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!

Show thread

mathew

@cstross An interesting case is “Report From Iron Mountain”. It was intended as satire, but got taken seriously and has inspired right wing terrorists.

https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/30/us/l-c-lewin-writer-of-satire-of-government-plot-dies-at-82.html

L. C. Lewin, Writer of Satire Of Government Plot, Dies at 82

Leonard C Lewin, author of satirical Report From Iron Mountain, dies at age 82; photo (S)

The New York Times