OCR Text |
Show Thursday, January 6. 1983 THE HERALD, Provo, Utah, Page 9 Ann Landers Timely issues, news, features, including Today When Trouble ii.il famiy, food, fashion Should We Kill That Book? C. NELSON Herald Women'! Editor Censorship is so difficult. As a parent it is almost impossible. If you don't have cable television the children will go to the neighbor's and watch it. If you don't have the book they want, they will get it at the public library. And if the library M synch. Should we impose our taste on others because we don't agree? Many have tried, but down e has through the ages, made censorship stick. The Soviet government tried to ban no-on- Nobel author Prize-winnin- g Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn among others and these works were still released. The Holy Bible has explicit chapters that have offended some critics. There was even an early movement to ban some of these offensive passages. It failed. Shakespeare's writings have survived numerous movements toward censorship, including the famous "Romeo and Juliet." not everyone But of course writes like Shakespeare. e writes like ally, Actu- no-on- i. r" i ' fm t . un-fun- CU) " -- Jk ft ! 5 : . V rf umiiir .MMtommmim 'ngiAiMk. im ii iiiMim Books are often man's most treasured possessions. iiiiimiii ii.n "Catcher in the Rye" has been list for banning for years, but it continues to be read. Some think it is a literary masterpiece and others call it trash. It is a highly emotional issue. When librarians, educators, writers and scholars cannot agree how or if they should censor, it is most difficult for parents. But they still try sometimes too intensely. Some will say that youth is too young to know what is good for on the them. Others will say that censorship is denying all Americans their constitutional rights. "If people do not want to read a book that goes against their moral beliefs, they don't have to read it." censor comes from the New Right," the article continues, "where the 'Moral Majority,' for They will tell you further that, "censorship is killing knowledge that we are entitled to." John Milton said he would rather kill a man than kill a example, scours textbooks for what it considers 'Soviet propa- book. ganda.'" "No human being has a right to dictate what another human being wants to think or take into his mind," says the liberal element. "It is eliminating our constitution and the right to free choice." And censorship can get out of hand. A recent Redbook article notes that "the number of incidents of attempted censorship in both public schools and public libraries have tripled since the late 70s. "A lot of this pressure to dead. Anyone who loves his pet will not take such a chance. Please tell your Sherri In Spring Park readers. Dear Sherri: You told them for me and provided a convincing bit of evidence, for which I thank you. Dear Ann Landers: This may not work for everyone, but it worked for me. I feel an obligation to pass it on. My husband smokes three packs a it maks day. I not only hate it me sick. I am allergic to cigarette smoke and it affects me the same way ragweed does during hay fever season. A few weeks ago I became desperate. We had eight dinner guests and my husband started to smoke right after the soup was served. I excused myself, went to the basement and took out my snorkel gear, put it on my head and returned. Everyone howled. I explained the problem and my husband felt like the inconsiderate heel that he is. He has not smoked a cigarette in my presence since. I am still savoring the victory and wanted to share it with you. Breathing Easier In mind-alterin- wm ! i It is possible that banning books might erase knowledge that people should be aware of. But the burning question might be asked, "Is an awareness of smut and trash necessary to knowledge?" As long as there are concerned parents though and concerned educators, there will be an attempt to improve reading mat- PTA Offers Book Advice In "Practical Strategies for Concerned Parents," the national PTA says, "Remember, that although you have the right to limit your child's reading, you do not have the right to limit others' rights by demanding that a particular book be removed from a reading list or library. "If you believe in freedom to read, offer to assist your school and library in the selection process and in a community education program ter, viewing matter and all forms of media offerings sometimes through censorship right or wrong. Fresno Dear Fres: Beautiful! I hope it lasts! In Cotton Tree Square Sale 30 to ! 50 OFF Selected Items GIFTS AND LEATHERS 2230 N. Univ. Pkwy Provo 9 . 3 Women Challenge Books Women are in the forefront of many censorship moves: An Ohio mother considers "a facetious passage" involving sexual behavior between a human being and a dog too strong for a contained "vulgar and indecent language" and evoked racist taunts against her black son. DAYS FREE INTEREST ar -- f! save f WA1IJLIIS5S Ml Si PtOir YR YU W Regular ri Q T fi) C f4 1 NOM J U Z mOUiin CLOSEOUT SPECIAL to50 f doSrashCcrpot la Scene Th MATTRESS & BOX a hallmark of . fin. REGULAR Sk&nt ZU JU 9.95 1 ESJEZSXZ fl H 95 SPRIWGSWl ONLY &rz feI DISPLAY BEDSPREADS. 40 12 MONTHS APR ON 15 18 MONTHS CREDIT APPIYS TO FURNITURE PURCHASES ($500 Minimum) cARTWRIGHT'S Bedspreads 7APR0N 90 A Texas woman, active in the National Organization of Women old. (NOW) protested textbooks failing A California mother objected that to portray women's roles in an a book about the slave traffic adequate way. ten-ye- jj&l ' t&MmtoSBl884 Off Sold os is, mostly queen size. Special Order Bedspreads 30c Off Design services available by our talented staff of designers. 'Utah's Finest Quality and Lowest Prices' l Si Open: 9 am to 5:30 pm Mon. thru Sat. DiKoum rrwal.r rick.n ovoilobl., no pvrchaw ntcettary. I v i A If If JAz?A yl W fir I IIhfiV CARTWRIGHT FURNITURE FOLLOW NINTH EAST SOUTH TO 551 SOUTH STATE PROVO. UTAH (801)373-260- 0 JFJ M II Ifwll FURNITURE & DECORATING SlinWPIAfiF 1066 So. State HOURS: 9-- OGEM, 225-414- WEEKLY. FRL 'TIL 6 J2 i , better job for the reader whose husband gave liquor to their pets. Telling her "Yes, animals can tie one on ' wasn't enough. Giving liquor to animals just for fun is not only cruel, but dangerous. A few years ago I was at a party and the host gave his baby kitten a bowl of beer. He lapped it up and soon began to jump in circles, walk into furniture, stagger and fall. Everyone thought it was hilarious. Two hours later the poor thing was pink-slippe- BYREJSEE out-of-tou- I Alcohol, Drugs Dear Ann Landers: You have helped millions of people over the years. Here is a chance to help millions more IF they will iisien. I wouldn't have listened six months ago, but I finally caught on to myself. I was d three months ago due to "excessive tardiness, too many days of not showing up, poor job performance and inability to get along with others." My personal life reflects scores of friends and lovers lost because I didn't behave responsibly. I've been avoided in public places by colSudleagues and acquaintances. denly it dawned on me that my problems might be related to the martinis at noon, Quaaludes for a 3 p.m. boost, three or four joints between meals and wine during and after dinner. I looked up Alcoholics Anonymous in the phone book. (You had suggested it dozens of times in your column, but you never meant me.. I wasn't a drunk. I could handle it.) Suddenly I realize my whole life was at a standstill because I was g substances leaning on instead of facing reality. I am now sober and straight, thanks to A.A. It's only been a few months, but already I feel like a new person. Please print my letter for the benefit of others who are where I was three months ago. Second Life In Illinois Dear Life: There's nothing like a testimonial from someone who has been there. I hope those who see themselves in your letter will take it seriously. Dear Ann Landers: I enjoy your column and usually agree with your advice, but you could have done a Here's Looking af You doesn't have it, they can always and quite cheaply when buy it it comes out in paperback form. Movies are even worse. And everyone goes to the movies everyone in the younger generation at least. Recent attendance at a blockbuster movie well, actually showed us how not too recent we were with present comedy tastes. It was hard to believe that the entire nation was in a state of roaring laughter over such a shallow and production. But they were. They were all howling for "Arthur." It was us out of Is 8 1 P.HL |