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In a textbook case of irony that is likely going completely unnoticed by the parties in question, a father and daughter in Conroe are attempting to get Ray Bradbury’s classic novel “Fahrenheit 451” banned from the library. Not only are they attempting to ban a story about a society where it is illegal to read books and think or speak freely, they attempted to do so during National Banned Books Week.
Now, I know the child is only 15 years old, but her statement still kills me:
“The book had a bunch of very bad language in it,” Diana Verm said. “It shouldn’t be in there because it’s offending people. … If they can’t find a book that uses clean words, they shouldn’t have a book at all.”
Although it’s not too hard to see where she gets it from:
“It’s just all kinds of filth,” said [her father] Alton Verm, adding that he had not read “Fahrenheit 451.” … He said the book’s material goes against their religious beliefs.
Nevermind that students may always choose to read an alternative book to any assigned reading. The Verms seem to think that their religious beliefs should be applied to everyone.
This boggles the mind on so many levels. I have no problem with people not wanting to participate in an activity for whatever reason, but why do they always have to make it their personal crusade to prevent others from doing it?
Secondly, is St. Peter going to close the pearly gates on you because you read the word “shit” in a book when you were 15? If so, then stoke up those hellfires for me. At least I will have something interesting to read in afterlife.
Finally, I have no trouble beleiving the father never read the book, or else he clearly does not understand irony. Probably both. He might actually enjoy the book, if for nothing else than as a guide to book burning.
Are you sure The Onion didn’t come up with this whole story? I guess reality IS stranger than fiction…
Oh and also, from the looks of this quote: “If they can’t find a book that uses clean words, they shouldn’t have a book at all,” it seems rather clear that these folks are against book-learning of any sorts, save one (guess which one!).
And there’s some raunchy stuff in that book too.
Idjits. I hope the judge laughs at them and makes them write a book report on it for punishment.
-Kat
When, oh when, did we decide that books should not offend? Especially in schools which is the only place many will read challenging works? Hamlet is about incest and suicide for cristsakes! So’s Oedipus Rex.
The irony is also toooooo much to handle. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance–of other people who are given that freedom and incapable of protecting it.