This is something that has been debated online and I have to admit there is a strong argument here. There are those who feel that books should be rated just like movies. Oh there are warnings about the book such as strong langage or other content not suitable for kids on websites such as Amazon, but not in the books themselves. I have seen reviews out on Amazon from people who found a books content not suitable for young adults yet there was no warning in the books. I remember when Fifty Shades of Gray book was all the rage. I saw it being talked about on the news and some of those making comments were girls who couldn’t be much older then eighteen if even that. This disturbed me knowing the content of this book should teenage girls be reading it. The movie version at least was rated R which made it harder for a teenager to get in without being accompany by an adult. That's just it though we rate movies, we rate video games, we have even rated TV programs. So, why not rate books, yes, this might not keep younger people from reading something that isn’t age appropriate for them. After all, rating video games hasn’t seem to stop younger kids from playing ones that are rated M for mature. But at least this is a way for those putting out the books to feel they have done their part to warn the public that the content isn’t suitable for all readers.
It is real easy to put your foot in your mouth when speaking of morals or of ratings. Sometime I think we in this country worry needlessly and to no avail. I have found of all the young people whose paths have crossed with our families and here in some cases I rely on what their parents have had to say about some of them, some of them could asked you or me what would we like to know. Kids talk about these thing in school, after school, in sleepovers, during the summer, and no doubt know some friend who has read that forbidden book and willing to discuss it openly with friends. Too, there's not much kids can't find out over the internet, either at home or over at a friends. After a young person is sixteen, seventeen, or older, most consider it none of our business. We can make the effort but seems we're spinning our wheels by being so puritan. Anyway at my young age, I don't really care. Shield your kids as long as you can and then don't worry about. I'm more concerned about the damage to free speech and all that entails more so than about screening morals.
Well, books are rated loosely in libraries and bookstores with different sections for children, teens, and adults. Some books are even on a banned list. I think, this just makes others more intrigued to read the book. I can relate to Hannah's point about the trashiness of books; such as 50 Shades of Grey. I did not read it, nor go to the movie. At the same time, I agree with Bill's point about the importance of freedom of speech and judging morals. When my children were young,we (my husband and I) allowed them to check out or purchase any book of their choice. We, also, allowed them to watch any TV show, movie, or play any video game. Hmm, they could even swear, as long as, they were in the privacy of our home. They turned out just fine.
I don't think ANY book should be banned from a library, if it is classified as Literature, as opposed to pornography. I DO think they should be categorized and rated. I see no problem at all with parents having the tools to censor their own child's reading material. Some children are more sensitive than others, and parents know their own kids better than any committee ever will.
It's interesting to look through the list of books that have been banned around the world. Some of the points of interest, to me, include the fact that: Catch-22 was banned in several U.S. states and cities. The Da Vinci Code was banned in Lebanon for being offensive to Christianity. The Diary of Anne Frank was banned in Lebanon for portraying Jews, Israel, and Zionism favorably. The last book banned in the U.S. was Fanny Hill. The Grapes of Wrath was banned in several places in the United States. Nineteen Eighty-Four was banned by the Soviet Union in 1960 and nearly banned in the United States in the early 1960s. I am not surprised that Uncle Tom's Cabin was banned in the Confederate States of America during the Civil War but I am surprised that it was banned in Russia because it presented the idea of equality, and for undermining religious ideals.
I've wondered if Michelle Malkin's book, "Culture of Corruption" would run the gamut of political incorrectness, racism, sexism, political grievances... Or whatever there is that comes to mind to charge her with for writing this intensely, comprehensive book of "falsehood and lies"? Uncle Tom's Cabin is one the most preferred, read classics of all times. Or maybe, it's the modern-day racist-pin-button whenever you "cross the line" that Uncle Tom's themes are propagandized victimhood of racism. Which political line,where are these political boundaries- you are allowed- not allowed- not to speak at all-- coming from ? Urgh!
We are losing a lot, I fear, because the mores of today are being imposed upon the authors of yesterday. Thus, kids are no longer being exposed to some of the classics for no reason other than that it uses language that was acceptable then, but not today.
Huckleberry Finn is the first book that comes to my mind concerning banning books and censorship. Apparently, it has been in trouble from the get go back in the early 1880s starting with the Concord Public Library banning it. Needless to say, the book sold about 57,000 copies that year alone. http://twain.lib.virginia.edu/huckfinn/huchompg.html I recall, back in the 1970s, we went on a school field trip to see the movie. Matter of fact, my son received an end of the year gift from his second grade teacher for excelling in his reading. Guess the title of the book? Yep. It was Huck Finn. Nowadays, this classic is censored or a more delicate description would be edited. Either way, it is true, as Ken points out, kids today miss out on some good reading material. I say, keep the language. Expose the children to the language and keep the lines of communication open. Trying to pretend an issue did not or does not exist does more harm in the long run.
Good grief! Huckleberry Finn and Gulliver's Travels are one of our good reads! How about Hans Christian Andersen? His genre were written mostly with political themes covered in the guise of fascinating stories, fables and fairy tales. Or maybe, he just loved writing stories because of his father's influence who read to him and told of many fairyland stories? And Hans Christian loved to share his talent to children and to the young at heart whose love for books cannot be compared to any other loves?
In my opinion it is important to rate books. Ratings give the possible buyer a good guideline to see if they like the book or not. Also, it allows people to express their opinions and thoughts and that is just good. Is there any reasons this should be prohibited? Exactly. Its only positive that reviews exist.
I was a book lover when I was young but not anymore, maybe due to my tight schedule. For the thread title, I agree because like the apps when you search for a potential download, you check the review. With books, it is good to have a website that contains the ratings, not only of the ratings like the movies in deference to the qualified audience but also reviews that says what kind of book or story you would expect. I had bought some books before that has no story at all and I felt cheated of my money. If I would rate that book, I would say that it is not worth to buy since the story is trash. What do you think?
All art is entirely subjective. One's person's unreadable drivel is another's classic literature. One person's unsightly mess is another's fine work of art. I would never support anything that smacks of censorship.
I am strictly against rating books, for two reasons. One, it's not like the other rating systems for movies or video games are being respected in most places, so it would mostly be a major waste of time. Two, it would be absolutely horrible to restrict access to certain age groups just because of some swear words or some graphic description in the book. Books are there to be read, and to open your mind to a new world. If we shelter children and only feed them cute and 'safe' things, they won't be ready for real life when they should be. In conclusion, books are for everyone.
I am against rating books. I would have thought most readers would have a look at the synopsis of the book before choosing. If you then still chose that book and you don't like what is written on the page STOP READING. Simples Again if parents are buying books for children they do the same and guide their reading material
After reading a book everyone rates the read book personally, and I think that it's enough because everyone who read a book has a different opinion on it, so the ratings would be very different from different people.