Why Was A Brave New World Banned?

In recent times, there has been a growing trend in the United States of attempts to censor literature that challenges traditional norms and values. This conservative censorship targets any book that dares to venture beyond a narrow, explicit purview. The repressive fervor is just one symptom of a long history of U.S. censorship.

In Wyoming, a prosecutor even considered charging public librarians with criminal offenses for stocking books that feature LGBTQ+ themes. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation requiring elementary schools to post searchable library databases, essentially creating a literary hit list of banned books. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott directed state agencies to block access to books deemed to have 'overtly sexual' content, which includes young adult plots and literature about the LGBTQ+ community.

These attempts to restrict access to information originate with voters, as evidenced by Senator Ted Cruz's concerns about racist babies during the questioning of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who was confirmed this year as the nation's first Black Supreme Court justice. The majority of targeted books were written by or feature minority groups from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

According to the American Library Association, there were more than 729 attempted book bans in 2021 alone, resulting in the removal or reduction of over 1,597 individual titles from public school libraries. This trend has continued into 2022, with civic groups and government officials still trying to suppress diverse perspectives in public school libraries.

The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Pico (1963) ruled that school officials cannot ban books solely based on their content. Despite this, the censorship of literature continues to be a pressing issue in the United States.

One notable example is 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,' written by Sherman Alexie and published in 2007. This award-winning novel has been targeted for its frank portrayal of Native American life and themes of identity, family, and trauma. The book's inclusion on banned book lists highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure that all students have access to diverse and inclusive literature.

As we reflect on the past attempts to ban 'A Brave New World,' it is clear that censorship has a long history in the United States. It is crucial that we continue to fight against this repressive trend, ensuring that all individuals have access to information and ideas that challenge their perspectives and broaden their understanding of the world.

Why was a brave new world banned