Texas: Where Books Go to Die (Or at Least Take a Long Vacation)
So, let's talk about books. Not those boring old classics you had to slog through in high school, but real, live books with actual, gasp, ideas. The kind of books that make you think, feel, and maybe even question the world around you. Well, in Texas, those books are having a bit of a rough time.
The Great Texas Book Purge
It's like a literary witch hunt, but instead of burning books, they're just quietly shelving them. You know, out of sight, out of mind. It's a sad state of affairs when a bunch of folks decide what you can and can't read. Apparently, anything that mentions sex, gender, race, or anything remotely interesting is off limits.
Who’s on the Hit List? Let's break it down:
- Coming-of-age stories: If it involves a teenager figuring out their life, it's probably on the chopping block. Apparently, adolescence is too complex for young minds.
- Books about race and racism: Talking about history and social issues? No thanks, Texas! Let's pretend everything is hunky-dory.
- LGBTQ+ representation: Because who needs to understand and accept people who are different?
- Anything that might make you think critically: Critical thinking is a dangerous game in Texas. It's like intellectual Russian roulette.
The Absurdity of It All
It's not just the content that's raising eyebrows. Some of these bans are straight-up ridiculous. For example, The Bible has been banned in one district. Apparently, the Ten Commandments are just too controversial. And don't even get me started on the classic children's book, The Giving Tree. Apparently, unconditional love is a slippery slope.
How to Save a Book (Or at Least Read It Anyway)
- How to find banned books: Your local library might have a secret stash. Or you could always try the good old-fashioned method: asking a friend.
- How to support authors: Buy their books, leave reviews, and spread the word about their work.
- How to start a book club: Discuss banned books and other thought-provoking literature.
- How to talk to your kids about censorship: Explain why it's important to read different perspectives and challenge ideas.
- How to vote for candidates who support intellectual freedom: Your vote matters!
So, next time you're in Texas, remember to pack your own reading material. And while you're at it, maybe bring a few extra copies for your friends. After all, knowledge is power, and in Texas, power is trying to take away our books.