Today, Explained

“To [REDACTED] a Mockingbird”

Jul 15, 2022
Guest Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author focused on American history, teams up with Laura Jadid, a journalist covering conservative movements. They delve into the alarming rise of book bans in the U.S., discussing how these measures attempt to erase critical conversations about race and sexuality. Smith argues that banning books to avoid discomfort can hinder understanding. They also reflect on the importance of inclusive literature and its implications for historical education and community identity.
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ANECDOTE

LeVar Burton on Book Bans

  • LeVar Burton expressed outrage over book bans on The View.
  • He encouraged viewers to read banned books, highlighting their valuable content.
INSIGHT

Unprecedented Book Banning

  • Book bans are not new in America, but the current wave is unprecedented in scale.
  • The Penn Institute reports this push towards book banning is reaching a new level.
INSIGHT

Targets of Book Bans

  • Book bans target discussions of race, gender, and sexuality.
  • These bans affect 2 million students and extend beyond individual books to entire subjects.
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