This week I explored censorship and silencing in children’s literature. I found the difference between being silent and being silenced interesting, as “not everyone who is silent is necessarily silenced” (Joosen, 2020, p 112) and that by silencing (censoring) authors we take away voices and topics for children’s literature.
Read more by clicking on the censorship tab.
Hi Katherine,
The way you connected censorship and diversity was really thought-provoking. It led me to consider the types of books that are challenged each year. Viewing the American Library Association (2021) most challenged books lists revealed that a number of the books are objected to because of diverse characters or views. As information professionals we understand the potential harm of excluding diverse works, although I suppose we are also aware that we will never be able to please everyone. I cannot help but wonder if we will soon be including ‘cancel culture’ within this discussion too. Either way, for me at least, it seems that the more I learn and read about censorship the more questions I have.
Kerryl
American Library Association. (2021). Top 10 most challenged books lists. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10