Too much of one thing always gets old; conservatism is no exception. If everyone in the world was a conservative, would you want to live in that society?
A year ago, one of my professors said a comment that will live with me forever: “Throughout history, kings should have had more writers and poets than architects and sculptors because books have outlasted most tall buildings and beautiful sculptures from their respective empires.”
History, for one reason or another, seems to be best kept through literature. Because of this important factor, modern societies seem to fear what literature should and should not make it to their homes and minds. But, in this country, there is one big problem with keeping literature away from homes and minds—freedom of speech.
Catherine Lavallée-Welch, associate librarian at the University of South Florida Polytechnic (USF Poly), is leading a small revolution in the mostly conservative (863), and this year, she has help from students, faculty, administrators and locals, too.
Lavallée-Welch and the USF Poly Library are hosting the second annual Banned Books “Read Out” event; which “are common” during Banned Books Week, said Lavellée-Welch.
This year, fifteen “enthusiastic readers” will be reading-out-loud from banned and/or challenged books of their choosing to willing listeners from USF Poly and Polk State University. The event is free, and it has “received shows of support,” said Lavallée-Welch, “and a lot of good comments” from people around campus.
Lavallée-Welch’s goal is “to bring attention to freedom of expression, the importance of access to information and the freedom to read. To make people, who may have never thought their freedom of expression could be endangered, realize that it’s possible it could be taken away from them.”
In a country built with freedom of speech as its number one priority, I, too, feel is important that we pay attention to what literature is being challenged and/or banned; but most importantly, why. Why would anyone want to keep others from gaining new information and expanding their knowledge? And in the long run, how does this affect freedom of speech and the United States in general?
Because I, too, have many questions about this issue, I am forming part of this event Tuesday, September 29 from 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the terrace, outside the USF Poly Library. And, I hope to see familiar faces, meet new faces and engage in intellectual arguments about the books, the event and the people trying to ban literature.
For more information about this event, visit the USF Poly Library Blog. To see the complete 2008-09 banned books (pdf) list press here. And, I invite you read my full Q&A with Mrs. Lavallée-Welch here to get a better idea of how important this issue really is for all of us alike.
Bio: I am a byproduct of two rebelling children whom sought adulthood without understanding its actual meaning. I was raised in a 100 by 35 mile beautiful piece of land in the middle of the Caribbean by two of the greatest souls that have ever walked this planet. Now, I belong to the planet, I pray for balance, and my path is of awareness. After years of shifting parents, interests, countries, and journeys, I made the decision of buying my first home and settling in Lakeland, Florida. And here I am: A friend, father, husband, student, singer, writer, baker, decorator, event planner, promoter, advertiser, and trash picker; living my life in the middle of Florida always seeking answers and trying to make a difference one day at a time either with my music, my writing, or my friends. I have been told that I am one of those “rare breeds,” that I do not fit the mold of my generation, and I guess most people are right. I am not a liberal and I am not a conservative. Left and right is an illusion and all I seek is balance and rationality. I guess some call me an idealist--but I like it that way. In the upcoming weeks, months, and even perhaps years, I will be sharing my world and my life the way that I see it and the way I perceive it. I will share my writings, my songs, and my stories; but most importantly, I will be sharing the people that influence these creations; how these creations come about; and what all of this does for me and this town, county, region, state, country, and world. I invite you to come along and enjoy my world in the (863) and to recognize the people that are constantly working hard to make this town a more enjoyable place.
Wayne Mason
5 months ago
Thank you Alex for covering this and thanks to Mrs Lavallee-Welch for putting this very important event together.
Freedom of speech is the of the utmost to me, not simply as an artist myself…. but as a human being. I look over at my bookshelves with many books once banned or put on trial…….. Burroughs, Ginsberg, Miller. These are the people with their controversy that shaped me not just as a poet but as a person as well. I then realize this concept of censorship, as backwards and archaic as it is still exists as many of the books on this list are not that old. The thought police are still with us, which makes events like this even more important………. and makes people like you guys even more heroic.
I’d love to be a part of this one year, and possibly read…… but whether I am included or not, I’m very proud for something like this to be going on in my own back yard!
AlxSn
5 months ago
Hello Wayne,
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your kind words.
I absolutely understand what you mean, and I, too, am glad that events like this are happening right here in the (863).
See you soon!
jen
5 months ago
awesome! i hate banning of books because it just seems so ignorant to me. read loud and proud!