Censorious USA: Banishing Literary Classics
America Is Dropping Its Iconic Works
By Sabine Oelmann More Info Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link
In 2025, the United States experiences a wave of book censorship, as titles are removed from schools, libraries, and textbooks in multiple states. As a result, a diverse range of literature that challenges, educates, and inspires, is made inaccessible to young readers. The writings of authors, such as Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, and Harper Lee, that once enlightened minds, sparked thought, and provoked meaningful conversations, are now being hidden from American students and curious readers alike.
Trapped in an Arbitrary Regime
Author Daniel Kehlmann draws parallels between the United States under President Trump's leadership in 2025 and the early stages of fascism, stating that the way people are treated based on their race no longer feels like an exaggeration. People from South America are being "hunted with deep racist hatred energy." He goes on to compare the current situation to the experiences of Jews in 1933, stating that it is difficult to comprehend the societal shifts happening within the country.
Organizations like PEN America and the American Library Association monitor the situation, fighting against book bans and working towards the removal of censored titles from potentially growing lists. However, keeping up with the wave of prohibited literature is an ongoing battle.
Notable Titles Under Siege
The Handmaid's Tale - The Report of the Maid
Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel, set in a future United States, paints a grim picture of a society in which women are subjected to extreme restrictions and oppression. The story is narrated from the perspective of a handmaid, one of the few fertile women forced to carry children for high-ranking members of society. This classic work has been adapted into film and television and continues to resonate with readers due to its powerful exploration of gender roles, freedom, and oppression.
Animal Farm - Farm of the Animals
George Orwell's fable, published in 1945, tells the story of the uprising of farm animals against human rule, only to fall into a new, more brutal dictatorship. Originally written as a critique of Soviet Russia, the book is unfortunately still relevant today, as its message of the dangers of authoritarianism rings true. Interestingly, in East Germany, Orwell's work was banned and reading it could result in legal consequences.
1984
Also penned by George Orwell, 1984 is another dystopian novel that explores the dangers of a totalitarian surveillance state. The story follows Winston Smith, a simple member of a dictatorially ruling party, as he fights to uncover the truth about his world. The book serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of censorship and the erosion of personal freedoms.
The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank
Anne Frank's diary, written while she was in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, offers a poignant account of the struggles and hopes of a young girl during one of the darkest periods in modern history. Despite initially being saved from the Gestapo's grasp, the diary is now under threat of being banned, further diminishing the important historical record it represents.
The Hunger Games - Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins' dystopian trilogy follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl living in a post-apocalyptic society where children are forced to fight to the death as part of a sadistic entertainment spectacle. The first three books were adapted into hit films and have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Now, the dystopian themes and graphic violence featured in the series have led to calls for the books to be banned.
The Fault in Our Stars - The Fault is in Ourselves
This young adult novel, written by John Green in 2012, tells the story of Hazel Grace, a 16-year-old girl battling thyroid cancer, and her relationship with fellow patient Gus. The book quickly reached the bestseller charts due to pre-orders alone, and has been translated into over 70 languages. However, some feel its grim and sad subject matter is inappropriate for young readers.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Who Kills the Mockingbird
Harper Lee's classic novel, published in 1961 and translated into 40 languages, offers a powerful exploration of racism and injustice in America during the 1930s. Despite its widespread acclaim, including a Pulitzer Prize and an adaptation into a highly regarded film, the book's themes and depiction of a morally complex society make it a target for those advocating for censorship.
Nineteen Minutes
Jodi Picoult's novel, "Nineteen Minutes," tells the story of a high school shooting and the aftermath for the small town and its inhabitants. The book is a powerful exploration of guilt, justice, and the complex web of relationships and experiences that lead to such tragedies. However, some feel that the book's portrayal of violence and depression is inappropriate for young readers.
Ongoing Struggle
In the face of increasing book bans, it is important to continue advocating for the protection of free speech and the freedom to access information, ideas, and stories that challenge us and broaden our perspectives. As readers, it is crucial that we stay informed and engaged, and support organizations committed to protecting literature and our right to read. The power of a well-crafted story to inspire, educate, and remain relevant for generations is an invaluable part of human culture, and it is up to us to ensure that these stories do not become hidden and silenced.
- Social media platforms are buzzing with discussions about the ongoing bans of books in the USA, with users expressing concerns about the erosion of education-and-self-development opportunities for young readers.
- General news outlets are reporting on the clash between freedom of speech and censorship, as various organizations, such as PEN America and the American Library Association, actively resist the prohibition of books deemed thought-provoking and inspiring.
- Entertainment websites are lamenting the potential loss of timeless classics from the literary world, suggesting that dominant political agendas often lead to the suppression of books that sheds light on crucial issues like racism, oppression, and authoritarianism, impeding our political understanding and self-development.
