The censorship of books and ideas has been a contentious issue throughout history, affecting societies in profound ways. Whether it’s governments, religious groups, or social movements attempting to control the flow of information, censorship can limit access
to diverse perspectives, stifle creativity, and undermine intellectual freedom. As we see from above, this is not just a theoretical issue; it continues to affect libraries, schools, and media platforms across the world today.
Censorship is not merely about controlling what people can read, watch, or hear—it's about controlling what they think. When access to ideas is restricted, individuals are deprived of the ability to form their own opinions. This erodes the foundation of a democratic society, which depends on an informed and engaged population.
One of the most troubling aspects of modern censorship is its increasingly decentralized nature. It’s no longer just governments deciding what’s permissible; private companies, schools, and even individuals are becoming gatekeepers of ideas. This diffuses responsibility and often makes it harder to challenge. The fragmented nature of the way we share information these days allows individuals to take it upon themselves to decide what we should or should now have access to.
I can hear people say that these are school libraries, and we should not have LGBTQIA+ ‘propaganda’ in schools, it is all part of the ‘woke’ agenda. In that case, if schools need to be ‘propaganda’ free, why not rid the libraries of other books too? It is interesting to point out that those who would burn books are the least inclined to encourage critical thinking and fact – checking.
To combat censorship, society must embrace a culture of open dialogue and defend the right to access a diversity of ideas, even those that make us uncomfortable. It’s crucial to engage in discussions about sensitive topics instead of silencing them.
Love and solidarity, now and always and stay safe out there.
Mike
