Subway Reads: The Art of Censorship
Normally when I read about the efforts of one or two individuals to mandate what an entire group (whether school, region, or country) may or may not read, I shake my head, utter a sad little "tsk, tsk" and perhaps email a friend or two with whom to commiserate in outrage. However, when one of my favorite books is pulled from the shelves of a local library because one patron felt the content was "inappropriate" for young adults (the section in which it was shelved) well, I guess I feel the need to cast the net wider.
The book in question is the graphic novel Blankets by Craig Thompson -- a careful, thoughtful exploration of the author's childhood within the evangelical community. It's a hefty read, weighing in at 592 pages, yet one that impels the reader past page after page, weaving a delicate and subtle story that has the capacity to resonate with those of us who grew up in similar situations and to bring understanding of this religious subset to those who find its actions and motivations baffling.
Does the author illustrate a situation that some might find "inappropriate" for young adults?
Evidently, although Thompson's skillful pen is more modest than that of most advertising directors. Since we live in a world saturated with "inappropriate" images, wouldn't the greater question here be 'How should we use this book to open a dialogue with our kids about appropriate and "inappropriate" actions and expression?' Instead of pulling the book from the shelf, wouldn't it better to acknowledge the full range of emotions and expectations, equipping children with the power to make responsible decisions for themselves?
I am not a parent, nor do I fail to realize that most of us would never dream of petitioning against the inclusion of a book in the library. But I have to write this, because, well, it's just that there's this tug in that deep stomach-place, where the Forms of What We Believe reside. And it won't go away, knowing that somewhere out in Missouri is a teenager who now is one more isolated step away, and who, too, feels sick to her stomach.
(Also pulled from circulation was Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, a book I've been meaning to pick up and explore but have not as yet. Her book about her life growing up with a father who remained in the closet was shelved under adult non-fiction and also determined to be "inappropriate.")
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"Fun Home" is extraordinary and I think far superior to "Blankets," which I overall enjoyed but felt was a little too precious and bloated in parts.
I have read both of these amazing graphic novels. I thought Blankets and Fun Home were beautifully illustrated and inspirational works of art. Their illustrations are the best that I have ever seen in the graphic novel world. These two novels are just what the world needs and I am shocked at this news. Did anyone say anything when Persepolis was released? Why now are people making a big fuss over an authors view on their Christian up bringing?
Blankets is terrific (I had the opportunity to get my copy signed at SPX '03) and I'm dumbfounded at the censorship of it. It's honesty resonated so much with me I think it has the potential to be a powerful read/view for many an adult - of the young or regular variety. I think you're spot on with the potential this novel has for dialog.