Banning of Books essays

Banning of Books essays The foundation of history is based upon written accounts by copious authors. The perception of these historical accounts and life in general is how we identify literature. Throughout ones high school career they are asked on numerous occasions to study great novels. Though some selections are not as classic as others, I adamantly believe that a specific novel should not be banned. The purpose of a novel is to illustrate a persons perspective on life and to permit the reader to enter their realm of thought, and for this reason it would be ludicrous to ban any work of literature. There should not be a boundary put on knowledge, which is provided by books, knowledge is free and a given right. The banning of a piece of literature causes a person to have less of a chance to reach their full potential. For example, in Saudi Arabia there is a book named Satanic Verses, which discusses the beliefs and theories of Islam. Though this book is believed by most to be flawed with inaccuracies and has no evidence to justify its existence, nevertheless it should not be banned. Such a novel opens our eyes to someone elses perspective, which is the main reason for the existence of literature. Though one may not agree with the authors beliefs this does not allow a school or any other government agency to confiscate their works. Doing this would undeniably defeat the purpose of writing a work of fiction! The most powerful source for knowledge is the mind, and this is retrieved from books and literature. A person that considers banning any novel should remember the most influe ntial quote ever stated, Knowledge is power! ...

Black History Month Creation and Overview

Black History Month Creation and Overview Black History Month is a month set aside to learn, honor, and celebrate the achievements of black men and women throughout history. Since its inception, Black History Month has always been celebrated in February. Find out how Black History Month originated, why February was chosen, and what the annual theme for Black History Month is for this year. Origins of Black History Month The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to a man named Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950). Woodson, the son of former slaves, was an amazing man in his own right. Since his family was too poor to send him to school as a child, he taught himself the basics of a school education. At age 20, Woodson was finally able to attend high school, which he completed in just two years. Woodson then went on to earn a bachelors and masters degree from the University of Chicago. In 1912, Woodson became only the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University (W.E.B. Du Bois was the first). Woodson used his hard-earned education to teach. He taught both in public schools and at Howard University. Three years after earning his doctorate, Woodson made a trip that had a great impact on him. In 1915, he traveled to Chicago to participate in a three-week celebration of the 50th anniversary of the end of slavery. The excitement and enthusiasm generated by the events inspired Woodson to continue the study of black history year-round. Before leaving Chicago, Woodson and four others created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915. The following year, the ASNLH began publication of the Journal of Negro History. Woodson realized that most textbooks at the time ignored the history and achievements of blacks. Thus, in addition to the journal, he wanted to find a way to encourage interest and study of black history. In 1926, Woodson promoted the idea of a Negro History Week, which was to be held during the second week of February. The idea caught on quickly and Negro History Week was soon celebrated around the United States. With a high demand for study materials, the ASNLH began to produce pictures, posters, and lesson plans to help teachers bring Negro History Week into schools. In 1937, the ASNLH also began producing the Negro History Bulletin, which focused on an annual theme for Negro History Week. In 1976, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Negro History Week and the bicentennial of the United States independence, Black History Week was expanded to Black History Month. Ever since then, Black History Month has been celebrated in February around the country. When Is Black History Month? Woodson chose the second week of February to celebrate Negro History Week because that week included the birthdays of two important men: President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). When Negro History Week turned into Black History Month in 1976, the celebrations during the second week of February expanded to the entire month of February. What Is the Theme for This Years Black History Month? Since its inception in 1926, Negro History Week and Black History Month have been given annual themes. The first annual theme was simply, The Negro in History, but since then the themes have grown more specific. Here is a list of the most current and future themes for Black History Month. 2014 - Civil Rights in America2015 - A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture2016 - Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memory2017 - The Crisis in Black Education2018 - African Americans in Times of War2019 - Black Migrations