Mastodawn

Charlie Stross Mar 22, 2024

#writersCoffeeClub 3/22: Are there any books which should be banned, or is book banning always wrong?

I draw a line between fiction and non-fiction (or fic presented as non-fic) intended to persuade or make an ideological argument. Clearly-identified fiction shouldn't be banned. Presenting-as-non-fic like "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" is flat-out toxic to a society, as is non-fic crank science and "scientific racism", eg. "The Bell Curve".

The Bible? Toxic AF, presents as non-fic: ban!

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Charlie Stross Mar 22, 2024

#writersCoffeeClub I mean, fiction, clearly presented as such, is entertainment, and I believe humans have the ability to distinguish clearly presented entertainment from reality. You may not enjoy it, it may explore deeply disturbing ideas and outlooks, but it doesn't damage you simply by existing. While "non-fiction" that argues that people like you should not exist is actually dangerous.

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LazyScot

@cstross straying somewhat from books, but what about movies that clearly state “based on a true story”? I’d argue that not enough people clearly distinguish fact from fiction. Particularly when in the context of a know event (eg WW2 movies)