Fight For Your Right....To Read.

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The theory: why censorship is wrong.

Since ancient times there have been those who sought to surpress free expression of ideas. Almost every great thinker and leader now revered as such was decried in his time, and ordered to keep his mouth shut. Their ideas were called "impractical," "untrue," and even "blasphemous."

Eleven score and two years ago, our fathers brought forth a nation...and into its cvonstitution they wrote one of the most important documents in American history: the bill of rights. Among the rights guranteed us by this document is the right to freedom of expression. The right to say what we believe without persecution, both verbally and in print. And, equally as important, we have the right to choose what expressions of opinion or belief we wish to read.

Yet through the years in the United States, there have been many groups of people who ignored these rights, in order to "protect" people (usually children) from ideas they themselves did not agree with. These people are still among us today. All across the country, from Connecticut to California, censors have challenged and banned books, removing them from school and public library shelves. Sometimes, they even go so far as to burn the "evil books."

We have the right to choose what we read, and a right to choose what our children read, but NEVER the right to inhibit this right in others. Controlling the thoughts of people by refusing them the freedom to read what they choose, forcing your opinion on others by controlling the availability of books, is wrong. Indisputably wrong. But there are those who still dispute.

The idea behind the Fight For Your Right campaign.

When we say "Fight For Your Right," we mean that the people of America must fight for their right to read what they choose. This is not a physical fight: it's not a fight you can win by sending letter bombs or death threats. The fight is taking place wherever there is danger that a book may be banned. You fight a ban by standing up for your right to read. Talk to the people who are challenging the book(s). Talk to the teachers, principal, superintendent, and school board if it is a school matter, and the librarians, library board of trustees, and even the city government if it is a community matter.

Do not give groung; pursue the fight against the ban until it is successful. There is a way. You have the right to read....but sometimes you have to fight for it.

The Fight For Your Right campaign is about educatation. People have to know that they have a right to read, and that book banning violates that right. The Fight For Your Right campaign will encourage people to exercise their right to read, regardless of opposition.

"Dangerous" Books A list of books that have been challenged or banned across the country.

Book Icons Choose an icon to place on your site! Support the Fight For Your Right campaign!

Fight For Your Right Webring Join the Fight For Your Right Webring to show your support for the campaign.

Thanks to Jennifer Shezman for contributions to this site.

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