To the Editor
It is my opinion, Sharon Schneider and Nicole Demakis, both of Mattapoisett, are missing the point. The argument isn’t about banning books, it’s about determining if the books in question are pornographic. Are they appropriate for our school-aged children? Should they be in a school library where, I doubt, parents are seldom found perusing the shelves?
The public library is entirely another matter. If the books in question, are deemed pornographic, they should be kept in the library where pornographic material is acceptable.
In the attempt to empathize with the struggles facing today’s youth, I could offer (off the top of my head) a long reading list. Literature about youth overcoming social, moral and ethical hardships. Kidnapped by R.L. Stevenson, for example, or Great Expectations by C. Dickens. Even Call of the Wild by J. London, Go Tell it on The Mountain by J. Baldwin, or Ann Frank. How about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by B. Smith, Cane by J. Toomer and even The Invisible Man by R. Ellison? These books emphasis character, true grit, determination, self-respect, and, as a plus, are examples of good literature as well as history.
I suggest, we as adults, look at these questionable books that expound upon AND illustrate explicit sex acts and ask ourselves: is this what we want our children reading? Does this build character and morals? Will this truly solve the myriad of social ills? I doubt it. And I believe it will rob the innocents of little children who may still see their world as a good place.
I admit, I don’t have a solution to child abuse, racial discrimination, or the sexual identity crisis, but I do know there are many parents who want to protect and nurture their children and teach them to become descent adults who will strive to make this world a better place.
J Reinhart, Marion