#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!
@cstross As a uni professor I can't get behind that distinction. The huge issue is: Who decides what's true or valid in nonfiction?
That's folded into the battle right now, actually. The people wanting book bans in K-12 schools object most strenuously to the availability of books with (IMO) factual information about sex and gender. They've decided this is not factual; I disagree.
This will come back to basic values, no matter what. I mean by that, it will come back to critical thinking and epistemology.
Charlie Stross
guyjantic has moved!