argument essay draft #2

     Imagine seeing a 6^th grader reading a book about masturbation. What would your reaction be? Would you be ok with that? Is that something that they should know about at that age? In my opinion, no, that’s not right or appropriate for someone that age. They are too young to learn about a topic like that. I think that that type of book shouldn’t belong in the library of a 6^th grade class but rather an 8^th grade class and that, if ever found in the library of a 6^th grade class, should be removed immediately because, I mean, would you want to explain or talk about THAT topic to a 6^th grader? I wouldn’t feel comfortable in that conversation, whether I’m giving the speech or receiving it. So that’s why I believe that certain books should be censored for kids 11 and younger due to their contents.

     Certain books that have been published talk about issues that are too mature for kids 11 and younger. An example of this is the book “Perks of Being a Wallflower”, by Stephen Chbosky. Some mature topics that this book discusses include sex, drugs, peer pressure, and masturbation. It describes masturbation by saying, “Masturbation is when you rub your genitals until you have an orgasm. Wow!” (Chbosky 21). I mean, what was the point of explaining it? There is no important topic being described in that. And are you trying to encourage kids to masturbate? Well, if you are, than the last “Wow!” definitely gets the message across.

     But just because some young adult books discuss themes that are inappropriate doesn’t mean that all young adult books do. As I mentioned earlier, only certain books should be censored form kids 11 and under. This includes books such as “Go Ask Alice” which, written by an anonymous girl and edited by Beatrice Sparks, discusses the dangers of drug use, even if you use it only once or accidentally. Another book that belongs in this category is “Ender’s Game”, which is one of my favorites. In this book, author Orson Scott Card talks about the consequences of using violence to solve a problem. The main character, Ender, dislikes violence because it reminds him of his older brother, Peter, who hated and physically fought with Ender throughout their childhood, but turns to it whenever he was being bullied because he was special and better than everyone else. At one point, Ender starts to hate himself, thinking that he is turning into his older brother. After one fight, he regrets using violence, even though he did it in self-defense. ‘”I didn’t want to hurt him!” Ender cried. “Why didn’t he just leave me alone!” (Card 213) In my opinion, this book shouldn’t be censored from kids 11 and under but rather encouraged to read.

     Many kids, however, argue that censoring books take away their right of freedom to live, read, and learn freely. That censoring books isn’t right, even books like “Perks of Being a Wallflower” for younger kids. Jen Doll from The Atlantic Wire states in her article “Over and over again, the books worth reading were the banned ones.” I have to agree, most books that are on the banned books list discuss important topics that have actual value…… for young adults, that is. In my opinion, there is no point in talking to or teaching a 6^th what sex is. It is ok to teach them the consequences of their actions and choices, but it’s not cool or appropriate for them to read about porn (“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E. L. James). I mean, seriously, how many of have witnessed, with your own eyes, a girl being pressured into sex. Anyone? And imagine how uncomfortable that is. It may even encourage or motivate kids to have sex. And no one wants that… or so I hope. A good example of this is from the article “The 'sick-lit' books aimed at children: It's a disturbing phenomenon. Tales of teenage cancer, self-harm and suicide...”,when the author, Tanith Carey, states “One girl, Jess, says that while the book put into words what she felt, “It was also too close to home for me to read”. She added: “I'd finish reading and immediately reach for my blade.” This clearly shows the influence books have on the lives of children and how they can lead them down the wrong path, ruining their future right from the start.

    In conclusion, censoring certain books won’t deprive kids of their rights. Plus, we’re this for their good, not ours. We’re protecting them so they can grow up to make good choices and go down the right path. So they can do what they love and more. There is no reason for them to oppose. They should go on as it is and, hopefully, one day can look back and be thankful to have someone who looked out for their better half and their own good.