Censorship In Classroom

Censorship in the classroom is a very controversial topic and always remains a central issue when discussing the parameters of education. Our government plays a large role in governing what sort of information America’s children are exposed to within the set curriculum. The average American child receives the majority of their knowledge and education from school, so the information that is allowed to be taught is a very delicate and important issue which needs to be discussed more openly. When literature is altered or banned from public schools and libraries it can be over a variety of reasons. Books containing vulgar language, excessive violence, or connotations of drugs and sex are often items targeted for censorship. The reasoning behind
There is a contradictory school of thought on the subject which says that censorship in itself is a form of manipulation, and is a greater evil than anything a student might learn in a book. The basis of this counter argument is that censorship does not allow children to reason and think for themselves. The inclusion of all materials would then allow students a freedom choice to decide on what is or is not moral behavior. The removal of this freedom is decided by a higher power. Some parents complain about a lot of literature that most schools have approved as reading material in their library and in the classroom. If we listened to every parent complain there would even be a ban on the dictionary from schools. “School officials at Menifee Union School District temporarily removed copies of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition for containing graphic terms like “oral sex” after a parent complained”. http://ncacblog.wordpress.com. While it may not be ideal to have a universal curriculum, teachers should be able to explain their choices, stating why the book was chosen and what the objectives are in terms of the problems, needs, or interests of their
While a classic in American Literature, the books excessive use of the “N Word” may on the surface seem troubling to modern education. I would explain that the benefits of the novel outweigh the negative connotations of some of its language. I would explain that at the time it was written, it was acceptable language at the time and it wasn’t trying to be offensive. The use of the word was a reflection of the social commentary of the times. I would explain how it isn't acceptable in society or the classroom today and decide as a classroom if we want them to skip it or substitute the word with something else. For curse words that aren't appropriate for class but are commonly used and aren't really in the massively offensive category (like the B-word), I would substitute something silly or completely opposite like honey-bunny or cupcake in order to make light of the situation and in turn diffuse the