Planet Perk and the Oshkosh Public Library have teamed up to conduct the "Banned Book Challenge" throughout the month of September where the top 10 Most Challenged Books, books being taken out of libraries and/or schools, are hidden throughout our local community in various public places. Some of these books have been placed on this list because they contain sexually explicit material.
The main argument for this program circles around a misunderstanding of the idea of intellectual censorship. Throughout history, book banning often resulted in a massive purge - by forced burning or government confiscation. In other words, you literally could not obtain the book. Today, it apparently means taking books out of public libraries and schools, so the titles are not easily accessible to children. Book banning does not include the Internet and Amazon of course - or other means of fingertip accessibility.
This postmodern misunderstanding results in a dramatic devaluing of freedom, subjecting it to individual desire and will. To be frank: sexual privacy, as perverted as it might be, is freedom. How far have we come as a Country that once put Freedom up on the pedestal of seeking the good, true, and beautiful.
Why are many current activist issues and programs centered on kids and sex?
According to the Oshkosh library website, the program started Mon., Sept. 5 and continues to Sept. 30th and is for all ages. Here is some more information from the Public Library's site:
"50 books will be hidden at different locations around the city–ten copies of five titles, which are on the American Library Association’s Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2021." "If you find the hidden books by following the daily clues posted on our Facebook page. The books are yours to keep! If you find a book, tag Oshkosh Public Library on Facebook and show off your Freedom to Read." "Join the conversation about these books, intellectual freedom, book banning, and censorship by attending a book discussion at Planet Perk, and the panel presentation and discussion at the library."
The panel discussion is on this Saturday, September 24, 1:00 p.m.
The "Top 10 Most Challenged Book List' is compiled by the Office for Intellectual Freedom and American Library Association and the list includes titles such as:
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, contains LGBTQIA+ content and considered to have sexually explicit images.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, for profanity, violence, and because it was thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit.
Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin, for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
Members of the community that have contact the library have recieved answers that this program is geared to defending "the freedom to read."
Want to keep tabs on the program, voice your opinion, or try and find one these books to see where they are place in public? You have an opportunity to speak at the panel this Saturday.
You can also follow the Oshkosh Public Library's Facebook page here
Other Sources Include:
Have issue with this program? Contact the Oshkosh Public Library Board here
Wow!