Today, books that shaped my life—and many others—are being challenged in schools, bookstores, and libraries by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives. Often, these “banned books” are written by or feature people of color and members of LGBTQ communities.
This year, I’m celebrating Banned Books Week and the freedom to read with people across the country. I wrote out a few of my thoughts, and wanted to share the stories of some folks who are working on this issue. barackobama.medium.com/heres-why-i-m-…
@BarackObama Could you please name those books that shaped your life, and now being banned? Do these books transcend your life, or a specific period? What kind of libraries are banning them, adult or childrens? Can you define the schools by educational level, primary, secondary or tertiary?
@BarackObama @JLinMiller While certainly you most likely read all these books which are currently being banned, as have many of us, I think it’s safe to say those which shaped your life in large part were the works of Saul Alinsky and those like him. As far as I’m concerned they CAN ban those books.
@BarackObama Nothing has been banned, they have been limited to school age groups appropriate for the materials. Parents still have the ability to obtain these books for their children if that is their choice.
@BarackObama I am Canadian and extremely puzzled by what Republicans are trying to do to control the people. Does your 1st amendment not cover books as free spech? Could every author not say their book is an expression of free speech and the exclusion from schools a violation of their rights?
@BarackObama @SarahRiggsAmico To parents wanting books banned from school libraries: If your parenting has not instilled strong morals aligned with your values in your kids, the problem isn't the books they might read. Look in the mirror.