Charlie StrossMar 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 threadThorne Lawler
@cstross to avoid banning anything, you might have an SCP-style ‘restricted: cognitohazard’ section for anything which (a) presents as non-fiction without substantiation and (b) shows any tendency towards memetic infectiousness.
These books are still available, but periodic psych assessments are mandatory if you enter the restricted section even once.
Mar 24, 2024 at 1:42amWeb