Should Books Be Banned? Exploring the Complexities of Freedom of Expression and Controversial Content

In the United States, the concept of book banning is primarily associated with online retail giants like Amazon. While certain books are not sold on these platforms, they are not officially banned. This article explores the nuances of banning books, the importance of freedom of expression, and the complexities involved in deciding what content should be restricted.

Modern Instances of Banned Books

One prominent example of a book with a restricted sales platform is When Harry Became Sally, which Amazon has refused to sell due to its anti-LGBTQ stance. However, it is noteworthy that Amazon still sells other controversial books such as Mein Kampf and Chairman Mao’s Little Red Book. This raises questions about the disparity in how such content is handled and the potential implications for freedom of expression.

The Right to Publish and Freedom of Expression

The right to publish is closely linked to freedom of expression. However, this freedom is not absolute; it is subject to certain limitations. For instance, the illegality of advocating or inciting illegal acts means that books promoting such acts, such as A Practical Guide to Committing Terrorist Offences in Greater London, would not be protected under freedom of speech. Similarly, businesses have limited rights, which can be revoked in the public interest, such as failing to pay taxes.

Historical and Contemporary Bans

Some books are banned for historical or present-day reasons. For instance, Mein Kampf is still banned in some European countries due to its association with Nazi ideology. Another example is Peter Wright's Spycatcher, which was temporarily banned in the UK due to alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act. These cases highlight the importance of addressing the potential propagation of harmful ideologies, even if it comes at the cost of individual rights.

The Question of Controversial Books

The question of banning books is not straightforward. While the right to read any book is important, so is the right to protect society from harmful content. For instance, the post-Reformation Roman Catholic Index of Forbidden Books significantly restricted certain authors and works, defending against what was perceived as heretical content. However, in contemporary times, such lists have been deemed archaic and are no longer in use, being abolished in 1966.

Conclusion

The debate over banning books is a complex one, involving a balance between protecting individual rights to freedom of expression and the need to safeguard society from potentially harmful content. While complete censorship is not necessarily the answer, the limitations on certain publications are necessary to protect public interest and prevent the spread of dangerous ideologies. It is vital to recognize that freedom of expression is a limited right, contingent upon the content being published and its impact on society.