Review Detail

Banned Books Week was recently upon us, and in honor of this outrageous and shocking week (note the sarcasm) I wanted to take a look at some of these hideously offensive titles that saintly Americans everywhere have been trying to take off the shelves.

According to bannedbooksweek.org one of the most challenged titles in 2011 was "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. The reasons cited for challenging the book were “offensive language; racism; religious viewpoint; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group.”

In my expert and academic opinion I’ve got to say: That shiz is whack! I’m so utterly surprised that this is still the world we live in. A world that challenges writers for trying to open the minds of young teenagers to minority voices who for so long have been ignored and/or silenced in our country. This whole idea of banning a book because of “reverse racism” is really just repulsive. First and foremost, there’s no such thing as reverse racism because racism can never be reversed. It’s either racism or it isn’t. Second, stating fact about the difficult situation white populations have put Native American communities in isn’t racism, it’s just truth. Ignoring this fact only allows for the repetition of such acts. Therefore, why not teach American youth about minority cultures through semiautobiographical works, like "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," through a relatable teen who not only has to deal with zits, girls and popularity but tribe identity as well? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Absolutely True.