THE REDNECK BOOK BANNING TIK TOK CHALLENGE

 

THE REDNECK BOOK BANNING TIK TOK  CHALLENGE

Attention all rednecks! Have you heard about the latest Tik Tok challenge? It's called the Redneck Book Banning Challenge, and it's taking the nation by storm. The challenge is simple: who can ban the most books from libraries and schools? And guess what? The red states seem to be walking away with it!

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But wait a minute, isn't book banning a serious problem?" Well, yes, it is. But that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun with it, right?

According to the American Library Association, over 700 books were challenged or banned in 2021 alone. And who's leading the charge? None other than our favorite Christian non-profit organizations! Focus on the Family, The American Family Association, and Moms for Liberty are just a few of the groups that have been actively campaigning against books they deem "inappropriate" or "harmful" to children.

But let's be real here, folks. Book banning is just plain ignorant. You can't just ban books because they don't align with your beliefs or values. That's not how the world works. If we start banning books left and right, we're only breeding more ignorance.

And let's not forget about the importance of free speech and freedom of expression. When books are banned, people are denied access to information and ideas. How are we supposed to learn and grow as individuals if we're only exposed to a narrow-minded perspective?

So, if you're a redneck looking to participate in the book banning challenge, I urge you to reconsider. Instead of banning books, why not read them? You might just learn something new and expand your horizons.

And for those of you who are concerned about book banning, there are a few things you can do. First and foremost, speak out against it. Let your elected officials know that you oppose book banning. Support libraries and bookstores that sell books that are often banned. And most importantly, educate yourself and others about the importance of free speech and the dangers of book banning.

In conclusion, let's put an end to this Redneck Book Banning Tik Tok Challenge once and for all. It's time to embrace diversity of thought and ideas, and stop trying to silence those we disagree with. After all, as the saying goes, "The pen is mightier than the sword." So let's pick up a book instead of a ban hammer and start reading!

Over 1,900 library book titles targeted for censorship so far in 2023 : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/09/20/1200647985/book-bans-libraries-schools 

School book bans show no signs of slowing, PEN America finds : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/09/21/1200725104/book-bans-school-pen-america 

Katy ISD bans more books as Texas leads nation in ban attempts - Axios Houston https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/09/20/katy-isd-bans-books-texas 

'Toll of book banning' increases as Missouri ranks No. 3 among states, report says https://www.stltoday.com/life-entertainment/local/books/toll-of-book-banning-increases-as-missouri-ranks-no-3-among-states-report-says/article_9191edd6-57df-11ee-b4e0-674df3c44fcc.html 

Official says Florida "does not ban books" after releasing list of 300 books that have been banned - LGBTQ Nation https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/09/official-says-florida-does-not-ban-books-after-releasing-list-of-300-books-that-have-been-banned/ 

Ron DeSantis' Florida is No. 1 in book banning, free speech group says https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/21/ron-desantis-florida-is-no-1-in-book-banning-free-speech-group-says/70900798007/ 

‘Chilling’: Ariana Grande, Amanda Gorman and others sign letter against book bans | Books | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/sep/19/celebrities-sign-letter-book-ban-ariana-grande-amanda-gorman 

US book bans and attempted bans rise as efforts extend to public libraries | Books | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/sep/20/book-bans-us-rise-public-libraries 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

The history of book banning in America dates back to the colonial era. In 1637, the Puritan government of Massachusetts Bay banned Thomas Morton's book *New English Canaan*, which was critical of Puritan society. Since then, there have been many other books that have been banned in America, for a variety of reasons.

In the 19th century, books were often banned for religious reasons. For example, in 1840, the Catholic Church banned the Bible in English, arguing that it should only be read in Latin by priests. In 1873, the federal government passed the Comstock Act, which banned the publication and distribution of obscene materials. This law was used to ban books that dealt with sex, contraception, and other topics that were considered taboo at the time.

In the 20th century, books were often banned for political reasons. For example, during the McCarthy era, many books were banned because they were suspected of being communist propaganda. In the 1960s and 1970s, many books were banned because they dealt with sex, drugs, and other controversial topics.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of book banning in America. In 2021, there were more books banned in American schools than in any other year on record. The books that are being banned today are often about race, gender, and sexuality.

Here are some of the most famous books that have been banned in America:

• * *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn* by Mark Twain
• * *To Kill a Mockingbird* by Harper Lee
• * *Catch-22* by Joseph Heller
• * *The Catcher in the Rye* by J.D. Salinger
• * *Beloved* by Toni Morrison
• * *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* by Stephen Chbosky
• * *Harry Potter* series by J.K. Rowling
• * *The Hunger Games* trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• * *Thirteen Reasons Why* by Jay Asher
• * *Gender Queer* by Maia Kobabe

Book banning is a serious problem because it denies people access to information and ideas. It is also a form of censorship, which is a threat to democracy.

**Why are books banned?**

• There are a variety of reasons why books are banned. Some books are banned for religious reasons, while others are banned for political reasons. Still others are banned for moral reasons.
• Books that are banned for religious reasons often deal with topics that are considered taboo by certain religions. For example, the Bible has been banned in some countries because it is considered to be a Christian text.
• Books that are banned for political reasons often deal with controversial topics, such as communism, socialism, and other political ideologies. For example, many books were banned in the Soviet Union because they were critical of the government.
• Books that are banned for moral reasons often deal with topics that are considered to be immoral, such as sex, drugs, and violence. For example, many books were banned in the United States during the Victorian era because they were considered to be too sexually suggestive.

**What are the effects of book banning?**

• Book banning has a number of negative consequences. First, it denies people access to information and ideas. This can be particularly harmful to students and scholars, who need access to a variety of materials in order to learn and conduct research.
• Second, book banning is a form of censorship. Censorship is a threat to democracy, because it prevents people from accessing the information they need to make informed decisions.
• Third, book banning can have a chilling effect on free speech. When books are banned, authors and publishers may be less likely to publish books on controversial topics. This can lead to a less informed and less engaged public.
• **What can be done to stop book banning?**

• There are a number of things that can be done to stop book banning. First, it is important to be aware of the books that are being banned and the reasons why they are being banned. This information can be used to challenge book bans and educate the public about the importance of free speech.
• Second, it is important to support libraries and bookstores that sell books that are often banned. Libraries and bookstores play an important role in ensuring that people have access to a variety of information and ideas.
• Third, it is important to contact your elected officials and let them know that you oppose book banning. Elected officials need to hear from their constituents on this issue in order to take action to protect free speech.

Book banning is a serious problem, but it is a problem that can be solved. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the information and ideas they need to be informed citizens.

According to the American Library Association, 729 books were challenged or banned in 2021, with more than 1500 individual book bans taking place across the country. The following organizations and groups have been actively supporting book banning in the US:

• * **Focus on the Family** is a Christian non-profit organization that has been campaigning against books that it considers to be sexually suggestive or harmful to children. In 2021, Focus on the Family published a list of 100 books that it believes should be banned from libraries and schools.
• * **The American Family Association** is another Christian non-profit organization that has been involved in book banning campaigns. In 2015, the American Family Association launched a campaign to ban the book "Gender Queer: A Memoir" from schools and libraries.
• * **Moms for Liberty** is a conservative advocacy group that has been involved in book banning campaigns in recent years. In 2021, Moms for Liberty members challenged or banned over 100 books from schools and libraries across the country.
• * **No Left Turn in Education** is a conservative education advocacy group that has been involved in book banning campaigns. In 2022, No Left Turn in Education published a list of 200 books that it believes should be banned from schools and libraries.
• * **Parents Defending Education** is a conservative education advocacy group that has been involved in book banning campaigns. In 2022, Parents Defending Education launched a campaign to ban the book "The 1619 Project" from schools and libraries.

These are just a few of the organizations and groups that are actively supporting book banning in the US. It is important to note that book banning is a complex issue, and there are many different reasons why people support it. However, the organizations and groups listed above have been among the most active in supporting book banning campaigns in recent years.

It is also important to note that book banning is a threat to democracy and freedom of expression. When books are banned, people are denied access to information and ideas. This can be particularly harmful to students and scholars, who need access to a variety of materials in order to learn and conduct research.

If you are concerned about book banning, there are a number of things you can do. You can contact your elected officials and let them know that you oppose book banning. You can also support libraries and bookstores that sell books that are often banned. Finally, you can educate yourself and others about the importance of free speech and the dangers of book banning.

FROM BING AI

Thank you for your interest in the history of book banning in America. Here is a summary of what I found from my web search:

• - Book banning is the practice of censoring or removing books from public or school libraries, classrooms, or bookstores because of their content, language, or themes.
• - Book banning has a long history in the United States, dating back to the colonial era when religious authorities banned books that challenged their doctrines or morals.
• - Some of the earliest banned books in America were The Meritorious Price of Our Redemption by William Pynchon, which was burned in 1650 for its theological views, and The New English Canaan by Thomas Morton, which was banned in 1637 for its criticism of Puritan society.
• - Book banning became more prevalent during the slavery and Civil War periods, when books that supported abolition, such as Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, or criticized slavery, such as Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass, were banned or restricted in the South.
• - In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, book banning was influenced by social movements and moral crusades that targeted books that were considered obscene, immoral, or indecent, such as Ulysses by James Joyce, Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
• - In the mid-20th century, book banning shifted to schools and libraries, where parents, teachers, administrators, and community groups challenged books that they deemed inappropriate or offensive for children or young adults. Some of the most frequently challenged books in this period were The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
• - In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled in Island Trees School District v. Pico that school officials cannot ban books solely based on their content, affirming the constitutional right to read. However, book banning and challenging continued to occur at local levels, often involving court cases and public debates.
• - In recent years, book banning and challenging have increased significantly, especially targeting books that feature or address LGBTQ+ issues, people of color, racism, sexism, violence, sexuality, religion, or politics. Some of the most challenged books in 2020 were George by Alex Gino, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, and Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
• - Book banning and challenging have been opposed by various organizations and individuals who advocate for intellectual freedom and the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) organizes an annual Banned Books Week to raise awareness and celebrate the books that have been banned or challenged throughout history.

Bing, 9/21/2023

• (1) The history of book bans in the United States - National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/history-of-book-bans-in-the-united-states.
• (2) The little-known history of banned books in the United States. https://readingpartners.org/blog/history-banned-books-week/.
• (3) PEN America reports book bans in Florida and U.S. grow by the thousands. What we know. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/education/2023/09/21/books-bans-florida-pen-america-report-picture-health-lgbtq-people-of-color-book-banning-schools/70910852007/.
• (4) Book-ban efforts continue at record pace, reports American Library Association. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/book-ban-efforts-continue-at-record-pace-reports-american-library-association/ar-AA1h17Mj.
• (5) How many books were banned in Missouri last year? This report logs state at 3rd highest. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/how-many-books-were-banned-in-missouri-last-year-this-report-logs-state-at-3rd-highest/ar-AA1h30ox.
• (6) The history of book bans in the United States - National Geographic. https://bing.com/search?q=history+of+book+banning+in+America.

According to my web search, there are many organizations and groups that are actively supporting book banning in the US. Some of them are:

• - **Moms for Liberty**: A national organization that claims to advocate for parental rights in education. It has been involved in several book challenges and bans in school districts across the country, such as in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. It has also launched a website called [Book Report](^1^) that lists books it considers inappropriate or harmful for children⁴⁵.
• - **Parents Defending Education**: A national organization that aims to "reclaim" schools from "activists" who promote "indoctrination". It has filed complaints and lawsuits against schools and districts that use books or curricula that address topics such as racism, sexism, LGBTQ+ issues, or social justice. It also provides a [toolkit](^2^) for parents to challenge books and materials in schools⁴⁵.
• - **No Left Turn in Education**: A national organization that opposes the teaching of "critical race theory" and "woke ideology" in schools. It has organized protests and campaigns to remove books and resources that it deems "divisive" or "anti-American" from schools and libraries. It also offers a [guide](^3^) for parents to fight against book censorship⁴⁵.
• - **Family Policy Alliance**: A national organization that promotes "biblical citizenship" and "family values". It has supported efforts to ban books that feature or discuss LGBTQ+ characters or issues, such as George by Alex Gino and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. It also provides a [resource](^4^) for parents to protect their children from "harmful" books⁴⁵.

These are just some examples of the groups that support book banning in the US. There are many more groups operating at different levels and locations, often presenting themselves as grassroots efforts, while in reality they have links to prominent, wealthy, or influential individuals or organizations⁴⁵. These groups pose a serious threat to the freedom to read and the right to access information for everyone.

Bing, 9/21/2023

• (1) More than 25 organizations join forces with the American Library .... https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2022/05/organizations-join-ala-unite-against-book-bans.
• (2) Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Ban Books - PEN America. https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/.
• (3) At Least 50 Groups in the U.S. Advocated Banning Books This Year. https://www.advocate.com/news/2022/9/20/least-50-groups-us-advocated-banning-books-year.
• (4) Unite Against Book Bans - Unite Against Book Bans. https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/.
• (5) ‘Unparalleled in intensity’ – 1,500 book bans in US school districts .... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/07/book-bans-pen-america-school-districts.
• (6) Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Ban Books - PEN America. https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/.