S8E6: Book Bans in Schools: The What and The Why

Naked Conversations: Race, Culture, & Beyond

Book bans are increasing at a rapid pace in school districts around the United States. What’s really going on here?

Today we are unpacking the motivations for book banning, which books are being banned, and what this means for our communities moving forward. We dive into the challenges of navigating content ‘appropriateness’ as a parent, and the role that fear can play in our decision making.

Our homework for you is to research which books are banned in your own state. You might be surprized what you find!

Listen to hear us talking about:

• What content would scare me as a parent, for my kids to have access to?

• Factoring in age appropriateness

• Why we need to hear marginalized voices in literature

• The power of a concerned parent

• Why do we read? What do we get from books?

Resources mentioned:

1. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardsonn and Peter Parnell true story, my sister, books reflecting the realities of the world

2. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

3. The Color Purple by Alice Walker (read at 13)

4. The Bluest Eye. Pecola Breedlove by Toni Morrison (read in early 20’s)

5. "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison*

6. "Native Son" by Richard Wright*

----------

Connect with us and learn more about our work:

Sage: Speaking, leadership development & coaching, team building, and group facilitation www.sagebhobbs.com On LinkedIn

Erica: Executive coaching and organizational strategy at Flying Colors LLC

Help support antiracism work and community dialogue by SHARING to the show with your friends and family!