“Unveiling the Shadows: A Provocative Journey Through America’s Secretive War on Books”
This week, we dive into the curious and often comical world of book bans, just in time for Banned Books Week—a yearly highlight brought to you by the American Library Association. It’s that special time when we take a moment to reflect on literary censorship and contemplate how many questionable choices have been made in the name of protecting the unassuming masses. After all, who knew a book could be so dangerous? Join me as we sift through a timeline featuring infamous book bans throughout U.S. history, including an eyebrow-raising ban on a book that didn’t even exist yet! From the founding fathers flexing safety muscles in 1788 to modern-day literary controversies, this whimsical look back reveals just how absurdly hilarious—and at times, downright ridiculous—our relationship with banned literature can be. So, grab your secret stash of forbidden reads and settle in; it’s time to explore the overlapping realms of censorship and comedy. If you feel like diving even deeper, LEARN MORE.
This week marks Banned Books Week, an annual effort promoted by the American Library Association to bring awareness to literary censorship. In recognition of the event, The Onion takes a look at the history of book bans in the United States.
1788: The forward-thinking founding fathers preemptively crack down on socialist subversion by banning The Communist Manifesto 60 years before its publication.
1891: The state of Missouri bans all books that could clue children in to the fact that Missouri pretty much sucks.
