Banned Books

I think that this list of banned books is really surprising and unnecessary. I think that the whole idea of banning books from a school is contradictory. School should be a place to learn about all types of people, beliefs and ways of life; not a place that encourages close-mindedness and ignorance. Banning these books based on their controversial content will not solve any problems or make any of these things disappear. You cannot fix something by just pretending that it does not exist.
I think it is especially strange that the second most frequently challenged book is a children's book about two gay penguins. This seems so harmless to me. What do these parents think could happen if their high-school aged kid sees a picture book about homosexuality?
To Kill a Mockingbird is the 4th most frequently challenged book because it contains offensive language and racism. I think that these are two subjects that every highschooler has a large exposure to, or a good understanding of, so I don't understand what the desired outcome of banning them is if it certainly wont shelter their children from something they don't already know. Racism and sexism both stem from ignorance, so we cannot expect to overcome these problems if we simply ignore them completely. Besides, to ban this book based on the subject matter ignores its strong merits as a piece of literature.
I understand the desire that these parents must have to protect their children from things that they may find offensive, or too mature for their children, but it is far better for students to learn about these realities in a safe and supportive environment in school, rather then in an unfamiliar place. That way they will have the knowledge to make an informed and responsible decision in the real world when they don't have the guidance of their parents or teachers. It is inevitable for children to grow up, and if they have been sheltered and protected all their lives, they will be extremely ill-prepared to face the world on their own. It is far more beneficial to provide children with the true facts, and allow them to think for themselves. Cutting them off from what they will eventually learn about only postpones the inevitable and, in the process, prevents them from learning valuable life lessons.