young adult books that have been targeted for banning. These books often deal with mature topics such as sexual assault, bullying, and identity, which the authors argue are crucial for young adults to read about as they prepare to enter adulthood.

💡Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a serious crime involving unwanted sexual contact. In the video, one of the authors discusses how their book explicitly details experiences of sexual assault, which is a heavy topic but one that is relevant to the real-world experiences of many young adults. The inclusion of such themes in literature is portrayed as a way to educate and empower readers.

💡Stereotypes

Stereotypes are widely held but fixed and oversimplified ideas or beliefs about a particular type of person or thing. The video mentions the harmful effects of stereotypes, particularly those related to being gay, and how literature can challenge these by presenting diverse and authentic queer experiences.

💡Representation

Representation in media refers to the portrayal or inclusion of certain groups, in this case, the LGBTQ+ community, in a way that accurately reflects their experiences and identities. The authors argue that representation in books is vital for validating the experiences of queer youth and for giving them a sense of belonging and visibility.

💡Federal Lawsuit

A federal lawsuit is a legal action taken in a court of the United States federal judiciary. The video mentions that one of the authors is part of a federal lawsuit in Florida against book banning, highlighting the legal avenues being pursued to protect freedom of expression and access to diverse literature.

💡School Board Meetings

School board meetings are gatherings where local education authorities discuss and make decisions on educational policies. The video discusses how parents and community members are encouraged to attend these meetings to voice their support for the inclusion of banned books in school libraries and curricula.

💡Petitions

Petitions are formal requests or appeals made to an authority in the belief that it has the power to redress a situation. In the context of the video, petitions are suggested as a strategy for teenagers to use their voice and power to advocate for the retention of banned books in schools and libraries.

💡Blueprint

A blueprint is a detailed plan or a guide that outlines how something should be done or developed. The authors describe their books as a blueprint for young adults, providing them with a roadmap into society by reflecting their experiences and offering guidance on navigating life's challenges.

Highlights

Band Books Week, initiated in 1982, aims to raise awareness about book bands in the US.

The American Library Association has recorded targeted censorship of at least 3,923 book titles in over 200 schools and public libraries.

George M Johnson and Mike Curato are authors of two of the top five banned books, both dealing with themes of queerness and identity.

Concerns are raised by some parents that these books are inappropriate for children and should not be in public libraries or classrooms.

Johnson argues that the books are not for children but for mature young adults and are essential for understanding real-world issues.

Curato discusses the repercussions of censorship, including the impact on queer teenagers' mental health and feelings of invisibility.

The authors receive feedback from readers who feel validated and seen in their stories, which is crucial for representation.

Johnson's book has been influential in helping young adults recognize and address abuse, and to embark on their identity journeys.

Curato emphasizes the importance of representation for queer voices that are not usually heard in mainstream media.

Johnson shares his experience of being part of a federal lawsuit in Florida against book banning.

He encourages a multi-pronged approach to fighting book bans, including legal action, public testimony, and organizing.

Curato hopes that readers, especially queer youth, will gain hope and feel loved and normal through his book 'Flamer'.

Johnson and Curato's books serve as a blueprint for queer youth to navigate society and understand their existence.

The authors highlight the universal impact of their books, reaching not only teenagers but also senior citizens and therapists.

Banning these books erases the stories of teens who need to see themselves reflected in literature to understand their existence.

The authors grew up without representation, and their books now provide a roadmap for queer youth.

The conversation concludes with a reminder of the importance of mental health support and resources for those in distress.