Censorship in America

By: Alexis Shoats

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Censoring opinions, information, and ideas via books has happened since the early years of America's inception. The first known book banned was, Thomas Morton’s New English Canaan. Morton wasn’t a saint or savior, but in his novel, he spoke about his approach to colonization vs. other Puritan leaders. Although MerryMount did not stand very long, it remains an experiment of what America could have been. A few ways Morton differed from other Puritans, are he allowed mingling and trade with Native Americans, and he wrote about Native Americans in a positive light. Whereas Puritans sought to control all resources including those Native Americans possessed, and they were furious about events that included socially interacting with tribes. Morton threatened the beliefs and ideas the Puritans had for the colonies, and at the core of bringing these ideas to fruition, Native Americans would have no control or say in any matter. Puritans also had stringent laws regarding religious practice and government affairs. So, to contain the situation and maintain their authoritarian control, Puritan leaders banned his book, exiled him to an island off the coast of Maine, and eventually sent him back to England. By doing this, they indulged in the same persecution and hypocrisy they previously fled from, setting a precedent for censorship in America. 

Since Morton’s book was first banned thousands of books have been banned or challenged in the United States. Common themes in the books that are banned include racism, slavery, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ stories, criticism of white supremacy, historical nonfiction stories that center marginalized groups, and dystopian novels that foreshadow or serve as a warning. Many book ban attempts happen in public and school libraries, as well as school curriculums. By doing so, some proponents for banning these books can continue to hide history, skew public opinion, and push harmful narratives. 

Between January 1 - August 31 of 2024, there were 414 attempts to censor library materials and services, and within these attempts, 1,128 book titles were challenged. 1,128 books that range in genres and themes face a potential ban in our public and school libraries. According to the American Library Association, soft censorship has also been attempted. Soft censoring can include placing books in a restricted area or libraries may not place a book on display due to fear of future challenges — a direct cause of book bans across the nation. Banning books is also a direct violation of the First Amendment, Freedom of Speech. In addition, when we allow censorship we also welcome the suppression of ideas, thoughts, and free will. 

Censorship does not end with banning books; we see it online as well. Various court cases and rulings have set the precedent for future cases. Cases have ranged from challenging government officials on censorship of official social media pages to cases against social media platforms regarding algorithm and content, and most recently, the potential TikTok ban. 

If America is ever to become a true democracy, we must not allow censorship to continue. Our country cannot advance in our ideals if we use censorship to hinder our freedom of speech for fear of criticism. Progress is only born out of our collective voices having the opportunity to be heard via dialogue in our communities, historically accurate education, and the ability to criticize our institutions without the fear of repercussions.