Why Can't People See Beyond Their Own Noses in Banning Books?

Fahrenheit 451, the temperature at which paper catches fire, has come full circle. In our modern age, the act of burning books metaphorically continues in the form of book bans. This raises an interesting question: Why would people ban books when you have the choice to either buy it or pass it by? Let's explore the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon.

Proxies of Inaction

People who have never truly fought for their beliefs, or those who avoid the complexities of real-life conflicts, often declare wars and impose bans. Their approach is often simplistic, as they lack the personal experience and risk to understand the true implications of their actions. These individuals believe they have the authority to dictate what others should read or learn, without risking their own lives or beliefs.

The Unlearned Educators

Similarly, those who have never taught children or do not have hands-on experience with the challenges of education, set unrealistic expectations for educators. They often lack the necessary insight into the diverse needs of students and the importance of critical thinking. Their priorities are not aligned with the goal of actually educating children. Instead, they rely on preconceived notions and ideologies, without understanding the complexities of the educational process.

The Biased Defenders of Women's Rights

Those who cannot personally experience pregnancy or parenthood often dictate reproductive rights based on their own assumptions and biases. They expect women to conform to their expectations without engaging in genuine dialogue or understanding the realities of women's experiences. This approach can be profoundly disrespectful and limiting.

The Fearful Guardians of Childhood

Parents who have not personally opened a book often decide which books children cannot access. Their decisions are driven by fear rather than understanding. They are afraid of the unknown and the unfamiliar, and they project their anxieties onto the educational system. This can result in a narrow and restrictive curriculum that may not serve the best interests of children in the long run.

The Educated With a Critical Mindset

People with education and critical thinking skills, who have developed their values independently of religion, pose a challenge to individuals who believe in the supremacy of a single book or ideology. These educated individuals understand the value of multiple perspectives, and they see books as a means of exploring diverse viewpoints. They fear that their own worldview might be challenged by these independent thinkers, which offends them more than the content of the books.

Self-Imposed Maturity

Another common reason for book banning is the inability of people to accept that others have different opinions. Most individuals lack the maturity to acknowledge that differing perspectives are acceptable. For many, it is not enough to avoid reading something they do not like, but they are deeply offended when others derive joy or gain knowledge from works they consider unpleasing.

This offense is compounded when these individuals hold firm to their viewpoints, viewing any text that contradicts them as a threat to their established worldview, especially when it comes to controversial topics like politics or philosophy. However, the internet and digital sharing have made it significantly harder for such regulations to succeed in the long run.

Internet and Digital Age

The current book banning hysteria is particularly absurd because its ostensible purpose is to protect children from inappropriate material. The minute something becomes illegal, it only serves to incite curiosity in the very individuals trying to prevent it. As nearly every book is available in libraries and online, the books that are banned tend to become bestsellers once again, as the inquisitive seek to challenge and learn from these restricted texts.

Social Media and Dissatisfaction

Unfortunately, social media has made it easier for those opposed to certain reading materials to voice their complaints and frustrations. However, the democratization of information and the ease of access to diverse and challenging literature have also empowered readers to explore a wider range of viewpoints and intellectual pursuits.