Censorship

Fine, Sara, Dr. How the Mind of a Censor Works: The Psychology of Censorship.

School Library Journal 42 no. 1 (January, 1996): 23-27.

Abstract : There has been little effort in library literature to understand the psychological nature of censorship. Censorship is a behavior everyone is taught at a young age, which works to keep us healthy, civilized and moral. Problems arise when we begin to try and control not only ourselves but all others and our environment as well. Personality theory and social psychology research suggest that when we encounter someone whose arguments for censorship are dogmatic and simplistic, we are probably dealing with an authoritarian personality who is reacting to something he/she fears. Authoritarian personalities are characterized by a strong desire to exert power, an equally strong need to submit to power (often the power of a social, political or religious group), resentment of weakness, fear of ambiguous situations, and an unusual fascination with sex. Authoritarian personalities are highly moralistic, exhibiting a "conventional" level of morality on Kohlberg's scale of moral development (minor rules and social respectability are placed above principles such as equality, freedom of expression, and human rights). Any information which is contrary to their (or their group's) beliefs, stereotypes and rationalizations is perceived as a threat. The theory of cognitive dissonance tells us that authoritarian personalities will defend their choices most strongly in ambiguous situations, since they want to erase the inner conflict created by the recognition of two positive but conflicting ideals (such as freedom of speech vs. the preservation of family morals). Censorship is more strongly motivated by the fear of losing control over children than a concern for their moral development, and books which portray young people who defy parental values may especially outrage authoritarian personalities. Reasoning, intellectualizing, moralizing, or standing behind regulations or procedures will fail to appease the authoritarian personality. Tactics which show more success include active listening, surrounding yourself with power an acting with confidence, offering the authoritarian some form of power, and avoiding situations which prompt the authoritarian to defend him/herself.
Subject Category : Censorship
Language : English
Keywords : Censorship
Identifier: School of Library and Information Science, University of Pittsburg, PA, US

Meyer, Randy. Annie's Day in Court: The Decision from the Bench.

School Library Journal 42 no. 4 (April, 1996): 22-25.

Abstract : This article reports on the judgement in the case of Stevana Case, et. al., vs. Unified School District no. 233, et. al., regarding the removal of the lesbian romance Annie on My Mind from the Olathe school library system by order of Superintendent Ron Wimmer and the school board. The judge ordered the novel placed back in the school library. The Supreme Court case Pico, et. al. vs. Board of Education, Island Trees (NY) Union Free School District was viewed as an important precedent. The judge affirmed that a book may not be removed from the library simply because school officials dislike the ideas expressed in it. Educational unsuitability could be valid grounds for book removal according to the Pico precedent, but the vagueness of this phrase made it difficult to argue. The court decided that the school board was improperly motivated in its removal of Annie since it had disregarded established policies and procedures for book removal, and did not consider less restrictive alternatives to complete removal. Additionally, one board member testified that the book should not be in a school library because gay lifestyles led to death, disease and emotional problems. The school superintendent issued a press release after the decision stating that library selection policy would be re-examined, but to date this has not taken place.
Subject Category : Censorship
Language : English
Keywords : Censorship; School Libraries

Schrader, Alvin M. Censorproofing School Library Collections: The Fallacy and Futility.

School Libraries Worldwide 2 no. 1(Jan., 1996): 71-94.

Abstract : Conflict over censorship in school libraries has resulted in avoidance behavior on the part of school librarians which is ultimately ineffectual. Strategies to avoid censorship challenges include avoiding or removing titles which have been challenged elsewhere, avoiding or restricting all works by particular authors or artists, and avoiding certain subjects (such as the occult) because of their tendency to attract censorship challenges. However, censorship surveys show that 9 out of 10 challenged titles are targeted only once in any period of time, making title challenges difficult to predict. New authors and titles are as likely to give rise to censorship challenges as more established authors and titles. Blanket avoidance of an author's works is undiscriminating and can mean that valuable material is excluded from the collection. Avoiding controversial subjects ignores the fact that social dynamics are constantly changing and affecting the motivations behind censorship challenges. Philosophically, the mission and responsibility of the school librarian is to facilitate access to information and cultural records, even those deemed controversial. Alternatives to censorproofing include maintaining a board-approved and regularly reviewed mission statement, selection policy and complaint procedure, engaging in community analysis, having annual staff training, and participating in public information programs and political initiatives. Celebrating a a national Freedom of Expression Week is a powerful symbolic statement against censorship. Librarians should seek not to avoid challenges but to avoid the fear of them.
Subject Category : Censorship
Language : English
Keywords : Censorship; School Libraries
Identifier: School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta, Canada