The Battle for History and Freedom of Expression: Perspectives on Removing or Banning Books, Movies, and Statues

Over the past decade, there has been a growing trend in the United States to remove or ban certain books, movies, and statues that are viewed as insensitive or distasteful by a modern few. This editorial explores the implications of such actions and defends the principles of freedom of expression and historical accuracy.

Censorship and Modern Interpretations

The removal or banning of these works, often through the lens of what is deemed ‘inoffensive’ by a select few, has been met with significant opposition. Critics argue that these actions stifle creativity and shield individuals from potentially uncomfortable truths, rather than fostering a more inclusive and enlightened society. This is, they assert, not the path to progress but a regression to a time of forbidden knowledge and suppressed viewpoints.

The Role of Art and Literature in Society

Art, literature, and the broader dissemination of information serve as mirrors to the society in which they are created, reflecting real or imagined experiences. They are not merely exotic artefacts but critical tools for human understanding. Just as humor has evolved, so has the perception of what is considered 'insensitive'. Yet, the eradication of material deemed distasteful does nothing to change the past or erase the truths it represents.

The Misuse of Censorship

The argument for the removal of Confederate statues or the censorship of works like Gone with the Wind and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is often predicated on the idea that these pieces glorify or support harmful ideologies. However, the invocation of censorship to justify such actions is questionable. Censorship does not change history; it merely hides it. Denying that something happened does not make it vanish from the historical record. Works like Beloved by Toni Morrison and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck delve into the darkest aspects of our collective past, illustrating how societies have grown and evolved from those events.

Fighting for a Better Future Through Knowledge

As adults, we must recognize that we are not obligated to be praised by all. Our viewpoints and judgments are valid, and our intellectual integrity is inviolable. The idea that any single group can dictate acceptable behavior for the rest of society is immoral and harmful. Just as George Orwell’s 1984 and Nazi Germany eradicated dissenting voices, the modern trend towards censorship is a dangerous path to tread.

A Confederate statue in a town serves as both a reminder of our complex history and an opportunity to reflect on our future. It is a tangible marker of who we were, and by acknowledging it and moving past it, we can signal our commitment to a more tolerant and enlightened society. The rational response to problematic representations is not to ban them but to teach about them, to study them, and to grow from them.

In conclusion, the battle for freedom of expression and historical accuracy is ongoing. While past injustices cannot be undone, they can and should be remembered. By allowing these works to remain and by studying them, we can learn about the challenges of our past and work towards a better future. This is not censorship, but education and progress.